Despite being used by native cultures for centuries, the wide-ranging health benefits of Australian Kunzea Oil have been kept a secret from most people. It has only been in recent years that the therapeutic uses of Kunzea Oil have begun to emerge. In this article, we go into detail about the medicinal properties of Kunzea Oil and how it can be used to promote health and vitality in your daily life.
Kunzea Essential Oil is distilled from the leaves, twigs and green branchlets of the Kunzea plant. Scientifically classified as Kunzea ambigua, other common names include Tasmanian Kunzea, Tick Bush, Poverty Bush, White Kunzea, and White Cloud.
The Kunzea ambigua plant is part of the Myrtle Family, Myrtaceae. It is endemic to Australia and primarily grows abundantly in North-East Tasmania. Though many parts of Australia produce Kunzea Oil in small quantities, the primary source of Kunzea Oil for the world is still Tasmania.
Aromatically, Kunzea Oil has a pleasant scent with clean, fresh, invigorating undertones. The aroma is often compared to the scent of the Australian Bush.
The pure essential oil has a pale yellow tinge that has comparable properties and uses to Tea Tree. There are three notable benefits of Kunzea Oil over Tea Tree:
- A higher content of active compounds
- An aroma often considered more pleasant
- A non-irritant that is safer to apply topically
Kunzea has been relatively unknown as an aromatherapy essential oil because little was known about it until recent years. The numerous therapeutic benefits of Kunzea oil has begun to attract the attention of health and wellness professionals throughout the world, and it has stimulated a great deal of exploration into its usage in aromatherapy as well as in conventional medicine.
Please note, that while Kunzea Essential Oil can be applied directly to the skin, in most circumstances we suggest diluting it first in a massage or carrier oil. When applying to the skin it should be massaged in a circular motion on the affected areas of the body.
15 Uses of Kunzea Oil
In comparison to other essential oils, the medical potential of Kunzea Oil is still in its infancy. However, the combination of both anecdotal and scientific evidence, and the increase in new studies being conducted in recent years, there are several proven and promising therapeutic uses of Kunzea Oil. Here are 15 health benefits that we have uncovered.
Arthritis and Joint Pain: If you are suffering from arthritis or joint pain, massaging a product containing Kunzea Oil into the skin may help. The active compounds within Kunzea Oil have shown to be anti-inflammatory in nature, therefore it is regularly suggested to those suffering from a variety of inflammatory conditions associated with joint pain and arthritis.
Skin Irritations: Kunzea Oil has had positive results in the treatment of rashes, skin blemishes, skin irritations and acne. The science behind Kunzea Oil and its unique composition support these results, as the low level of cineole has been found to be non-irritant and generally well tolerated on even the most sensitive skin types.
Headaches & Respiratory Complaints: The two major constituents of Kunzea Oil are alpha-pinene and 1,8 cineole. The presence and ratio of these two compounds give Kunzea its potential properties for treating all various respiratory complaints. Some of these include cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Diffuse in your home to create a relaxing atmosphere and a refreshing respiratory experience. It also blends well with other essential oils to aid in breathing and congestion (see our Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend).
Skincare: Kunzea is a great addition to your daily skincare routine! When compared to other essential oils, Kunzea has a much milder sensation when applied topically. Dilute and apply topically to either your face or body to help nourish your skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes and help speed up the healing process. Many of our customers use Kunzea Cream as part of their daily routine to moisturise and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Nervous Tension, Stress & Mild Anxiety: Considered a very comforting essential oil, Kunzea will enhance your inner strength and help release pain and hurt. We see significant potential for use of Kunzea in emotional applications for reducing stress and aiding depression. Robbi Zeck, ND, writes that Kunzea Essential Oil "helps to defuse deep emotional pain that has grown solid as a result of suppression, creating internal blocks in the body's meridian system".
Tick & Insect Repellant: This use of Kunzea Oil as a repellent is still being studied, however, the popular name "Tick Bush" is derived from native animals said to be often found sleeping under Kunzea plants, where they seek relief from ticks and other parasites. Kunzea was evaluated and compared with Citronella Oil for its insecticidal and repelling properties. It was found to have comparable benefits to Citronella
Insect Bites and Stings: If you forget to apply your Kunzea Product before going outside, never fear! Given its natural anti-inflammatory properties, Kunzea may also help to soothe insect bites once bitten. Helping to reduce the redness and stop the itch!
Fungal & Bacterial Infections: Kunzea oil has been tested for its effectiveness against a number of disease-causing bacteria. Kunzea is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including the MRSA variety (multiple antibiotic resistants).
Mental Exhaustion: One very important reason that many people use Kunzea oil is that it creates a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally, people suffering from certain conditions and disorders are slightly sluggish. Kunzea oil, a stimulant, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of people feeling unwell (see our Mental Clarity Essential Oil Blend).
Muscular Aches & Pains: As we have spoken about at various stages throughout this article, Kunzea has several important compounds that work to help soothe fatigued muscles. We have a lot of customers who use our Kunzea Products after a workout or other physical activity to speed up the recovery process. Well-known Australian aromatherapist, Mark Webb, agrees that Kunzea can help to promote the rapid repair of soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains.
Perfumery: Beyond its therapeutic uses, Kunzea Oil is being considered as something unique in the green herbaceous family. Its scent is clean, fresh, and medicinal with a hint of spice, making it quite unique as a perfumery ingredient
Eczema, Psoriasis, and Skin Inflammatory Conditions: Topical applications of Kunzea have been found to offer anti-inflammatory effect on the skin to manage psoriasis. We have also had our Kunzea Muscle Balm recognised for its therapeutic benefits, it may help to assist in the management of eczema and dry skin.
Treatment of Horses: The uses of Kunzea Oil go beyond humans. Researchers at the University of Tasmania have seen promising results in using an ointment containing kunzea oil to treat "Greasy Heel" in horses. Greasy Heel is a condition of horses’ hooves that starts out as a bacterial infection and eventually progresses to a fungal condition.
Purify the Air: The antiseptic and anti-bacterial nature of kunzea oil makes it an ideal aroma to scent your home. Simply add a few drops of the pure essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser, oil burner, humidifier, vaporiser or air-purifier. You will instantly fill your home, office or spa, with the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of Kunzea essential oils. Your home environment will improve, and you will also be enhanced by breathing the essential oil.
Bath or Spa: Many people add Kunzea oil to baths, spas, and saunas because of its refreshing and antiseptic attributes. Most of the benefits of Kunzea essential oil can be accessed through the vapour, as well as a topical application.
Tasmania's Best-Kept Secret
With an increasing number of medicinal benefits being unearthed, Kunzea Oil has become the key active ingredient in our growing selection of over-the-counter products - including liniments, massage oils, natural creams, and ointments. It is our vision at Zea Relief to unearth its full therapeutic potential and use this knowledge to have a positive impact on the lives of people throughout the world.
About the Author - Hayden Brass
For the past few years, Hayden has lived and breathed Zea Relief. He has been the driving force behind turning what was a family project into a real business that could positively impact millions of people throughout the world. It is Hayden's personal mission to develop products and services that help people be the best version of themselves. When he is not working and talking about Kunzea Oil, Hayden enjoys getting outdoors and exploring nature.
