What is Kānuka Oil?
Endemic to New Zealand, the Kānuka tree (Kunzea ericoides) is known for producing bioactive compounds, especially α-pinene (50%+) next to other monoterpenes, as well as sesquiterpenes and sesqui-terpenoids (20%). These compounds offer broad-spectrum protection by effectively inhibiting and eliminating bacteria and fungi. They also exhibit anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, respiratory, and wound-healing, promoting calming effects and supporting mood and overall well-being.
Bio-Active Compounds
Kānuka Oil has recently garnered increasing attention from researchers, with a growing number of studies revealing new compounds and potential pharmaceutical applications. About 70% of the 50 detected compounds have been identified¹, with a recent small-scale study detecting up to 73 unique constituents², highlighting its complex chemical profile and positioning it as a potential new natural ingredient superstar—complementing the renowned Mānuka Oil.
Moreover, its antidepressant, calming, and mood-uplifting properties broaden its appeal in aromatherapy, with promising applications ranging from ultrasound diffusers in counselling rooms to use in yoga studios.
There is increasing recognition of geographical and seasonal variations in the chemical composition of the essential oil, which is obtained by steam distillation¹.
Benefits
Often natural products are a compromise on performance but this is not the case with our Kānuka Oil. It is highly effective whilst being completely natural and pure.
Our Kānuka Oils can help in a wide range of challenges, some benefits include
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Anti-Ageing
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Mood-Enhancing/Calming
- Muscle/Joint Pain Relief (spasmolytic)
The antimicrobial and pain relief potential of
kānuka oil is determined mainly by the high
alpha-pinene content.
Key Benefits of Kānuka Oil
Our Products
Our Kānuka Oils are sourced and extracted by steam distilling oil from leaves and branches of the kānuka tree.
The antimicrobial and pain relief potential of Kānuka oil is determined by the high alpha-pinene content. These alpha-pinenes are antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, mood-enhancing and provide muscle and joint pain relief.
The sweet, fresh, and herbaceous oil features a delicate, calming aroma—often compared to Tea Tree oil but with its unique earthy nuance.
Shop Bulk Oils
Shop our range of pure and natural essential oils products made right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Shop RāKiwi Oils
Shop our range of pure and natural essential oils products made right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What is Kānuka Oil?
¹ Porter, N. G., & Wilkins, A. L. (1999). Chemical, physical and antimicrobial properties of essential oils of Leptospermum scoparium and Kunzea ericoides. Phytochemistry, 50(3), 407-415.
² Maddocks, W. A. (2021). Diversity in the essential oil of New Zealand grown Kānuka, Kunzea ericoides (A. Rich) Joy Thomps. Am. J. Essent. Oils Nat. Prod, 9, 32-38.
³ Maddocks W. Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) essential oil: A fresh look. The International Journal of Professional Aromatherapy 2019, 8(1).
⁴ Perry NB, Van Klink JW, Brennan NJ, Harris W, Anderson RE, Douglas MH et al. Essential oils from New Zealand manuka and kanuka: Chemotaxonomy of Kunzea. Phytochemistry [Oxford] 1997;45(8):1605-12. Essien SO, Baroutian S, Dell K, Young B. Value-added potential of New Zealand mānuka and kānuka products: A review. Industrial Crops and Products 2019;130:198207.
* The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that prevents the microorganism’s growth. Determined through testing with varying concentrations and is essential for evaluating antimicrobial effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. While MIC values guide minimum usage in product development, formulations must be carefully designed and tested before market release.
