Kunzea is an essential oil extracted from the Kunzea ambigua shrub native to Australia. It has uses as a topical skin preparation for muscle pain and minor skin abrasions and bruises, as well as aromatherapy. It has antibacterial properties and is believed to reduce stress and mild anxiety.
Kunzea is an essential oil derived from Kunzea ambigua, a shrub native to the cool coastal regions of Australia. The oil is extracted from the plant through a steam distillation process. Kunzea only recently began to be cultivated for sale, but the oil can also be derived from wild plants. It has uses as a topical skin preparation for muscle pain and minor skin abrasions and bruises, and can also be used for aromatherapy.
Kunzea ambigua belongs to the Myrtaceae family, and is found only in Australia, particularly New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It is closely related to Leptospermum, more commonly known as the tea tree. Kunzea is a tall flowering shrub that usually grows in dense thickets. The flowers are abundant and are pink or white. Both the flowers and the foliage are used to make the essential oil. The shrub is also known as “white kunzea,” “white cloud,” and “tick bush.” The common name tick bush comes from observations of wild and domestic animals resting under the bush to repel ticks.
As a topical preparation, kunzea essential oil is used as an herbal remedy for aches and pains associated with rheumatism, arthritis, and muscle strains. The oil can be applied undiluted or mixed with other essential oils for muscle pain relief, such as arnica. It can be mixed with a carrier oil like olive or sweet almond oil to make a relaxing massage oil.
Like tea tree oil, kunzea has antibacterial properties and is believed to kill Staph, Candida, and E. coli bacteria, making it an effective oil for cleaning minor cuts and scrapes. As an anti-inflammatory, kunzea helps relieve itching and swelling from insect bites, and swelling and pain from bruises. Sufferers of eczema and other types of dermatitis may find kunzea helpful in soothing and reducing breakouts.
Kunzea is also used as an aromatherapy oil, and is believed to reduce stress and mild anxiety. The oil has a medicinal, balsamic aroma that fades after a short time into a spicy aroma. In aromatherapy preparations, it is often blended with other native Australian oils such as eucalyptus or lemon myrtle oil. It also blends well with any lemon scented oil, as well as lavender or peppermint. Used in a diffuser, kunzea oil plain or blended creates a fresh, clean scent that is also an effective insect repellent.
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