Manuka Essential Oil - A Tea Tree Family Member

Manuka essential oil is a powerful essential oil that should not be confused with Manuka honey. While the honey is currently popular because of its potential healing properties, fresh, spicy, and aromatic essential oil is another beneficial and extraordinary substance with a range of benefits.

Indeed, the Maoris have long used manuka essential oil to improve overall health and wellbeing. Now, everyone can enjoy the same benefits. Though manuka comes from the same family as tea tree , scientists have recently learned that manuka essential oil has different, sometimes more potent, benefits than tea tree.

The History of Manuka

Compared to many other essential oils, manuka oil is relatively new. The tree originates from New Zealand, where the natives have known about its healing properties for hundreds of years, but it did not make it into Western aromatherapy culture until much more recently. Because of this, the wellness uses of manuka are just starting to be understood.

Manuka comes from the same family of plants, Myrtaceae, as tea tree . This family also includes eucalyptus , myrtle, and kanuka . The essential oil is derived from the leaves, twigs, and branches, which are picked and then distilled using steam.

Many valuable terpenes are expressed during this process: α-pinene , Linalool , caryophyllene , Geraniol , and isoleptospermone.

Folklore tells a story of Captain Cook using the leaves of manuka prepared as tea to protect him and his shipmates from scurvy during long expeditions. European settlers of New Zealand later adopted this use. ²

Now, one can gain access to manuka by using it topically after diluting in a carrier oil or aromatically in a room diffuser or personal aromatherapy diffusers.

Uses for Manuka Essential Oil

There are countless benefits to manuka oil, which is a part of the reason it has seen such popularity over the last couple of years. Some of these benefits are highlighted below.

Remedies Dry Scalp

Dandruff is dry, flaky skin caused by irritation to the scalp. If your skin starts to dry out, it can become itchy and flaky, resulting in discomfort.

Manuka essential oil can help restore moisture to the scalp and improve the balance of oils on the skin.

It’s easy to use too-just mix a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or avocado and massage onto the scalp. Alternatively, add a few drops to warm bathwater.

Relieves Bug Bites

If you experience minor insect bites or stings, such as mosquito bites, try applying this oil to the bite. The oil will help reduce swelling.

Maintains Skin Health

Manuka essential oil can also be used to support skin health. Add a drop to a fragrance-free lotion and apply it to your face for maintaining healthy skin. Always make sure to dilute the essential oil before applying it to the skin and avoid using it on open wounds.

Acts as a Deodorant

Manuka has been shown to reduce body odor when applied under the arms. In addition, the fragrance of manuka oil is especially pleasant-a bit floral and a bit earthy. Some people use it as a replacement for perfume or deodorant.

Alleviates Stress

If you are stressed, try out essential oils and aromatherapy. Manuka essential may help calm your mind due to the alpha-pinene found in the essential oil.

How To Use Manuka Essential Oil

Manuka oil can be used in much the same way as tea tree oil , although they are different oils. There is a lot of confusion about this because the trees that the oils come from sound so similar. Manuka oil comes from the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand.

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree which is native to New South Wales, Australia. Though they are similar in their properties and uses, they have different chemical constituents and scents.

This essential oil can be used mixed with other oils and a carrier oil as a massage cream. It can also be added to homemade soaps and creams or diluted to use in a bath.

For use in aromatherapy, diffuse a small amount of the oil for up to 30 minutes. You can repeat this three times per day for the best results.

Safety and Precautions

Be careful to keep the oil out of reach of children, and ensure that you don’t get any in your eyes or mucous membranes. Wash your hands after using the oil.

If you are taking any medication, are breastfeeding, pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, then you should not use manuka oil.

As long as the oil is left unopened, it will last until the "use by" date printed on the bottle. Once opened, you should make sure that you keep the oil in a cool, dark place, and that the bottle is kept sealed when not in use.

Each time you use the oil, check that it still has its distinctive aroma. Pure manuka oil should not oxidize easily.

Do not use essential oils to self-medicate for undiagnosed conditions, and do not mix them with medication without first checking with your physician.

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general wellness and educational purposes only. Please note that while individual essential oil ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above. Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs. Why? It works better that way. No Nicotine Ever in MONQ Pens. Inhale through the mouth, exhale through the nose. MONQ Diffusers are not intended for individuals under 18, or women who are pregnant or nursing.