A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca Leucadendron Linne (nat. ord. Myrtaceae).

Habitat

East Indian Islands.

Characters

A light, thin, bluish-green, or after rectification, colorless liquid, having a peculiar, agreeable, distinctly camphoraceous odor, and an aromatic, bitterish taste. Sp. gr., 0.922 to 0.929.

Solubility

Readily in Alcohol.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Cajuputol, C10H18O; (67 per cent.) said to be identical with Cineol, and is isomeric with Eucalyptol. (2) Terpineol, C10H18O, and (3) Several terpenes, - C10H16 (cajuputene,) and

Impurities

Copper, and other oils. Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c.

Action Of Oil Of Cajuput

The action of oil of cajuput is exactly the same as that of the oil of cloves (q. v.)

Therapeutics Of Oil Of Cajuput

External

Oil of cajuput is used as a stimulant, irritant, and counter-irritant - usually diluted with sweet oil - for all sorts of purposes when any of these effects are needed. Thus it is rubbed in for chilblains, myalgia, rheumatic pains, chronic inflammatory conditions of the joints or periosteum. It has also been employed as a parasiticide for Tinea tonsurans. The only objection to its use is its strong smell.

Internal

It is occasionally given in dyspepsia, usually combined with other remedies, for the sake of its carminative, stomachic, and anti-spasmodic effects; it may be taken on sugar.