Kunzea essential oil: properties and uses

Guide to essential oils

An essential oil for the ENT area, Kunzea essential oil is known for clearing up congestion in the respiratory system. It is particularly famous in energetic aromatherapy, where it embodies the masculine principle alongside Fragonia essential oil, which is associated with the feminine principle. Together, these essential oils represent the "aromatic Tao", the Yin and Yang of Chinese cosmology: separate, opposing entities that complement each other to form a whole. In energetic olfactotherapy, it is used in olfactory synergies to provide strength and courage, and helps to accept physical and mental pain.

How to use

Skin application and massage
Suitable
Cosmetic active ingredient
Possible but not recommended
Aromatherapy bath
Suitable
Diffusion
Suitable

Features

Properties and uses

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Leaves, twigs and branches

Botanical name

Kunzea ambigua

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Properties and uses

Health

Wellness

Find out more, etc.

Properties

For health, Kunzea essential oil is recognised for the following properties:

Its composition, particularly in alpha-pinene and 1,8-cineole, gives it antiviral properties, especially against respiratory infections and ENT viruses.
Rich in alpha-pinene and 1,8-cineole, which are known for their decongestant
and expectorant properties (helps to clear bronchial secretions), Kunzea essential oil helps to clear and purify the respiratory tract.
It purifies the air. In Australia, it is often used in retirement homes.
Anti-inflammatory, thanks to a very rich sesquiterpene complex (globulol, viridiflorol, spathulenol, ledol, bicyclogermacrene).
Antibacterial
Active against fungal infections
It has a higher concentration of alpha-pinene than 1.8-cineole. It is a very mild oil, non-irritating and well tolerated by even the most sensitive respiratory systems.

Uses

It is traditionally used to improve the following:

Viral infections: flu, colds, winter viruses, shingles, etc.
Bronchial congestion and breathing difficulties: sinusitis, bronchitis, etc.
Chronic inflammatory conditions
Skin or nail infections: fungal infections, eczema, insect bites, etc.

Synergies

Respiratory health: Iary, Pine, Saro, Ravintsara, Niaouli essential oils.
To soothe the skin: Roman chamomile, German Chamomile and yarrow essential oils.

In practice

To soothe and purify the skin: Mix into your oil blend. Apply your mixture locally using a roll-on.

Air purification, respiratory comfort: Air diffusion.

Properties

For well-being, Kunzea essential oil is recognised for the following properties:

Plays an interesting role in the acceptance of pain: helps in accepting and bearing physical pain, to use it as a driver for healing.
Helps to free psychic knots, soothe and release bodily tension and pain.
Helps to develop strength and courage: Kunzea's masculine side is reputed to help restore physical energy, mental strength and courage.
A positive influence, it helps to restore the dynamism of life and physical and mental strength.
Kunzea expresses the masculine principle, while Fragonia expresses feminine energy. Together, they represent perfect balance in the image of the Chinese symbol of the Tao: Yin and Yang. A person with an excess of Yin (feminine) will naturally be more attracted to Fragonia, while a "Yang" person will have a greater aromatic affinity for Kunzea.
Kunzea essential oil helps to overcome the "procrastination" reflex, i.e. the impulse to put off until later what you could do the same day.
Provides invaluable support for people in situations of physical and psychological dependency.
Helps to prevent and minimise jet-lag and the fatigue caused by jet lag, and is recommended for travellers in association with Fragonia.

Uses

Helps manage chronic pain
Nervous fragility, particularly seasonal depression
As a complement to treatment, helps to combat addictions (drugs, cigarettes, food, etc.)
Chronic fatigue
Excess Yin

Synergies

According to Dr Penoël, Fragonia and Kunzea are inseparable:

"They are both the founding couple of quantum aromatherapy. Fragonia symbolises the feminine principle at its most fundamental (Yin aspect), just as Kunzea ambigua amplifies the masculine principle at its best (Yang aspect)".

This aspect can also be seen in the appearance of the plant itself: "When we compare the flowers of Fragonia and Kunzea ambigua, we are struck by the following fact: the discretion and wise organisation of the stamens in the case of Fragonia, as opposed to the abundance and ardour of the stamens of Kunzea ambigua! The pollen-bearing stamens are the equivalent of the male sex in the animal world".

We also find feminine grace and masculine power in the reaction of these plants when one of their branches is bent: "in the case of Fragonia, the straightening movement takes place with grace and gentleness. This is in stark contrast to Kunzea ambigua, where the branch, bent and then released, vigorously returns to its original shape and position".

This difference is also reflected in the scent of the essential oil: "Fragonia releases its fragrance much more easily than Kunzea ambigua. Just as in the case of a feminine fragrance. Olfactory sexual connotations are much more easily perceived in the direct presence of Fragonia, compared with its essential oil".

In practice

Low spirits, tiredness: Mix with your oil blend. Gently massage the mixture along the spine.

Helps you to accept pain: during a relaxation session, take the opportunity to diffuse Kunzea essential oil in the room. Relax and concentrate on each part of your body.

Fatigue: Mix into your dispersible bath preparation. Pour your blend into the hot bath water. Breathe in and relax.

Discover our article " Aromatherapy and cosmetics - How to use essential oils" to find out more about the symbols on our products and the different ways essential oils can be used.

Precautions

Not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
This essential oil is not known to be used orally, preferring the cutaneous or olfactory route, and diffusion.
Keep out of reach of children.
Avoid contact with the eyes.
Certain natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy for some sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic composition (in accordance with the 7th Amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive (2003/15/EC)): limonene and linalool.
As a general rule, always carry out a test application of your mixture in the crease of the elbow at least 48 hours before using it.
Dangerous. Observe safety precautions.
Flammable liquid and vapour. May cause skin allergies. May be fatal if swallowed or if it enters the respiratory tract (if accidentally swallowed, do not induce vomiting). Very toxic to aquatic organisms, causing long-term adverse effects (in the event of massive spillage of the product into a watercourse).

Download the general precautions and read before using essential oils

Find out more

Kunzea is a new essential oil obtained by distillation of the leafy branches of Kunzea ambigua, a shrub growing wild in north-east Tasmania (Australia). Rich in pinenes and sesquiterpenols, Kunzea essential oil is a very mild essential oil and is traditionally used to treat respiratory viral infections.

Its total concentration of sesquiterpenes also gives it a powerful anti-inflammatory action.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml

However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Bibliography

"L'aromathérapie quantique pour se réaliser avec les huiles essentielles"

D. Penoël

Essential News

Oct. 2006 (Vol 19)

Essential oil of Kunzea

How to use

Features

Properties and uses

In practice

In practice

Precautions

Find out more

Equivalents

Bibliography