Sandy Barrett is my friend and fellow student. Because of her nursing background, she
finds the chemistry aspect of essential oils easier to comprehend, and enjoys
doing research in order to increase her understanding. Needless to say, she is
so excited for our upcoming course with Mark Webb that she began researching
some of the oils Mark discusses in Bush Sense, and shared her findings with
us. This is the first of a series on some of the lesser known Australian essential oil. Sandy writes:
Far too often in life, it is easier to find
reasons why we shouldn’t or can’t do something, than
it is to justify DOING
it. Even when it is a once in a life
time opportunity, we hesitate, until something finally clicks and we ask
ourselves, “How can I NOT?”
Mark Webb is the author of Bush Sense, Australian Essential Oils and Aromatic Compounds. An internationally respected educator of
essential oils from Australia, Mark is enthusiastic in furthering the
understanding of essential oils and their uses. Therefore, when it was
announced that he would be offering his course in the U.S., many reached the
conclusion of, “How can I NOT?” For
future students of aromatherapy, we *hope* this won’t be a once in a lifetime event
(but we aren’t taking any chances!).
In lieu of this, Nature’s Gift will be
sharing a series of articles about Australian Essential Oils. Though familiar in their native habit,
Australian essential oils are now becoming more recognized by the rest of the
world for their unique properties. To
kick-start this, today's discussion will be about the amazing Kunzea.
IN AUSTRALIA, this oil is TGA (Therapeutic
Goods Administration) registered for the
temporary relief of arthritis and rheumatism pain, flu symptoms, muscle aches
and pains, nervous tension, stress, and mild anxiety. Given the constituents of this wonderful
oil, one can understand the
conclusion. (1)
Per Mr. Webb’s research, the Major Chemical
Constituents in a typical analysis of the oil are:
Constituent
Average Must be
Greater than
Alpha-pinene 39
>30
1.8 –cineole 15.8 9
Globulol 11.9 2
Viridiflorol 9.4 6
bicyclogermacrene 5.1 4
Alpha-terpineol 2.9 1.5
*As well as small amounts of calamenene,
spathulenol, citronellol, ledol, limonene
(1)
Monoterpenes –
Alpha-pinene, 1.8 cineole, alpha-terpineol, citronellol, limonene
Sesquiterpenes –
globulol, viridiflorol, bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, calamenene, ledol. (2)
Australlian studies have shown Kunzea to be
effective against staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, e-coli, and
candida albicans. Historically, it was
noted by early pioneers that native animals often slept under the bush. It is believed that the insect repelling
qualities aided the animals in relieving themselves of pests such as ticks,
mites and other insects. (1)
Kunzea has dermal penetrating traits due to
its content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.
For that reason, it is effective for several dermal issues. When used for gout, Webb states that
“patients experienced a healing rash in which uric acid is excreted through the
rash.” The oil relieves skin irritation
caused by this. Webb still suggests that
those with sensitive skin to do a patch test prior to use. He also offers the opinion that the oil is
effective on the skin surface, in a bath, or in aromatic profusion blends. As well, he finds the oil useful as an
analgesic, for insect bites, eczema, room deodorizing, for bruising and
inflammation, soft tissue injuries such as strains and sprains, control of
tinea, as well as anti-inflammatory and respiratory applications. In Bush Sense, it is described as a
pleasant, clean, fresh scent with invigorating undertones. (1) I find his
description spot on.
Robert Tisserand
states skin sensitization possible IF OXIDIZED, noting old or oxidized oils
should be discarded. He recommends that
because of the a-pinene content, the oil be stored in dark, airtight container
and refrigerated. He states there is no
data regarding toxicity, carcinogenic or anti-carcinogenic abilities. (3)
In closing, Webb stated, “In isolation, many
oils are good. But combined, you can get
some very powerful, low toxicity and very well- tailored blends for the
respiratory system.” (1)
References:
(1)Mark
Webb. Bush Sense, Australian Essential
Oils and Aromatic Compounds, Adelaide, Australia: Griffin Press, 2000.
(2)Rosemary
Caddy. Aromatherapy, Essential Oils in
Colour, Caddy Classic Profiles. Kent: Amberwood Publishing, Ltd. 2013
(3) Robert Tisserand/Rodney Young. Second Edition, Essential Oil Safety: Churchill Livingstone, 2013.
My comments:
We had latched onto the common name "Tickbush" and had been recommending Kunzea in insect repellant blends. Robbi Zeck, in The Blossoming Heart, recommends Kunzea for emotional healing, for diffusing/dispersing deeply hidden emotional pain.
And then one day a client called seeking Kunzea ambigua for use in a blend that aided the pain of his rheumatoid arthritis. We had never taken seriously its pain relieving capabilities, although I had read of them in Bush Sense. So we started blending. Kunzea, in a base of Arnica infused oils eased my middle of the night leg cramps. Kunzea in arnica, with helichrysum italicuum added, became our "That's Better" blend, for bumps, bruises and other hurts. We recommend blending it with Helichrysum or German Chamomile for pain resulting from inflamation,
I expect to learn a lot more, and share more, about this amazing pain reliever after Sandy and I finish Mark's course in Atlanta in October.
And I thank Sandy for sharing her studies, and being my guest blogger! And Mark Webb for the use of his wonderful photos!
And I thank Sandy for sharing her studies, and being my guest blogger! And Mark Webb for the use of his wonderful photos!
Read more and order your own bottle of Kunzea essential oil here.
