The Power of Kunzea Ambigua
Have you noticed the beautiful clusters of small white flowers covering the bushes along Merri Creek at the moment? That’s Kunzea Ambigua! Like tea tree and eucalyptus, Kunzea belongs to the Myrtaceae family; a family of plants known for their oily, aromatic nature. Its oils are potent, not unlike tea tree but a little spicier; and mix well with other native oils such as eucalyptus or myrtles.
Its oils, leaves and flowers have been used by First Nations people for their medicinal properties across Australia for many thousands of years. The oil may be extracted through crushing the leaves or infusing whole in water and steaming, to achieve optimal benefits.
The benefits of Kunzea oil:
Soothing muscle pain: When applied externally, the oils are effective at relieving pain caused by overuse or cramps, and can be massaged into the muscles directly or infused into a hot bath.
Potent antiseptic and antiviral: Kunzea oil has been used traditionally and conventionally to treat respiratory infections, colds and viral flus. It acts against inflammation, congestion of the sinuses and headaches, as well as relieving similar symptoms caused by allergies. For treatment, the oil can be inhaled by applying close to the nose or through steaming.
Topical healing for skin conditions: Kunzea’s ability to aid in the prevention and healing of eczema and psoriasis is incredible. A couple of drops of the essential oil can be added to moisturising balms and lotions as an anti-irritant and reliever of itchy and dry skin conditions. *Be sure to allergy test on a patch of skin first!
If you are eager to source your own Kunzea oil, there are important things to consider when harvesting and wildcrafting from Indigenous species. Firstly, recoqnize who’s country you’re on and the history of the land. Remember that plants are food and habitat for birds, insects and small mammals too, so only take what you really need. There are plenty of native nurseries where you can source your own native species, and create your very own Indigenous plant garden!
Or, if you would prefer to skip the work and purchase your own pure Kunzea essential oil, come into the shop where you can pick some up for yourself :)
TA team xx
