The health benefits of Manuka Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an anti-dandruff, antidote to insect bites and stings, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-allergenic. cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, and relaxant substance.
Manuka is one of the youngest entries in the book of aromatherapy, as its uses in aromatherapy were discovered quite recently. However, its medicinal uses have been known for a long time among the original inhabitants of New Zealand, the country to which this tree is native.
The scientific name of Manuka is Leptospermum Scoparium and its essential oil is sometimes priced higher than the legendary and respected Australian Tea Tree oil, due to its impressive variety of medicinal applications. Its essential oil is derived from the leaves of Manuka through steam distillation. According to the Journal of Essential Oil Research, the main components of this oil are caryophyllene, geraniol, pinene, humulene, linalool, and leptospermone. There is another strange thing about this oil. The concentration of the components in this oil varies with the height of the tree where the leaves were extracted. [1] [2]
Health Benefits of Manuka Essential Oil
Luckily, we don’t need to climb any trees to learn about its medicinal properties. Just have a look at the list given below instead.
Anti-dandruff
Aren’t you tired of using those costly anti-dandruff shampoos and oils, yet it still comes back? Dandruff is caused by a lack of moisture and oil in the scalp, degeneration of the scalp skin, and infections. Manuka oil can help you with all three of these causes. It will maintain the moisture and oil balance in the scalp, it will stop the degeneration of the scalp skin, and will also fight any kind of infection on the scalp. You can access these benefits by mixing it with the bathing water or massaged on the head when blended with some other oil.
Bite and Sting Antidote
In case of an insect bite or a venomous sting, quickly apply this oil to the affected spot and you will find that it will reduce pain and swelling at the spot and the situation will not get any worse.
Small flowers in white or pink grow on the Manuka that blooms in summer and spring. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Antibacterial
This oil inhibits bacterial growth in the body, such as those giving rise to bacterial infections in the colon, urinary system, respiratory tracts, and other vulnerable areas, while also helping to curb the bacterial attacks if they don’t prevent the actual growth. Manuka oil is also effective in fighting oral pathogens due to its antibacterial properties, as per a study published in Oral Microbiology and Immunology. [3] [4]
Anti-fungal
It is equally effective in eliminating fungal infections just as it is in case of bacterial infections. A very common fungal infection is running ears. A drop or two there and you will see the condition heal quickly, without spending exorbitant amounts of money. [5]
Anti-inflammatory
The Essential Oil of Manuka is anti-inflammatory in nature. It can efficiently handle inflammation of nearly any type; be it of nasal or respiratory tracts resulting from common colds or if it is of the digestive system caused by overeating of spicy food or even if it is of the circulatory system caused by any toxin (venom, narcotics, etc.) getting into the bloodstream. This essential oil heals inflammation for any other reason as well, including fevers and infections. According to a 2013 study performed on mice, topical application of manuka oil also protects UV-B-induced skin inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. [6] [7] [8]
Anti-histaminic
Histamine aggravates coughs and gives bad and exhausting coughs. People often try very strange combinations of medicines to control histamine. However, this oil quickly and easily reduces the production of histamine and thereby gives relief from these continuous coughs in a safe way.
Anti-allergenic
Allergic reactions are nothing but hyper reactions of the body towards certain foreign elements, including pollens, dust, pets, and many others. Manuka oil calms down or sedates these hyper reactions, thereby giving relief from allergy issues. [9]
Cicatrisant
This oil helps the scars and after-marks on the skin fade away by promoting new cell growth in the affected parts of the body and protecting the wounds from developing any infections.
Cytophylactic
Manuka oil promotes new cell growth and thereby promotes overall growth and the healing of wounds. It can be given to patients that have suffered heavy wounds after an accident or surgery. This is confirmed by Dr. Elia Ranzato et al., Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont, Italy, in the research published in the Burns & Trauma journal. [10]
Deodorant
Manuka Oil drives away body odor and its fragrance creates a refreshing feeling. This is very effective in countering body odor during hot summers or when participating in physical activity.
Relaxant
Manuka oil gives a relaxed feeling by fighting anxiety, anger, stress, nervous afflictions, and disturbances. This is also good for hypertensive people whose blood pressure shoots up at the slightest anxiety or tension, thereby helping to protect the heart.
Other Benefits
This oil has varied effects on the skin. It can be used to cure itches, rashes, skin diseases, sores, chafing, and other problems related to the skin, as well as to cure pain in the muscles and joints. A 2017 study cited in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine claims that manuka oil can also cure skin acne. [11]
Words of Caution: There are no words of caution here! It is non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. That being said, always mention to your doctor when you begin adding new items to your health regimen, even when they are extremely safe.
Blending: The essential oil of Manuka blends well with essential oils of Clary Sage, Clove, Geranium, Lavandin, Lavender, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Pine, Rosemary, and Ylang-Ylang.
