Type of plant: Tall evergreen flowering tree with gray, papery bark and white or green flower spikes

Part used: Leaves and twigs

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: Also known as cajeput. This is the original species from which all the melaleuca species evolved. It’s sometimes called white tree, due to its light-colored bark. The tree bark has been used as roofing and flooring material, and in Australia the plant was traditionally used by Aboriginal people for aches, pains, and headaches. In an herbal dated 1876, cajuput is mentioned as useful in treating intestinal problems.

Principal places of production: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Australia

When buying look for: A colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a strong, fruity, camphor-like aroma

Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, decongestant, expectorant, febrifuge, insect deterrent, pectoral, stimulant, tonic

Therapeutic uses: Arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular spasm and contractions, sciatica, sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis, coughs, colds, parasite-induced skin problems, skin infection, head lice, insect bites, fatigue

Blends well with: Bay laurel, bergamot, camphor (white), cardamom, cinnamon leaf, clove bud, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus radiata, geranium, ginger, hyssop decumbens, juniper berry, lavandin, lemon, myrtle, niaouli, nutmeg, orange (sweet), oregano, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage (Greek), sandalwood, spruce, tea tree, thyme linalol

Precautionary advice: No contraindications known

CAMPHOR, WHITE, Cinnamomum camphora (Plant Family: Lauraceae)

Type of plant: Evergreen broadleaf tree growing to 100 feet with rough bark, glossy fragrant leaves, a profusion of white flowers, and black berries

Part used: Chipped wood and roots

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: This plant is sometimes called camphor laurel. Camphor has been in use for many centuries in Asian medicinal systems, especially in China. In India and elsewhere, lumps of crude camphor used to be worn around the neck to ward off infection and parasites.

Principal places of production: China, Indonesia, Japan

When buying look for: A colorless liquid with a characteristic camphor aroma. Only the white camphor essential oil is used in aromatherapy; yellow camphor or brown camphor should never be used.

Therapeutic properties: Anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant

Therapeutic uses: Muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, muscular injury, chesty cough, bronchitis, colds, sinus problems, acne, rashes, parasitic skin infections, contusions, bruises; stimulating, insect repellent

Blends well with: Basil linalol, birch (silver), black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile german, cinnamon leaf, clove bud, elemi, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, ginger, immortelle, lavender, manuka, marjoram (sweet), niaouli, peppermint, pine, ravensara, rosemary, tea tree, thyme linalol, yarrow

Precautionary advice: Avoid during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. White camphor should not be confused with brown or yellow camphors, both of which are toxic.