What is White Kunzea?

White Kunzea goes by the botanical name of Kunzea ambigua. The species is found along the south east Australian coastal strip. The Tasmania population of Kunzea produce an oil with a clean, fresh aroma that we love to use as a room freshener, spritzer or as an antiseptic (for cuts and abrasions). The oil from the species is also rich in a component called Viridiflorol that has anti-inflammatory action sometimes used to treat ailments such as arthritis and shingles. Native animals are often found sleeping under Kunzea plants, where they seek relief from ticks and other parasites - hence it's popular name of "tick bush".

Pure Oils of Tasmania brings you the essential oil derived from the terminal branches of Kunzea ambigua (Myrtaceae family), from sustainable wild-growing plants in North-East Tasmania and on Flinders Island, Tasmania.

Kunzea essential oil has a unique composition, with a high content of important sesquiterpene compounds.  Though with many plants of the Myrtaceae family, Kunzea can produce varying essential oil chemotypes and I am working with colleagues to breed plants which will offer high oil content with consistent range of most sought after components.

Breakdown

A typical analysis of components of our Kunzea Oil, carried out by the University of Tasmania, showed:

< 1% of beta-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, trans-beta-ocimene, p-cymene, isoamyl isovalerate, terpinene-4-ol, citronellol, ledol and spathulenol.

< 1% of beta-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, trans-beta-ocimene, p-cymene, isoamyl isovalerate, terpinene-4-ol, citronellol, ledol and spathulenol.

Over recent years, many anecdotal and health study reports have been made as to the therapeutic benefits of Kunzea essential oil in a variety of common complaints.

This has led to Kunzea oil having been listed with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration for the following approved therapeutic claims:

• For the temporary relief of the pain of arthritis and rheumatism;
• relief of the symptoms of influenza;
• relief of muscular aches and pains;
• helps relieve nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety.

These have all been endorsed by people who have used the oils and have found it particularly effective in the relief of gout (also noted in overseas medical reports), in curing recurrent shingles, eczema and skin injuries and irritations and for the relief of inflammation and for insect bites.

Kunzea, with its high content of alpha-pinene and 1,8 cineole, is useful in inhalations for relieving congestion in sinus and respiratory complaints. Kunzea can be combined with oils such as Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian Blue Gum) and Lavender Tea Tree (Melaleuca ericafolia) to both address headaches, muscle pain and discomfort associated with colds and influenza.