It is a small tree with a tolerably erect but crooked trunk; a soft, thick, spongy, whitish, ash-colored bark; and scattered branches, with the slender twigs often drooping as completely as in the weeping willow. The leaves are alternate, most frequently vertical, short-stalked, narrow-lanceolate, while young, sericeous, sometimes slightly falcate, entire, from 3 to 5 inches long, and from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch broad; and very aromatic when bruised.
Botanical Name:
Melaleuca cajeputis
Aromatic Aroma:
Has a fresh, camphorous aroma with a slight fruity note. The aroma of the oil has been stated to resemble the combined fragrance of Camphor, Rosemary and Cardamom.
Consistency:
Thin
Note:
Middle
Aroma Strength:
Medium
Extraction Method:
Steam Distilled
Plant Part:
Leaves and Twigs
Origin:
Indonesia
Color:
Colorless to pale yellow clear
Common Uses:
It has antiseptic and anti-microbial properties and is used chiefly as a local application for skin ailments and as a stimulating expectorant. Other properties include being mildly analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, anthelminthic, diaphoretic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, sudorific and tonic.
Blends Well With:
Cedarwood, Clove Bud, Labdanum, Origanum, Rosemary and Thyme.
History:
It is variously known as White tea-tree, Broad-leaved tea-tree, Paper-barked tea-tree, Swamp tea-tree, and White-wood. The essential oil has been part of traditional medicine since ancient times.
Cautions:
No known toxicity. Avoid during pregnancy.
