KĀNUKA ESSENTIAL OIL
A distinctive Aotearoa New Zealand oil with fresh, herbaceous and woody notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Kunzea ericoides
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin of Plant: Aotearoa New Zealand
Country of Production: South Island, New Zealand
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from leaves and small twigs
Note: Top to Middle
Colour: Colourless to pale or cloudy yellow
Aroma: Fresh, herbaceous, green, lightly spicy and woody
About This Essential Oil
Kānuka Essential Oil is steam distilled from the foliage and small twigs of a native Aotearoa New Zealand tree. Its aroma combines fresh green and herbaceous notes with light spice and dry wood. It is used in diffuser blends, natural perfumery, soaps, washes and carefully formulated body-care products.
Key Benefits
• Provides a fresh, herbaceous and woody aroma
• Adds a distinctive New Zealand botanical character
• Useful as a fresh top-to-middle note in aromatic blends
• Complements citrus, floral, herbal and woody oils
• Popular in soaps, washes and body-care formulations
• Creates a clean, outdoors-inspired aromatic impression
History
Kānuka is an indigenous tree of Aotearoa New Zealand with longstanding relationships to tangata whenua and local communities. Its Māori name is written with a macron to support correct pronunciation. Botanical classification has changed over time, and supplier documents may use Kunzea ericoides or Kunzea robusta. Any reference to mātauranga Māori should be made with care, appropriate attribution and respect for the knowledge holders.
Main Chemical Components
Sesquiterpenes, Monoterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and herbaceous
• Green and lightly spicy
• Dry and woody
• Clean top-to-middle note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds freshness to diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Provides a green herbal note in natural perfumery
• Complements soaps, washes and household products
• Suitable for carefully formulated body and massage oils
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as fresh, clean and outdoorsy
• Opens with bright green and herbaceous notes
• Develops lightly spicy and dry woody nuances
• Useful for balancing sweet or heavy aromatic blends
Blends Well With
Lemon, Lavender, Pine, Myrtle, Rosemary, Marjoram, Chamomile, Petitgrain, Mānuka and Cedarwood.
Health & Safety
• For external use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted.
• Always dilute appropriately before topical application.
• Do not use on infants; seek qualified advice before use with children.
• Seek qualified advice before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Patch test before first use and discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Avoid eyes, mucous membranes and broken or irritated skin.
• Use diffusers intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Oxidised oil may increase sensitisation risk; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep away from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
