Since its original use by the Moari people to its modern uses in scientific studies, Manuka oil has proven itself to be a versatile and unique essential oil.  With its many anti-viral, Anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties, manuka oil should definitely be in your Aromatherapy toolkit.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is typically referred to as the therapeutic process of using plants, herbs and essential oils for improving physical and emotional wellbeing.Manuka Oil is one of the more recent popular additions to the list of must have essential oils used in aromatherapy right now. Although manuka essential oil has been recently introduced to the wider world, natives from New Zealand have been benefitting from the use of the essential oil for many centuries now.

Introduction to the Manuka Tree and its Essential Oil:

The Manuka tree has been referred to as a wonder plant by the Maoris. Every part of the tree is said to be beneficial, with the essential oil being steam distilled from the leaves and seeds. There are two trees sometimes called “Manuka” trees.  The scientific name of the traditional Manuka Tree is Leptospermum Scoparium.  Another similar tree called the “White Manuka” or “Kanuka” is the Kunzeaericoides.  For the sake of this article we are referring to the specific benefits of the Leptospermum Scoparium variety.

Due to the impressive number of benefits imparted by the oil extracted from the tree, its rarity and its varied medicinal properties and applications, the essential oil of Manuka is often priced higher than the Tea Tree Oil which is also of Australian origin.

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Different Applications and Benefits of Manuka essential oil:

Now that you have learned a bit about the Manuka tree and the extraction of its essential oil read on, to find the several benefits Manuka Essential Oil can provide.

Natural Bug Repellent

Manuka Essential oil is a good natural bug repellent that can be used on its own or mixed with other essential oils.  To make a powerful natural bug spray Manuka oil can be mixed with Lemon Eucalyptus, Citronella, and Lemongrass Oils. Mix all the oils together in a glass bottle.  To use as a bug repellent, you can diffuse the oil mixture.  If you want to apply directly to the skin, add in a carrier oil like Jojoba to avoid skin irritation.  For a skin-safe mixture use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to 2-5 drops of essential oils.  Always test on a small area of skin first to avoid any reactions.

Natural Treatment for Bites & Stings-

If you forgot to Manuka oil to prevent bites then you can still use it to treat bug bites.

Manuka oils anti-inflammatory properties serves as a great natural treatment for many insect bites and stings. In the case of a bites or sting from an insect, put a few drops of Manuka oil on a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area. This will not only reduce the inflammation and swelling but will also help reduce the pain.  For best results apply Manuka oil on a bite or sting immediately.

Dandruff Fighter

Manuka oil is also great for the skin on your scalp.  Dandruff can be caused by the scalp becoming dried out and flaking.  Manuka oil fights dandruff by helping hold in the scalp’s natural oils and moisture.  To use Manuka oil for dandruff—just add a few drops into your shampoo.  You can also use Jojoba oil with a few drops of Manuka oil to fight more difficult dandruff issues.

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Powerful Antibacterial Properties

Manuka oil has powerful anti-bacterial properties due to the powerful sesquiterpenescontained in the oil.  This essential oil works towards curing a variety of bacterial infections, which include- infection of the respiratory tract ad urinary tract infections. To fight bacterial issues, you can diffuse manuka oil or mix 1 teaspoon of carrier oil with 2-5 drops of Manuka oil—and rub it into your heels before bed.

Manuka Oil Precautions

  • To be safe, it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Manuka oil.
  • It is not recommended to use Manuka Oil internally, as its anti-bacterial properties could disrupt good bacteria in the gut.
  • If you are applying Manuka oil on your skin, make sure to dilute with a carrier oil.