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Melaleuca leucadendron (Myrtaceae)
CAJUPUT, SWAMP TEA TREE, PAPERBARK TEA TREE
The twigs and fresh leaves of
cajuput, an Australian bottle brush tree, are given by herbalists to relieve
blocked sinuses, catarrh, asthma, toothache, headaches, and colic.
One of the family of bottle brush trees,
so named because their bright-red flowers look like the domestic cleaning tool,
cajuput has been used by the Australian Aborigines for 3,000 years.
They apply it externally as a local painkiller by rubbing leaves between their hands and then placing
them over the affected parts, and also sniff crushed leaves
to relieve headaches. Native to Australia and southeast Asia,
it grows in swampy light soils near the coast. Cajuput is an evergreen tree with slender hairy leaves, a papery cream bark, and flowers in summer.
PARTS USED
Twigs, fresh leaves.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil containing cineole, terpineol.
ACTIONS
Stimulant; reduces muscle tension and spasm; expectorant; mild pain reliever.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for coughs and colds, to
relieve blocked sinuses, catarrh and asthma, for toothache and headache, and to calm colic and stomach cramps.
PREPARATIONS
Essential oil.
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