Inspired by the cleansing scents of the Australian bush, Bush Bundanoon, Malka’s unique new Australian native pot pourri and essential oil, is a tantalising blend of eucalypt, mint and citrus fragrances.

“This pot pourri brings the bush into your home; it’s like the scent of eucalypts after rain has fallen on the leaves—calming, uplifting.  I use it everywhere, it’s like I’m in the bush” (LS)

(Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria)

Bush Bundanoon was originally created by Malka for a client whose property is situated in the Strathbogie Ranges in north-eastern Victoria, Australia. Bundanoon is an Australian Aboriginal word meaning ‘the meeting of gullies’ or ‘many gullies’.

An attractive combination of leaves, flowers, seed cases and bark of Australian native plants, a bowl of Bush Bundanoon pot pourri brings the fragrant aromas of the bush into your home.

To refresh your pot pourri, pop it into a plastic bag, add 5 or 6 drops of Bush Bundanoon Refresher Oil and shake gently. Diffuse the oil in an oil burner to clear the air.

Added to boiling water, Bush Bundanoon oil can be inhaled to help overcome colds and flu and to clear sinuses. One drop can be used to relieve headaches by rubbing it into your temples and the back of your neck. Patch test first. Add Bush Bundanoon oil to laundry water as a fresh-smelling antiseptic.

Eucalyptus leaves contain oil-producing glands, the oil being extracted by steaming. The evaporation of eucalyptus oil on hot days is what gives the Australian bush its blue haze. The volatile nature of eucalyptus oil also contributes to the danger of bushfire in eucalypt forests as has been sadly demonstrated in these last few weeks. Eucalypts survive fires well and some need heat for seeds to germinate. Eucalypts became a dominant species in Australia after the arrival of the Australian Aboriginal people, who cleared the bush with fire in the cooler months.

Undiluted eucalyptus oil is poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children. Yet for some Australian animals, such as the koala, eucalyptus leaves are their main food source. ‘Koala’ is an Aboriginal word for ‘no drink’, because koalas receive 90 per cent of their liquid needs from gum leaves. Only when they are ill, or when leaves are very dry during a drought, do they drink water. Koalas’ low metabolic rate means they digest food slowly and get maximum energy from it.

A soap that soothes and stimulates
Seaweed Exfoliant Luxurious Honey and Beeswax Soap is a gentle exfoliant soap, perfumed with a subtle scent of Australian spearmint. While the seaweed cleanses and stimulates the skin, the delicate mint fragrance revives the soul.
Spearmint or garden mint (Mentha spicata) originated in Europe, was taken to Britain by the Romans and to Australia by the British. Pliny, the Roman naturalist and scientist, said in 77 AD in Natural History, ‘the very smell of it alone recovers and refreshes the spirits’.

Clever Calendula
At the end of another very hot Australian summer, our skin needs nourishing. Malka’s unscented Calendula Cream is excellent for dry skin and may also help with dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

Calendula is the Latin, botanical name for marigolds, called after the calends or start of each month, because marigolds flower most months of the year. Marigold flowers were once dried and used in winter broths in Europe, though nowadays their petals are more likely to be used in salads. As a herbal remedy, calendula creams and washes are used for their antiseptic properties.

New Year hamper winner
Winner of our New Year hamper, Cathrene from Laverton, Victoria, receives Provencale Pot Pourri and Refresher Oil and Lavender Hand and Body Cream for this contribution about Lavender Hand and Body Cream:

“My girlfriend purchased this for me before she left to live in the US. I so much deeply miss her! The scents in your range remind me of her: so down-to-earth and full of life. She is an outdoor person; through your scents, I feel like she is so close still. Hoping to see her at Xmas with another fantastic pack from your range. Something magical in your scents—love them. Have tried so many others, but nothing compares to Malka. Well done to you all.”

Erin and Julia win Lavender Hand and Body Cream for the following feedback:

“Website is great! It's easy to use, beautifully put-together, fantastic products. You can find everything easily; it's just a pleasure. " (Erin)

“What a lovely discovery! Your products sound fabulous and the website is very simple to navigate. I will return soon and have a better look at which products would be suitable for my oily/problem skin—I'm constantly on the search for 'the answer' ! ” (Julia)

Tell us what you think
Let us know what you think of the products you’ve purchased and we’ll reward the best contribution each month with a Malka Face Gift Pack (Evening Primrose Facial Cream, Orange Flower Jojoba Facial Cream, and Rose Water Toner Spritz), value $50.