As a user of natural products, you’re probably familiar with tea tree, eucalyptus, thyme, and other essential oils, but one Tasmanian ingredient you may not know about yet is Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua), part of the Myrtaceae family.
Kunzea has a native sound, but the plant was actually named for German Botanist Gustav Kunze (1793-1851), a Zoology Professor and Director of the Botanical Gardens in Leipzig. Though the plants grow in Southern Australia, the most effective oil is derived from the bushes in Tasmania.
Also known by the alternately flattering and insulting names of White Cloud, Tick Bush, and Poverty Bush, Kunzea is an unprepossessing mid-sized shrub with smaller, pleasantly fragrant white or pink flowers.
However, looks can sure be deceiving. For generations, Aboriginal communities across Australia have relied on it for a range of (as granny would say) ailments, including joint pain and muscle soreness.
Commonly used as a treatment for teenage acne, Kunzea has been shown to soothe skin irritations and some believe it possesses natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.
From Stables to Luxury Saunas
Often compared to Tea Tree, the oil derived from the Kunzea bush has many similar properties, plus a few bonus qualities, including greater content of active compounds, fewer irritating properties that make it safer for topical application, and a more pleasant smell.
Its scent has even gained the attention of luxury spas, which use Kunzea oil in massage treatments and saunas. Perfumers have begun incorporating kunzea into a range of products, especially cologne, as it’s considered a ‘manly’ scent, which various sources describe as “spicy,” and “woodsy,” with invigorating undertones.
Despite its many uses, relative mildness and fresh scent, globally kunzea was largely a well-kept secret until recent years, even among experts in essential oils. Now, however, it’s become the subject of scientific study and no doubt will take its place alongside Tea Tree and other essential oils with renowned healing properties.
No Worries, Mate!
In addition to its skincare benefits, aromatherapists use Kunzea to soothe headaches and manage anxiety, while University of Tasmania researchers are treating fungal infections in horse hooves with Kunzea-based oil and conducting additional research into its benefits.
Though not a drug, many swear by the oil as a mild stimulant that alleviates sluggishness and aids mental clarity.
Pain, Pain, Go Away
Kunzea Oil’s active compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and many swear by it as a treatment for joint pain, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Finally, as if those benefits weren’t enough, Kunzea has been found to have properties similar to those found in Citronella Oil as an insect repellent, a fact that indigenous communities and the wild animals that seek relief by sleeping under the bush have known for centuries.
Ticks and other pesky bloodsuckers hate it and ranchers in the outback have long relied on it as a tick repellent for cattle.
Go Mighty Tick Bush!
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