Kunzea

Kunzea Ambigua

Kunzea Oil is a fragrant oil which is comparable to Tea Tree Oil in terms of its benefits and scent. It can be used as a massage oil or in aromatherapy to alleviate stress and anxiety. It can also be used topically for sensitive skin and/or spots.

History of Kunzea Oil

Kunzea Oil (scientific name Kunzea Ambigua) is native to Australia, and was first documented in the early 1800's, and it was only until the early 1990's that the oil was commercialised and named - around a similar time when Fragonia Oil was discovered. There are between 60-70 known species so far. 

The oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used as a pain reliever as well as for skincare treatments, too. It has also been used as an antiseptic for dental pain, as well as any bacterial infections. There have been some clinical trials to support its use in skincare, but due to it being a fairly new oil it hasn’t had a huge amount of research carried out on it yet. The smell of Kunzea Oil has a spicy, woody aroma and has comparable properties to Tea Tree Oil, another oil native to Australia. It was only in the last 15 years that Kunzea Oil was introduced to England, but mostly grows in sandy soils in Australia, as that’s where it thrives.

Today, the oil is popular in skincare and aromatherapy, and can be bought as a standalone essential oil or as a blend, too.

So, how is Kunzea Oil going to develop and will it stay relevant in the future?

Although it’s considered a ‘new’ essential oil, there is a significant amount of potential in the oil due to the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that have given it so many uses. From dental pain, to muscle stiffness, to blemishes and feeling stressed - Kunzea Oil can work to tackle all of these issues seamlessly. The only question with Kunzea Oil is the veracity of its claims, as oils of similar age such as Fragonia Oil also run the risk of not being as popular due to the lack of testing around it.

However, in our opinion, Kunzea Oil is considered an exclusive oil, and its pleasant scent and multiple benefits put it in a great position to be a key player in the essential oil industry.

Extracting Kunzea Oil

So, how is Kunzea Oil made?

Like most essential oils, Kunzea Oil is made using a process called steam distillation. It uses steam to gently lift the oils from the plant, where it then collects on top of the condensed water. The oil can then be separated by skimming it off the top, where it is later bottled and sold. This is a very common methodology used to extract essential oils, as it doesn’t damage the oil but also enables the manufacturer to have a high yield, too.

There are other methods that can be used to extract essential oils, such as using alcohol or cold pressing; but with these methods they are only suited to particular oils, and in this circumstance Kunzea Oil is made through steam distillation as that’s the most effective way.

Can I make Kunzea Oil at home?

You can make Kunzea Oil at home, providing you have access to the kunzea plant and a small steam distiller. Where the plant is mostly grown in Australia and Tasmania, unless you live there you may not be able to access kunzea to make the essential oil. However, if you’re able to get kunzea, it’s a simple case of putting it into your steam distiller and following the process that way. If you regularly make essential oils then you may find it more beneficial for your budget to invest in a steam distiller rather than renting one, and then it gives you the opportunity to make as many essential oils as you want.

If you don’t live in Australia or Tasmania, or don’t have the ability to access kunzea, then your best bet is buying the oil online from a trusted retailer!

Can I make Kunzea Oil at home?

You can make Kunzea Oil at home, providing you have access to the kunzea plant and a small steam distiller.  If you’re able to get Kunzea, it’s a simple case of putting it into your steam distiller and following the process that way. If you regularly make essential oils then you may find it more beneficial for your budget to invest in a steam distiller rather than renting one, and then it gives you the opportunity to make as many essential oils as you want.

If you don’t live in Australia, or don’t have the ability to access kunzea, then your best bet is buying the oil online from a trusted retailer!

Kunzea Oil Varieties

Kunzea Oil Varieties

There are over 60 varieties of kunzea, but not all of these have been made into individual oils. We anticipate that there are more varieties to be discovered, but there is nothing to suggest that one variety made into the oil is better than another. This may change in the future, but for now as long as the oil is made from 100% kunzea then it’ll have the same properties and benefits. What you may see is differences in where the plant is grown, which could potentially affect the smell and colour slightly; however nothing too drastic.

So, which variety of Kunzea Oil should I use?

Although there are multiple varieties of the plant, there is no evidence which separates particular oil varieties, as the oil is considered new in the essential oil world. However, something that we recommend you look out for is firstly, your supplier, and secondly, how pure the oil is. Your supplier should be transparent with where the oil has come from and should be knowledgeable of its basic history. The purity of the oil should be “100% Kunzea Oil” and nothing else. If there are carrier oils, alcohols or other chemicals listed, then you aren’t buying an essential oil. Definitely make sure that you’re purchasing from a trusted supplier, as you don’t want to encounter any problems when you start to use the essential oil.

What do you think of Kunzea Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? Which variety have you used that works for you? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils as well as your favourite blends. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today.

So, which variety of Kunzea Oil should I use?

Although there are multiple varieties of the plant, there is no evidence which separates particular oil varieties, as the oil is considered new in the essential oil world. However, something that we recommend you look out for is firstly, your supplier, and secondly, how pure the oil is. Your supplier should be transparent with where the oil has come from and should be knowledgeable of its basic history. The purity of the oil should be “100% Kunzea Oil” and nothing else. If there are carrier oils, alcohols or other chemicals listed, then you aren’t buying an essential oil. Definitely make sure that you’re purchasing from a trusted supplier, as you don’t want to encounter any problems when you start to use the essential oil.

What do you think of Kunzea Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? Which variety have you used that works for you? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils as well as your favourite blends. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today.

