Mānuka honey is widely recognised in New Zealand, but many remain unfamiliar with its close cousin, mānuka oil. Mānuka essential oil is known for its remarkable properties in skincare, eliminating body odour, and healing wounds.
In addition to its diverse and wide-ranging benefits, mānuka essential oil has many uses and applications that consumers can apply at home.
What Is Mānuka Oil?
Mānuka oil, scientifically known as Leptospermum Scoparium, is an essential oil derived from steam-distilling the leaves and stems of the native New Zealand mānuka tree.
For centuries, mānuka oil has been held in high regard by the native Maori people of New Zealand due to its medicinal and therapeutic qualities.
Mānuka Oil vs Mānuka Honey
Mānuka oil and mānuka honey both come from the same mānuka plant but have distinct differences in terms of their production, composition, and usage.
Production
- Mānuka Honey: Mānuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of the mānuka plant. The nectar is then transformed into honey through the bees’ enzymatic activity and stored in beehives.
- Mānuka Oil: Mānuka oil, on the other hand, is obtained through the steam distillation of the leaves and stems of the mānuka plant. It is an essential oil extracted from the plant’s aromatic components.
Composition
- Mānuka Honey: Mānuka honey is primarily composed of sugars, water, and various enzymes produced by bees during the honey-making process. Its unique characteristic is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its antibacterial properties.
- Mānuka Oil: Mānuka oil contains a different set of compounds, primarily triketones, which are not present in honey. These triketones are responsible for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
Usage
- Mānuka Honey: Mānuka honey is commonly used as a natural sweetener, as a topical application for wound care and skincare, and for its potential health benefits when consumed. It is valued for its antibacterial and soothing properties.
- Mānuka Oil: Mānuka oil is primarily used for its essential oil properties. It is applied topically and is known for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects. Mānuka oil is often used in skincare products, aromatherapy, and natural remedies for various skin conditions.
Learn about the differences between mānuka oil and mānuka honey here.
Why Mānuka Oil is New Zealand’s Liquid Gold
Mānuka oil, sourced from the East Cape of New Zealand, is scientifically proven to possess exceptionally potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, surpassing those found in other regions.
East Cape mānuka oil is renowned for its high triketone content.
Triketones are compounds that are responsible for mānuka oil’s antimicrobial properties and benefits. Mānuka oil has shown effectiveness against a wide range of Gram-Positive Bacteria and Gram-Negative bacteria that are harmful to the human body.
How To Make Mānuka Oil At Home
To maximise the potential of mānuka essential oil, here are DIY applications and recipes by WellMe that can be easily made at home:
1. Soothe Insect Bites
Ingredients:
- 7 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 30ml of carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil or hemp oil)
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well.
- Apply the mixture to insect bites and let it dry.
2. Combat Fungal Infections
Ingredients:
- 30ml of unscented body cream (e.g., shea butter or unscented store-bought lotion)
- 5 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 3 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area and let it dry.
- Store the cream in a glass jar with an airtight lid.
Read more about how mānuka oil treats toenail fungus here.
3. Reduce Acne (Face and Body)
Ingredients:
- 40ml of castile soap
- 20ml of green tea water
- 10 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well with a spoon.
- Pour the mixture into a bottle for use in the shower.
- Apply a dime-sized amount onto a washcloth or loofah, massage until soapy, and gently rub it onto the body to cleanse.
4. Soothe Irritated Skin and Skin Allergies
Ingredients:
- 30ml of natural lotion or cocoa butter
- 6 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Add the ingredients to a bottle and shake well.
- Apply a small amount to the affected area to soothe allergic reactions.
5. Minimise Signs of Aging
Ingredients:
- 10ml of snail slime
- 20ml of carrier oil (e.g., coconut or rosehip oil)
- 6 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store the serum in a glass jar.
- Apply a small amount to the face and neck before bedtime.
6. At-Home All-Natural Counter Spray
Ingredients:
- 30ml of white vinegar
- 30ml of water
- 10 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Use the spray on dry surfaces for cleaning.
7. At-Home Deodorising Room Spray
Ingredients:
- 40ml of water
- 6 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Use the spray to freshen the air and eliminate odours in various areas at home.
8. At-Home Sunscreen Lotion
Ingredients:
- 10ml of aloe vera
- 20ml of shea butter
- 6 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store the lotion in a glass jar with a lid.
- Apply to sun-exposed areas of the skin for soothing and repairing sun damage.
9. At-Home Meditation Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of mānuka essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops of orange blossom essential oil
- 30ml of carrier oil (e.g., hemp or jojoba oil)
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well.
- Use the blend by applying a few drops to the hands, rubbing them together, and inhaling deeply during meditation or aromatherapy.
These DIY recipes harness the potential benefits of mānuka essential oil for various purposes, from skincare to home cleaning and relaxation.