Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cajeput oil (from Melaleuca cajuputi) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia and Australia, where it has been applied topically to alleviate skin conditions including itching, minor wounds, and insect bites. Traditional uses are based on the oil’s warming and soothing sensations, as well as its mild antiseptic properties. However, there is very limited modern scientific evidence to support these traditional claims specifically for itching. Some in vitro and animal studies have indicated that cajeput oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically contribute to reducing itching associated with minor skin irritation or infection. Despite this, controlled clinical trials in humans assessing its efficacy for pruritus (itching) are lacking. Most references to cajeput oil’s use for itching are found in herbal medicine compendia, ethnobotanical records, and traditional pharmacopeias rather than in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Therefore, while the use of cajeput oil for itching is justified by tradition, its scientific support is minimal and the evidence rating is low.

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