196 CAJEPUT. 
alternate leaves , which are smooth, ash-coloured, and each with five 
nerves. The flowers are white, and in long, terminal spikes. 
The leaves of the cajeput tree have an aromatic 
odour, somewhat resembling that of cardamom seed 
(15) ; and they yield, by distillation, an essential oil, 
which manifests this aromatic principle still more 
strongly. 
Among the Malays cajeput oil is a medicine in great 
repute; but its uses are so little known in this 
country that it is rarely kept even in the shops of the 
metropolis. In acute rheumatism and gout, however, 
it has been known to afford immediate relief by being 
rubbed on the part affected ; but it ought not to be ap- 
plied without great care, as it is very powerful in its 
effects. Cajeput oil is one of the most valuable reme- 
dies which have hitherto been discovered for the tooth- 
ache. From whatever cause this affection of the face 
may proceed, whether from a carious or hollow tooth, 
rheumatic acrimony, or cold, this oil has generally been 
found efficacious in removing it. It is best applied by 
being dropped on lint, and placed in the cavity of the 
tooth, or round the gum. Hence it deserves a place 
in the medicine chest of every private family. 
If taken internally, in a dose of five or six drops, it 
heats and stimulates the whole system; and it is said 
to have had a beneficial effect in dropsies and intermit- 
tent fevers. In India it is used, both internally and 
externally, in palsies, deafness, gout, rheumatism, and 
several other complaints. 
Its odour is remarkably destructive to insects. A 
few drops of it, in a cabinet or drawer in which animal 
or vegetable specimens of natural history are kept, in a 
dried state, have, on this account, been found useful. 
Cajeput oil is chiefly prepared in the island of 
Bouro, one of the Moluccas ; and it is imported into 
Europe from the East Indies. But, from its high price, 
it is so frequently adulterated, that it is seldom to be 
had genuine in Europe. 
