The Mānuka tree, native to New Zealand, may be best known for its Mānuka honey, but it also yields a powerful essential oil: Mānuka oil. Extracted from the tree’s leaves, branches, and seeds, Mānuka oil is becoming increasingly popular for its natural healing benefits and versatile uses. Let’s explore what Mānuka oil is good for and how you can use it.
What is Mānuka Oil?
Mānuka oil is a potent essential oil derived from the Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as the Mānuka tree. The oil is extracted from the tree’s leaves, young branches, and seeds through steam distillation.
In this process, steam passes through the plant material, extracting the oil’s natural compounds. These compounds are then cooled and condensed into a clear, aromatic liquid.
Mānuka oil has strong therapeutic benefits, which come from its complex chemical composition. This composition is made of over 100 active compounds, 51 of which make up 95% of the oil.
This unique compound blend gives Mānuka oil its distinctive properties, setting it apart from other essential oils and making it a valuable option for natural health and wellness.
The Power of Mānuka Essential Oil
Here are some of the powerful properties Mānuka oil possesses and the Mānuka essential oil benefits you may be able to enjoy:
- Antibacterial activity
Mānuka oil is highly effective against certain bacteria, particularly Gram-positive types, due to its rich content of β-triketones. Studies show that Mānuka oil can break down bacterial cell membranes, causing the cells to rupture.
For example, in one study, a 1.5% concentration of Mānuka oil caused structural changes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), while a 3% concentration completely destroyed the MRSA cells.
Mānuka oil has also shown effectiveness against some Gram-negative bacteria. In another study, high doses of Mānuka oil stopped the growth of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella typhimurium, demonstrating its broader antibacterial potential.
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Antifungal power
Mānuka oil is effective against various fungal pathogens, including those that cause human infections and damage crops.
In one study, Mānuka oil was tested against fungi such as Aspergillus niger, which can cause respiratory issues, A. ochraceus, known for producing harmful mycotoxins, and Fusarium culmorum, a crop pathogen. The study found that Mānuka oil’s antifungal effects varied depending on its source, with oil from New Zealand’s South Island showing particularly strong activity against A. ochraceus and F. culmorum.
Mānuka oil has also shown effectiveness against human fungal pathogens, such as Malassezia furfur (linked to dandruff and dermatitis), Trichosporon mucoides (associated with opportunistic infections), and Candida species, including C. albicans and C. tropicalis, which can cause oral and vaginal yeast infections.
While the exact mechanism behind Mānuka oil’s antifungal effects isn’t fully understood, similar oils like Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) have been shown to damage fungal cell walls and membranes, causing the cells to thin, distort, and form empty bud-like structures.
This damage likely disrupts the fungal cell's structure and function, making oils like Mānuka oil potential natural remedies for fungal infections.
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Antiparasitic effects
Mānuka oil exhibits notable antiparasitic effects, which can help control pests that affect humans, animals, and plants.
One study focused on house dust mites revealed that Mānuka oil is more effective than DEET, a common chemical treatment used to control these mites.
In testing for human applications, a study on scabies mites showed a 50% mortality rate within 30 minutes. A separate fumigation test showed that exposure to undiluted Mānuka oil vapor resulted in 80% mortality.
These findings highlight Mānuka oil’s potential as a natural alternative for managing various parasites effectively.
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Antiviral properties
Mānuka oil has shown strong antiviral effects, particularly against herpes simplex viruses (HSV), which cause conditions like cold sores (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). In one study, researchers treated the viruses and host cells with β-triketone-rich Mānuka oil for an hour before introducing the virus. The results showed a significant reduction in plaque formation for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, indicating that Mānuka oil can effectively inhibit viral replication.
In further tests on acyclovir-resistant strains of HSV-1 and HSV-2, Mānuka oil reduced viral infectivity by over 99%, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant viral infections. The active compounds flavesone and leptospermone in Mānuka oil are believed to directly affect the virus before or during its attachment to host cells, contributing to its powerful antiviral properties.
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Anti-inflammatory properties
Research indicates that Mānuka oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties.
In one study, THP-1 cells (a human immune cell line) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a compound known to trigger inflammation, and then treated with varying concentrations of Mānuka oil.
The results showed a marked reduction in the release of TNF-α, a key inflammatory cytokine, suggesting a strong anti-inflammatory response. Interestingly, the oil had no significant effect on the release of IL-4, another cytokine involved in immune response.
