Relatively unknown until recently, the kunzea plant is native to Tasmania and believed to have been used for centuries to relieve irritated skin and muscular aches and pains. Now, the full benefits of the oil produced by the plant are being discovered, and many are hailing it as a “wonder oil straight from nature”.
The kunzea ambigua plant is part of the myrtle family, myrtaceae, and is endemic to Australia, primarily in north-east Tasmania. Distilled from the leaves, twigs and green branches of the kunzea, kunzea oil is the primary product of the plant, and the winning ingredient in many creams — or sold just as the oil itself. You may have also seen it referred to as Tasmanian kunzea, tick bush, poverty bush, white kunzea, and white cloud.
The properties of the potent oil are similar to tea tree but it’s believed to be less of an irritant (meaning it’s safer to apply topically), have a higher quantity of active compounds, and have a fresher, more pleasant aroma, often compared with the scent of the Australian bush.
While the full medicinal potential of the oil is still in its infancy, there’s been a huge increase in studies of it. Several incredible health benefits have been found so far, some of which are listed below.
Skin irritations: When used on rashes, skin blemishes, skin irritations, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin inflammatory conditions, the oil has been shown to alleviate a number of skin irritations and is known to be a non-irritant and generally well tolerated on sensitive skin types.
Headaches and respiratory complaints: The two major compounds in the oil may help alleviate various respiratory conditions. When diffused, it may help colds, coughs, running noses, sore throats, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Skincare: As an anti-inflammatory, the oil (when used in a cream) can reduce puffiness, redness and irritation when used in your skincare routine. Dilute and apply the oil topically to your face or body to help nourish your skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes and help speed up the healing process. Or, use kunzea cream as part of your daily routine to moisturise and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Tick and insect repellant: This use of kunzea oil as a repellent is still being studied, however, its popular name “tick bush” comes from the fact native animals have been found sleeping under kunzea plants, in order to seek relief from ticks and other parasites. Kunzea has also been found to have benefits that are comparable to citronella.
Insect bites and stings: Given its natural anti-inflammatory properties, kunzea may help to soothe insect bites, reduce the redness and stop the itch.
Fungal and bacterial infections: Kunzea oil has been tested for its effectiveness against a number of disease-causing bacteria, and found to be particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
Muscular aches and pains: Kunzea has several important compounds that work to help soothe fatigued muscles after a workout, to speed up the recovery process and promote the rapid repair of soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains.