MartiScrub Blog: Essential Oil of Kunzea

Spotlight: Essential Oil of Kunzea

May, 01 , 21
Martina Steege

Botanical Name: Kunzea ambigua

Origin: Australia

Method: Steam Distillation

Plant Part: Leaf, Flowers

Note: Top- Middle

Family: Myrtaceae

Kunzea is a tall, erect woodland tree, which grows up to 5 meters. It has small white flowers and is found in the northeast region of Tasmania and the southeast mainland of Australia. Kunzea is a wild harvested plant and closely related to the bottlebrushes and Leptospermum species. There are about 40 species occurring in all states of Australia.

Chemically speaking, Kunzea consists of monoterpenes, oxides, sesquiterpenols and sesquiterpenes, thus having anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antispasmodic and antimicrobial actions, supported by clinical studies.

Aromatically, Kunzea essential oil has a pleasant, fresh, spicy/woody medicinal scent, due to its high level of the monoterpene "alpha-pinene". The aroma is often compared to the scent of tea tree oil (but milder) and/or Manuka. I personally came to love the scent, using it in my dog's insect repellent gel, his shampoo, and some inhalers for humans. I am using this fantastic oil in my Muscle Ease Massage Oil, having so many benefits for sore and inflamed muscles. The energetic qualities of Kunzea oil are cooling. It is indicated for conditions of a hot and inflammatory nature, so a perfect addition to any massage oil.

Other Modes of administration:

Inhalation: 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, or air-purifier. Kunzea is also a great addition to any inhaler blend to clear out mucus, assisting with supporting the upper respiratory system, and help maintaining a normal and healthy immune system.

Bath: Full body bath, foot bath (make sure to add a few drops of Kunzea to a carrier oil first and then add to bath water. Tip: Add Epsom salt as well).