Region: Oceania
Origin: Cajeput from northern Australia, New Guinea and the Moluccas; niaouli from eastern Australia, New Guinea and New Caledonia. Melaleuca cajuputi, Melaleuca quinquenervia
Other names: Cajeput en niaouli
Traditions: Jamu in Indonesia, Western herbal medicine, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge

3 traditionsImage: Murray Fagg · CC BY 3.0

Herb · Oceania

Cajeput and niaouli

Melaleuca cajuputi, M. viridiflora, M. leucadendra e.a.

Both relatives of tea tree yield an essential oil used externally for muscle pain and in inhalations for colds. Clinical evidence is limited.

Safety notes

The oils are toxic if swallowed and may cause breathing problems in young children if used near the face. Always dilute. Niaouli is an invasive species in Florida.

Preparation

Oil diluted in balms or for inhalation; the papery bark for practical uses. No dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Aboriginal Australians used cajeput leaves for aches and inhaled vapours from crushed leaves for respiratory infections. The papery bark of niaouli was used for coolamons (vessels), shelters and wrapping food in ground ovens. The botanist Rumphius described cajeput oil on Ambon in the 17th century; in Indonesia minyak kayu putih is still a common home remedy.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Herbal medicine worldwide

Attributed effects

For cough, colds, catarrh, headache, rheumatic pain, stomach complaints, toothache; cleanses wounds.

Preparation and amount

Cajeput or niaouli oil in chest rub (5 drops per 5 ml almond oil) for cough and colds, or in steam inhalation for catarrh and sinus headache; traditionally a leaf infusion as a wash for wounds; never take the oil internally, may irritate the skin.