Many tourists living on the island and in Indonesia for many years have encountered the widespread love of Indonesians for minyak kayu putih, or white wood oil, also known as cajuput oil.
When an Indonesian catches a cold, their relatives rush to massage them with this oil. It is used for stomachaches, insect bites, and even pulled muscles. Someone strains their back, and they immediately apply cajuput oil, walking around smelling like a eucalyptus forest. This is far from a complete list of life hacks.
In Indonesian, kayu putih translates to "white wood," named for its white bark. This is why cajuput oil is also called white tea tree oil. It's not from the tea tree but specifically from the white tea tree. While tea tree oil and white tea tree oil share some similar components, their chemical compositions are different.
White tea tree grows in the wild in Indonesia, Myanmar, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the forests of Australia. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family and to the genus tea tree. Both leaves and branches are used for making the oil.
Its aroma is strong, fresh, herbaceous with hints of camphor and eucalyptus. The eucalyptus note is the strongest.
Ancient Eastern healers knew about the medicinal properties of the cajeput tree. Cajeput oil was used to treat colds and viral infections, fungi, bacteria, various types of pain, skin diseases, and also used as a soothing and temperature-reducing remedy for fevers. Cajeput was used as a seasoning in cooking, as well as for protecting homes from insects.
In the West, knowledge of the cajeput tree emerged in the mid-19th century. Initially, in France, it was used as an antiseptic. Later, cajeput essential oil began to be used as a warming, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
How can this inexpensive yet highly effective remedy help us today?
Inhalations for colds and sinusitis:
Add 3-4 drops of cajeput oil to 2 liters of hot water and inhale for 5-10 minutes. It is desirable that the steam does not dissipate too quickly, then the effect of the procedure will be much better. To do this, you can cover your head with a wide towel. Your nose will start to breathe much better, and the antiseptic action of the oil will help you recover from the illness faster.
Massage for colds:
Mix 7 drops of oil with 15 grams of carrier oil. Massage lightly in circular motions all over the body.
Remedy for rubbing for joint problems and muscle pain:
Mix cajeput oil with a carrier oil and rub the mixture onto the affected area. Repeat the procedure twice a day. Thanks to this, inflammation will go away in a few days.
Remedy for muscle spasms:
Add 20 drops of oil and 1 cup of bath salt to a warm bath. While in the bath, gently massage the muscles that are cramping. Even after the first use, your condition should improve. If you don't have a bath at home, make a warm compress with a few drops of cajeput oil and apply it to the affected area.
Shampoo or hair mask for dandruff:
For 1 portion of shampoo, add 5 drops of oil.
If you decide to make a mask, mix 5-7 drops of cajeput oil with 1 egg yolk. Apply the resulting mixture to the scalp and leave it on for 1-2 hours, wrapping your head and hair with plastic wrap. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a week until the dandruff disappears.
For earache:
Apply 2-4 drops of cajeput essential oil onto a cotton ball soaked in vegetable oil, then insert it into the ear canal. Avoid applying too much oil to prevent it from spilling into the ear.
For toothache:
Apply 1-2 drops of oil onto a moistened cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth. Avoid swallowing the oil.
Gargle for sore throat:
Mix 1 drop of cajeput oil and 1 drop of sandalwood oil with 100 milliliters of water, thoroughly mix, and use for gargling. Avoid swallowing the oil.
For menstrual pain:
Cajeput oil is effective for menstrual cramps. Massage the abdomen and lower back with the oil to alleviate pain.
For heat relief:
Mix 20 drops of oil with 1 liter of water, soak a cotton cloth in it, and apply it to the body.
As a repellent:
Dissolve cajeput oil in water and apply it to the skin to prevent insect bites. Use the oil for aroma lamps and diffusers. If you are in an area where mosquitoes spread diseases and you have a mosquito net, rinse it in water with added cajeput oil for additional protection.
For insect bites:
If an insect bite itches, apply cajeput oil to the bite area. The desire to scratch will fade after a few seconds. Additionally, the scent of cajeput oil on your body can repel insects.
Bactericidal agent for first aid:
Oil dissolved in clean, boiled, or drinking water can be applied to cuts and scrapes to clean them from infection. If the wound was caused by contact with rusty iron, you can apply cajeput oil to it until you reach the hospital and apply the doctor-recommended treatment, as well as tetanus vaccine.
As a warming agent when exposed to cold:
If you are feeling cold, you can gently rub cajeput oil on your skin. This will create a sensation of warmth. The oil helps activate the excretory system, especially the sweat glands.
Caution!
Eucalyptus oil is a potent remedy that should be used with caution. In some cases, the oil may cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. It is important to avoid getting pure oil on mucous membranes and around the eyes.
Contraindications
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, individual intolerance. Eucalyptus oil is not recommended for use in children. Do not take the oil internally without a doctor's recommendation.
Have you ever used this oil before? Share your impressions and results, if any.
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