These findings suggest that Mānuka oil could be particularly beneficial for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis, where reducing TNF-α levels is advantageous.
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Antioxidant power
Mānuka oil has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, particularly in protecting skin from UV-related damage and premature aging.
In one study, researchers examined the effects of topical Mānuka oil on UV-B-irradiated hairless mice over eight weeks. Mice treated with a 10% concentration of Mānuka oil showed a reduction in typical UVB-induced skin damage, including decreased skin thickening, fewer wrinkles, and preservation of collagen.
This protective effect was linked to Mānuka oil’s ability to inhibit collagen loss, reduce epidermal hyperplasia, and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α.
Further research tested a skincare formula combining 10% Mānuka oil with a Vitamin C derivative on mice exposed to UV-B radiation. Over nine weeks, this formula significantly improved skin thickness and resilience, suggesting Mānuka oil’s effectiveness as a protective ingredient in skincare products.
These findings highlight Mānuka oil’s role as a natural antioxidant, offering protection against environmental factors that contribute to skin aging.
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Spasmolytic activity
Mānuka oil has shown spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) effects in studies involving smooth muscle tissue.
A study on guinea pig muscle tissue showed that Mānuka oil can relax smooth muscle contractions, indicating potential use for easing muscle spasms. Key compounds in Mānuka oil, such as α-terpineol and terpinene-4-ol, were found to be especially effective, while others, like α- and γ-terpinenes, caused minor spasms at first before also relaxing the muscle.
The muscle-relaxing effect of Mānuka oil seems to work through specific cell receptors that control potassium channels, a mechanism not found in related oils like kanuka or Melaleuca (tea tree) oil.
Additionally, in tests on other muscle types (chick and rat muscle preparations), Mānuka oil was shown to increase muscle tone while reducing contraction strength, further highlighting its potential for muscle relaxation applications.
Interestingly, both Mānuka and Melaleuca oils were found to significantly reduce uterine muscle contractions, suggesting a relaxing effect that may be useful for stress relief or aromatherapy but warrants caution during pregnancy.
How To Use Mānuka Honey
Mānuka oil’s unique antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties have made it versatile for health and wellness. Here is how you can incorporate it into your wellness routine.
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Topical use
Mānuka essential oil is commonly used topically for its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for managing skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
For safe application, diluting Mānuka oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, is best to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
A patch test is recommended before applying Mānuka oil to larger areas. To patch test, apply a diluted drop to a small area of skin, like the forearm, and wait 24 hours for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation.
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Aromatherapy
Mānuka oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its stress-relieving and muscle-relaxing properties. To use Mānuka oil in aromatherapy, add it to a diffuser or inhale directly from a diluted mixture.
It is advisable to start with a few drops in a diffuser, especially in well-ventilated spaces, as high concentrations could lead to respiratory irritation.
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Oral use
Mānuka oil is also used in oral care due to its antimicrobial effects against bacteria linked to gum disease and tooth decay.
However, it is not recommended for internal use without professional guidance. Essential oils, including Mānuka, can be toxic if ingested due to their high concentration of active compounds.
Products such as toothpaste or mouthwash containing Mānuka oil at safe, diluted concentrations are preferable for oral health applications.
Safety Precautions and Considerations
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Potential side effects and sensitivity
Mānuka oil is generally well tolerated when used appropriately. Still, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, especially if used in high concentrations or on sensitive skin. Signs of an adverse reaction may include redness, itching, or a rash in the applied area. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
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Pregnancy and special precautions
Research suggests that Mānuka oil possesses muscle-relaxing properties, which could impact uterine contractions and interfere with childbirth. As a precaution, it is generally advised to avoid Mānuka oil during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, and during breastfeeding.
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Interactions and contraindications
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using Mānuka oil if you are currently taking medications or have a pre-existing medical condition. This is especially relevant for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to allergic reactions.
Conclusion
There are multiple uses for Mānuka oil, including supporting skin care, oral health, relaxation, and more. This is thanks to its distinct antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
You can find high-quality Mānuka oil, from reputable suppliers such as NZ Country Manuka and Gya Labs.
To further enhance your wellness regimen, consider Bees & Trees Mānuka Honey—a perfect companion to Mānuka oil that supports daily health naturally.
