Kunzea, Tasmania

Kunzea was first pioneered by a local farmer in Northern Tasmania. For the better half of 30 years, Kunzea found itself in a few small boutique essential oil brands, but until recently has always been an underachiever in comparison to essential oils like Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Lavender. Scientifically classified as Kunzea ambigua, other common names include White Kunzea, Tick Bush, Tasmanian Kunzea, Poverty Bush, Zea Oil and White Cloud.

The Kunzea plant is part of the Myrtaceae family (Myrtle). It is endemic to Australia and primarily grows in north-east Tasmania and Flinders Islands. It can also be found sporadically along the south-east coast of Australia. The plant is a large shrub that grows up to 5 metres in height.

The pure essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Kunzea ambigua plant. Aromatically, Kunzea has a pleasant scent with clean, fresh, invigorating undertones. The aroma is often compared to the scent of the Australian Bush. The pure essential oil has a pale yellow tinge that has comparable properties and uses to Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Manuka.

In comparison to other essential oils, the therapeutic potential of Kunzea Oil is still in its infancy. However, the combination of both anecdotal and scientific evidence and the increase in new studies being conducted in recent years, demonstrate that there are several proven and promising therapeutic uses of Kunzea Oil.

While a lot of oils can lay claim to similar benefits to Kunzea, it is the high content of several important sesquiterpene compounds (C15) present in the organic composition of Kunzea ambigua that makes it unique. It is these C15 compounds that give Kunzea its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The key compounds in Kunzea are alpha-pineol, viridifloral, cineole, alpha-terpineol, bicyclogermacrene, globulol, spathulenol and ledol.

In addition to its various therapeutic uses, this refreshing and aromatic oil has a number of key benefits over alternative essential oils. Some key benefits of Kunzea Oil include:

• Safe and suitable for most skin types
• Organically grown (without certification) in Tasmania
• Helps decrease inflammation and pain
• Aromatically uplifting and invigorating

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