Evidence supporting the use of: Cajuput
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi) oil has been used traditionally in Southeast Asian and Ayurvedic medicine to address respiratory complaints, including lung congestion. The oil contains cineole (eucalyptol), a compound also found in eucalyptus oil, which is known for its expectorant properties. Historical accounts and ethnobotanical sources note the oil’s use in steam inhalations, balms, and topical applications intended to relieve coughs, colds, and chest congestion.
However, scientific evidence specifically validating cajeput oil for lung congestion is limited. Most available research either focuses on related essential oils (such as eucalyptus) or investigates the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of cajeput in vitro or in animal studies. There are no robust clinical trials directly confirming its efficacy in relieving human respiratory congestion. The rating reflects that, while there is plausible biological rationale and a strong tradition of use, rigorous scientific validation is lacking. Thus, the use of cajeput for lung congestion remains primarily grounded in tradition rather than scientific consensus.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
European-Five Finger Grass
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Cajuput
Abdominal PainAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jock Itch
Lice
Pain (general remedies for)
Poison Ivy or Oak