9 Uses for Manuka Essential Oil

Manuka Essential Oil

Manuka essential oil is one of the more recent entries into the aromatherapy collection but native New Zealanders have been aware of its extraordinary health benefits for centuries. The Maoris have long used various parts of the manuka tree to deal with a range of health complaints making use of its oil, sap, bark and leaves because of its remarkable antibacterial qualities.

We have already taken a detailed look at the incredible therapeutic properties of manuka honey here https://healthyfocus.org/8-great-manuka-honey-health-benefits/ and this article will go on to look at the amazing benefits conferred by its essential oil.

The manuka tree known scientifically as Leptospermum scoparium is a native of New Zealand. Manuka essential oil is extracted by a process of steam distillation from the tree’s leaves and twigs. Recent studies have revealed that manuka oil is a rich source of sesquiterpenes that are responsible for its incredible antibacterial qualities and its wide range of medicinal potential.

There are not too many companies making Manuka Essential oil.  Many of the major labels don’t even carry it.   A high quality one we recommend is Hill County Manuka.  It is harvested and produced in New Zealand–where Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil are made.  It is also extracted from East Cape Manuka–which contains unique anti-viral qualities.

1. Athlete’s foot and toe fungus

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of manuka essential oil are well known and have been extensively researched by New Zealand’s Cawthron Institute and others. Manuka essential oil can eliminate a variety of fungi and bacteria that thrive on the feet and toes and cause athlete’s foot.

If you are struggling with athlete’s foot then applying manuka essential oil a couple of times a day is a very effective natural remedy.

2. Rheumatic conditions

The manuka tree has been exploited by indigenous New Zealanders for centuries for its ability to treat aching joints and muscular pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of manuka essential oil are well understood and it can help relieve a range of muscular aches and pains as well as inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism.

3. Bites and stings

I am always interested in a natural remedy for insect bites or stings as I live in an area with a high concentration of mosquitos and innumerable red ant nests. Manuka essential oil is an effective and safe remedy for any bites or stings that you and your family might experience.

4. For the mind

As well as its physical benefits, manuka essential oil is developing a growing reputation in aromatherapy for its ability to combat a range of complaints related to the mind like stress and anxiety. According to many experts, manuka essential oil has remarkable calming and soothing effects on the heart and mind.

Like many other essential oils, Manuka is a real alternative to often ineffective and dangerous pharmaceuticals used to treat stress, anxiety and depression. While there is never any guarantee that any essential oil will help relieve these awful emotional conditions, there is every chance that they will work and there is no danger in giving them a chance.

5. For the skin

Manuka essential oil has cicatrisant properties meaning that it is an effective way to heal damaged skin and scarring. It is useful in treating acne due to antibacterial and skin healing properties. The oil can promote the growth and regeneration of new cells while protecting any wounds from developing infection. Manuka oil has also been found useful in fighting impetigo.

6. Allergies

For anybody that suffers from allergic reaction to dust, pollen or pet hair, then manuka essential oil can be used to calm down and soothe those hyper reactions.

7. Dandruff

Dandruff is an annoying scalp complaint that is very difficult to get rid of permanently even when you spend large amounts of your hard earned cash on commercial anti-dandruff products. Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies and manuka essential oil is one of the more effective. Dandruff is typically caused by insufficient moisture or oil on the scalp and manuka essential oil is a great way to deal with these causes; it can help balance the level of oil on the scalp and also fight any scalp infections.

8. Deodorant

Manuka essential oil works as a very effective deodorant for your body and feet.

9. Congestion and respiratory complaints

Inhaling manuka essential oil can help treat a variety of respiratory conditions including sinus congestion, asthma and the symptoms of colds and the flu.

Research into the Therapeutic Benefits of Manuka Essential Oil

Science has taken notice of this essential oil and has begun to examine its many health effects. Several studies have already demonstrated positive results with regard to its ability to protect against infection and its antimicrobial effects.

1. Diseases caused by infectious microorganisms

The worldwide number of diseases caused by various forms of infectious and inflammatory organisms is alarmingly high. Finding a treatment for treating bacterial and fungal illnesses is a priority and scientists have started to examine the potential effects of a number of therapeutic plants as an alternative to more conventional medications.

A recent study published in 2014 evaluated the use of essential oils from manuka and another species of tree, kanuka with regard to their ability to treat didease and inflammation caused by infection. The fungal and bacterial diseases tested included Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli.

Both essential oils were determined to be significantly effective in inhibiting the growth of four bacterial strains and four types of infectious fungus. Both oils showed very potent antifungal ability and excellent antibacterial qualities with a 100% inhibition rate of the bacteria examined. It was also observed that manuka essential oil was a safe treatment option and worked with no adverse effects on the immune system.

In their conclusion, the authors noted that the potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of manuka essential oil made it a strong future treatment possibility for both infections and immune system diseases. (1)

2. Antispasmodic actions

An earlier study into the antimicrobial effects of manuka essential oil on animals was published in 2000. As well as examining the effects of manuka essential oil, the study also examined the essential oil of two other trees native to New Zealand and Australia, kanuka and tea tree.

With regard to its antimicrobial ability, the study found that manuka essential oil displayed the strongest antifungal effect as well as having the best antioxidant activity.Manuka also showed excellent antispasmodic abilities by reducing tension and contractions in the diaphragm.

Manuka essential oil also caused a reduction in the force of contractions in the uterus. The authors suggested that this meant caution should be exercised during childbirth as a reduction in labor contractions could put the mother and child at risk. (2)

3. Oral bacteria

For anybody that fears the dentist in the way that I do, I welcome any news of a potential treatment for the bacteria responsible for gum or tooth disease and a study published in 2004 set out to examine the effects of a number of essential oils of a variety of oral bacterium.

The oils tested included lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus and the one showing by far the greatest antibacterial effect was manuka essential oil. As well as showing that manuka oil had excellent inhibitory effects, the study found that the oil was safe and non-toxic in the low concentrations used. (3)

4. Mucositis

Research has showed that manuka essential oil is also very effective in relieving mucositis, a painful inflammatory condition caused by radiation treatment. The study published in 2009 set out to evaluate the effects of a mouthwash made with manuka and kanuka essential oils mixed with water.

Nineteen patients suffering from the condition were included in the trial and were given either the essential oil mix or a placebo to gargle. The study found that those in the essential oil group experienced a reduced level of pain and a delayed onset of the disease compared to the control group. They also found that those who gargled with the essential oil mouthwash lost significantly less weight than the other group. (4)

5. Anti-Viral potential in Fighting Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Some research has been done examining Manuka Oil’s potential as an anti-viral to fight HSV-1 and HSV-2.  A study on monkey kidney cells tested the antiviral action of manuka oil both before and after infection.

Manuka oil was effective as an HSV inhibitor pre-infection. Manuka oil was also able to reduce HSV 1 and HSV 2 plaque after infection.  The compounds that were the effective against HSV types were Flavesone and leptospermone.  (6)  These compounds are typically found in higher concentrations in East Cape Manuka Oil.