Benefits of Kunzea Oil

Kunzea Oil (scientific name Kunzea Ambigua) is native to Australia.  The oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and has mostly been used as a pain reliever, however it is also popular as a skincare treatment, too. The smell of Kunzea Oil has a spicy, woody aroma and has comparable properties to Tea Tree Oil, another oil native to Australia.

So, what are the benefits of Kunzea Oil?

Alleviates pain in muscles and joints

When you rub Kunzea Oil onto your muscles and joints that hurt, it can work well as a natural pain reliever. Ensure you mix with a carrier oil, or with petroleum jelly if making a rub so you aren’t putting pure essential oil on your skin.

Reduces blemishes and wrinkles

Along with fighting active breakouts, Kunzea Oil can help to brighten, tighten and tone the skin - and can be a useful product to use as a part of your anti ageing routine.

Repels insects

Putting a few drops/sprays of the oil on your skin can help keep insects and bugs at bay.

Antibacterial

The antibacterial properties of Kunzea Oil make it well placed to tackle minor bacterial infections on the skin, as well as preventing any bacteria from growing. It can work well on acne-prone or blemish prone skin as it doesn’t promote bacteria from growing and causing more breakouts.

Helps clear respiratory system

Kunzea Oil has similar properties to Tea Tree Oil, and is effective when inhaled, used as a rub or inhaled with steam to clear the airways and support your respiratory system, particularly when you’re feeling sick.

Purifies the air

Kunzea Oil has similar properties to Tea Tree Oil, and although the scent is different it can work very well to purify the air.

Please note that the benefits of using essential oils will vary from person to person, even if some of the benefits have been proven via a clinical trial. If you are using essential oils as a medicinal therapy, please consult with a doctor before using - particularly if you are sensitive to essential oils.

If you are on any medication for your skin, please also consult with a dermatologist before using any essential oils. You should always dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil before using.

Uses of Kunzea Oil

Kunzea Oil is a fairly new essential oil, however, it has become a popular and in demand oil due to its pleasant scent and multiple benefits. It has been used in aromatherapy, skincare and as a natural remedy for wounds and scrapes. It exclusively grows on Aussie soil, and has been categorised amongst other ‘new age’ oils such as Fragonia Oil as an essential oil that we need to watch!

So, what can you use Kunzea Oil for?

Aromatherapy

Kunzea Oil is great in aromatherapy as it blends really well with other essential oils. The woody fragrance of the oil works well with citrus, floral and spicy undertones to create blends that can make you feel calm and peaceful.

Massage oil

As the oil is known to work well on muscles and joints, you can create a massage oil using a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil or Coconut Oil and simply massage into the body. You can also put a few drops of the oil in an electric diffuser with Jasmine Oil to create the right level of ambience.

Pain reliever

Kunzea Oil is known to work as an excellent pain reliever for muscles, joints as well as general headaches and pains. Simply mix in a small amount of carrier oil and apply to the desired area - and voila! Your own natural pain reliever.

Calming bath

As it has calming properties, adding a few drops of Kunzea Oil into a hot bath can relax your muscles and leave you feeling calm and ready to sleep.

Cuts, wounds and scrapes

Due to its antibacterial properties, Kunzea Oil works well to prevent infection on minor cuts, wounds and scrapes. Simply put on the area and cover with a plaster, and you have a quick fix that will prevent any bacterial or infection from forming.

Skincare

Mixed with a carrier oil and massaged into the area that is in pain will help to relieve those symptoms and loosen your muscles.

Air purifier

Similar to Tea Tree Oil, Kunzea Oil has purifying properties which can work well in an electric diffuser or spray which can purify the air, which can work well in areas such as the bathroom to keep away any bad smells.

Blends well with

Here at Essentially Yours we are passionate about sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s understanding an oils history, or accessing some of our favourite blends - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Kunzea Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!

Coconut Oil

Rich and creamy, Coconut Oil is a great carrier oil as it can add extra vitamins and fats to the blend that you’re trying to make. It works well with Kunzea Oil to make a nourishing massage oil, which can be used to relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. It can also be used as a blend in the bath which will soak into the skin naturally, and leave you not only feeling moisturised, but relaxed, too.

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Jojoba Oil

We love Jojoba Oil because it’s the best carrier oil to be used for facial skin care products. Simply mix with some Kunzea Oil and you have a great acute spot treatment, or you can also use it as an evening facial oil to tone the face.

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Almond Oil

Sweet and silky, Almond Oil also works well to create a massage oil (similar to coconut) but it isn’t as thick, so if you prefer a lighter texture we recommend using this oil with Kunzea Oil to create your massage oil. It can work in skincare, but if you struggle with oils on your face then stick to Jojoba Oil as that has very similar properties to your natural skin’s oils.

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Tea tree Oil

Kunzea Oil and Tea Tree Oil practically have the same properties, however blended together you can have a beautiful scent, too. The freshness of the tea tree and the woody scent of kunzea works beautifully.

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Lemongrass Oil

Zesty but fragrant, Lemongrass Oil and Kunzea Oil work well together to purify the air and create a beautiful ambience, which is ideal if you’re looking to feel calm, or have a massage.

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Lemon Oil

Refreshing and zingy, Lemon Oil and Kunzea Oil work well together to create an aromatherapy blend that will rid you of stress and anxiety, and make you feel energised and alert for the day. Try this blend in an electric diffuser and put it in your home office - you’ll feel refreshed all day long.

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Jasmine Oil

Fragrant, complex but delicate, Jasmine Oil and Kunzea Oil can work beautifully together to create a home scent that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. This can also work nicely together as a massage oil which will lull you into a sedated state - which works well if you’re trying to rid yourself of muscle and joint pain.

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