Broombush

Melaleuca uncinata

Broombush (Melaleuca uncinata) is a plant is a plant in the paperbark family native to southern Australia. It is harvested from the wild and grown in plantations for broombush fencing and is now also being cultivated for its essential oil.

A multi-stemmed evergreen shrub usually less than 2 m, it has spreading or ascending leaves, 19–56 mm (0.75–2.20 in) long and 0.8–1.2 mm (0.031–0.047 in) wide, linear in shape, almost circular in cross-section, and tapering to a distinctly curved hook. The leaves have large oil glands along their edges. Its flowers are white, cream or yellow, and are attractive to birds.

It grows in warm temperate and semi-arid areas in sandy soils that are acidic to alkaline.

With a zesty yet sweet aroma, this steam distilled oil has a complex variety of uses based on the individual chemotype of the batch of oil, but in general it is valued for its antiseptic, antifungal, insect repellent and expectorant properties.

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  • Studied Properties
  • Common Uses

Studied Properties

With a zesty aroma with warm honey notes, this delicate scented oil is a member of the melaleuca family.

It is in general antiseptic, anti-bacterial and an expectorant, plus it has potential to be an effective and persistent insect repellent

Broombush oil has as an interesting level of complexity and there are a number of oil chemotypes.

Of the 4 chemotypes – one is very high in 1,8-cineole, another pinene rich - ask for batch specific Certificate of Analysis - more specific properties determined by chemotype.

Common Uses

Broombush oil is used in vaporisers and diffusers to freshen air , help with concentration and as an expectorant.

It is used in natural insect repellents and other body products including soaps.