Kunzea's Benefits for Body + Mind
An Inside Look at the Multifaceted Australian Essential Oil
Most notably and historically, Kunzea ambigua is considered a weed to farmers, but like most tenacious plant species, its essential oil is packed with phyto-compounds to sustain its survival, which are translatable into health, wellness and beauty formulations.
A WONDERFUL WEED | An Australian Native with Potent Adaptations
Also known as White Cloud, Poverty Bush, Tasmanian Spring Flower and Tick Bush, Kunzea is part of the Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family) and native to Eastern Australia. It has been commercialized in the harsh and windy climate of Northeast Tasmania, where there is now a strong industry on Flinders Island - the traceable source of our Kunzea oil. Although the species’ compounds may repel some pests like ticks, it is reliant on beetles, butterflies, bees and other pollinators to regenerate. Sourcing native essential oils from their natural ecologies typically requires fewer synthetic inputs, supports biodiverse ecosytems, in addition to local economies most often in rural areas where work may be hard to come by.
A Gentler Tea Tree Alternative
But let’s look a bit deeper into this plant and what it has to offer for our bodies and lifestyle. Traditionally, it has been used topically by Indigenous to relieve skin irritation and muscle pains. Today, we access the plant’s therapeutic properties (TGA approved) by steam distilling the plant’s biomass, releasing a range of phyto-compounds, including five sesquiterpenes (C15) – it is the ONLY essential oil known to contain this many! This species’ unique range of phyto-compounds below (in addition to alpha-terpineol, globulol, spathulenol, ledol and bicyclogermacrene) encompass antibacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits that can be formulated into numerous products.
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Viridiflorol – An anti-inflammatory that has even shown “moderate antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, in an in vitro assay.”1
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Alpha-pinene – “Alpha-pinene can counteract unwanted effects of THC, such as anxiety and short-term memory. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain, which helps you retain memories more efficiently.”2
- 1,8 cineole – Also known as Eucalyptol and found in many of our Eucalyptus species, this compound has shown to relieve respiratory issues, act as an anti-inflammatory, inhibit candida growth and show bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity. It’s used in insect repellants, bio-pesticides, and pharmaceutical preparations, such as flu, cold, cough treatments, ointments, inhalants, etc.
APPLICATIONS:
Topical Applications for Skin:
o Comparable to Tea Tree, but having a softer aroma and less harsh effect on the skin, it can be used for blemishes
o Helps heal cuts, bites and bruises
o Great in baths or saunas for antiseptic properties
o May help reduce flare ups of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Skin Inflammatory Conditions
o Studies have shown it to be effective against bacterial and fungal infections like Staphylococcus aureus, including the MRSA variety (and other antibiotic resistants).
Topical Applications for Hair + Scalp:
o Shows “great potential” for hair lice based on research3
o Like Tea Tree, it can be used for itchy, flaky scalps
o As inflammation may be a contributor to hair loss, its anti-inflammatory content may be of benefit
...see more essential oils for hair here!
Topical Applications for Internal Issues:
o May soothe minor aches, pains, sore or fatigued muscles or even arthritic-related pain through massage oils or creams – potentially even arthritic-related pain
o Inhale, rub on chest, use in vaporizers, diffusers or baths, to help relieve chest congestion
o May relieve stress, anxiety or emotional pain4
o It is reported to have a cooling and refreshing effect, which can be uplifting and rejuvenating
For Diffusing:
o For aromatherapy or perfumery, its calming scent herbaceous scent offers something unique
o Refresh your space with its anti-bacterial properties and woodsy scent to neutralize unwanted odours
o Hence the nickname “Tick Bush”, it’s great for repelling pesky insects. Use outdoors to repel bugs and mosquitos5
Interested to see what Kunzea can do for your formulation?
Contact our ingredient experts to learn more!
sales@napproducts.com
SOURCES:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305197801001120?via%3Dihub
2. https://www.siranaturals.org/blog/cannabis-terpenes-alpha-pinene
3. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology-open/article/can-kunzea-oil-kunzea-ambigua-control-head-lice-pediculus-humanus-capitis/F02A3F09247EDC88E1BE07F7A96FCD3A
4. Robbi Zeck, ND, The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation (Victoria, Australia: Aroma Tours, 2008), 88.
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19960685/