When looking for top essential oils in Australia, you will come across a wide range of distinctive scents with a plethora of therapeutic benefits. This is partly due to Australia’s famously diverse and unique flora, which is capable of producing these various natural essential oils.
Among these, lemon myrtle, tea tree, eucalyptus and kunzea oils stand out as some of the most remarkable and versatile options. In this article, we will delve into the world of these top Australian essential oils, exploring their scent profiles, properties and the various ways to harness their benefits, from massage oils to diffusers.
Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil
First up is Lemon Myrtle which is a native Australian tree known for its bright, citrusy aroma. The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs, resulting in a powerful, uplifting essential oil.
Scent profile:
Lemon Myrtle essential oil has a vibrant, fresh and tangy fragrance. It has a strong, distinctive lemon scent with a hint of eucalyptus, making it one of the most invigorating citrus oils in the world. The aroma is known to lift the spirits and promote a sense of clarity.
Properties and benefits.
- Lemon Myrtle oil possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties which make it an excellent choice for promoting clean and healthy surroundings.
- Lemon Myrtle oil can help alleviate respiratory issues by clearing stuffy noses and promoting easier breathing.
- The refreshing scent of Lemon Myrtle oil is known to boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall mood, making it an excellent choice in uplifting essential oil blends.
- When diluted and used topically, it may help alleviate indigestion and even nausea.
- Its antibacterial properties can be beneficial for addressing skin conditions like acne and minor infections.
How to use:
With a diffuser:
Just add a few drops of Lemon Myrtle oil to a diffuser to purify the air, boost mood, and create a refreshing ambiance.
As a massage oil:
Dilute a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut oil or Jojoba, and apply it to the skin for an invigorating massage.
As a cleaning solution:
Create a natural antibacterial cleaning solution by mixing Lemon Myrtle oil with water and vinegar for a chemical-free and effective cleaner.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree is well associated with oil essentials of Australia as it has a long history of medicinal use. It is known for its strong antiseptic properties.
Scent profile:
Tea Tree oil has a fresh, medicinal scent that is distinctive, slightly minty and strong. It is known for its strong, herbaceous aroma which can be quite invigorating and stimulating.
Properties and benefits:
- Tea tree oil is famous for its antiseptic properties, which are linked to its long history of medicinal use. It can be used to clean wounds, cuts and insect bites to prevent infection.
- Tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and redness in the case of skin irritations.
- Tea Tree oil is effective against fungal infections, including athlete’s foot and nail fungus.
- It has the ability to combat acne-causing bacteria. This is why it is often used in acne treating skincare products.
- When inhaled, it can relieve the symptoms of colds and coughs by clearing the airways. This is due to its light camphor scent.
How to use
Applied topically:
Apply a drop or two of Tea Tree oil directly to minor skin irritations, acne spots, or insect bites.
Inhaled:
Add a few drops of Tea Tree oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to relieve congestion.
In a diffuser:
Diffuse Tea Tree oil to purify the air in your home and create a fresh, clean atmosphere.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Beloved by the ever-popular Australian koala, eucalyptus is an iconic Australian tree that produces an essential oil with a uniquely refreshing and invigorating aroma.
Scent profile:
Eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh, clean and slightly camphor-like scent, similar to tea tree oil. Its aroma is often associated with cleanliness and open air, making it a popular choice for respiratory support and revitalisation.
Properties and benefits:
- Eucalyptus oil is renowned for its ability to clear congested noses, making it an essential additive in many chest rubs and inhalants.
- It can be used to disinfect surfaces, wounds, and to relieve insect bites.
- Inhaling Eucalyptus oil can promote mental alertness and help combat mental fatigue.
- When diluted and applied topically, it can provide relief from muscle aches and pains.
- Eucalyptus oil is one of the few essential oils Australia that stimulates the immune system and helps the body fight off infections.
How to use:
Inhaled in a congestion clearing blend:
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and any other oil that promotes clear breathing to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam to clear your sinuses.
Applied topically:
Dilute Eucalyptus oil in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil and apply it to sore muscles or as a chest rub during cold and flu season.
In a diffuser:
Diffuse Eucalyptus oil to purify the air in your home and create a refreshing atmosphere, especially during the flu season.
Kunzea Essential Oil
Kunzea may be one of the lesser known Australian native oils, but it’s one with a distinctive, unique and enchanting aroma. It is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the Kunzea plant, which is native to the southern regions of Australia.
Scent profile:
Kunzea oil has a sweet, fresh, and slightly spicy, striking scent. Its aroma is often described as a delightful combination of herbal, floral, and fruity notes, making it a standout in the world of essential oils.
Properties and benefits:
- Kunzea oil is valued for its analgesic properties and is often used for alleviating joint and muscle pain.
- It can help reduce inflammation, making it a suitable choice for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- The soothing scent of Kunzea oil can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it can be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and minor wounds, but it needs to be diluted in a carrier oil first.
- Inhaling Kunzea oil may help alleviate respiratory congestion.
How to use
Applied topically:
Dilute Kunzea oil in a carrier oil and apply it to sore muscles and joints for natural pain relief.
In a diffuser:
Diffuse Kunzea oil to create a calming atmosphere and reduce stress and anxiety.
In a massage oil blend:
Blend Kunzea oil with a carrier oil for a soothing massage that eases muscle tension and promotes relaxation.
Final thoughts
Essential oils Australia, including Lemon Myrtle, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Kunzea, offer a diverse range of aromatic experiences and therapeutic benefits. Each oil has a distinct scent profile and a wide range of properties that make them invaluable in aromatherapy and natural medicine.
All of these oils are available from Buckley and Phillips, who are renowned for producing organic essential oils that maintain the integrity of the oil.
