Mānuka oil offers a multitude of remarkable benefits for skin that may surpass expectations. This versatile oil is distinguished by its inherent antibacterial properties, which effectively combat acne, thereby promoting clearer and healthier skin. Moreover, its moisturizing attributes play a pivotal role in alleviating dryness, rendering it an ideal complement to a daily skincare regimen.
Learn how you can incorporate this supernatural essence into daily life as an everyday remedy.
Mānuka Oil: What is it Good For?
Mānuka oil is emerging as an indispensable essential oil owing to its diverse scientifically substantiated benefits and multifaceted healing and therapeutic attributes. Mānuka oil’s effectiveness lies in its naturally occurring β-Triketone compounds, which encompass flavesone, leptospermone, iso-leptospermone, and grandiflorone.
The compelling potency of mānuka oil is underscored by its 99.9% kill rate against various gram-positive bacteria, as evidenced by scientific studies. Mānuka oil has been shown to outperform tea tree oil by a staggering factor of up to 1500 times in the same regard of effectively killing gram-positive bacteria.
Research findings point towards the potentially pivotal role of mānuka oil in combatting infections and immune-related diseases. This is vital in the face of the reality of an increasing number of microorganisms evolving to develop resistance to conventional antibiotics.
Further augmenting the allure of mānuka oil is its rich potent antioxidants and sesquiterpene compounds. These constituents endow mānuka oil with formidable capabilities in the battle against the ageing process. Specifically, mānuka oil exhibits antiphotoaging properties by preventing skin inflammation induced by UVB radiation while shielding cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Mānuka Oil Health Benefits
- Analgesic: Provides effective pain relief.
- Anthelmintic: Eliminates parasitic worms or helminths from the body.
- Antibacterial/Bactericidal: Kills and prevents bacterial growth.
- Antidandruff: Prevents the occurrence of dandruff, a common scalp condition.
- Antihistamine: Prevents allergic reactions and inflammatory responses.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and swelling.
- Antifungal: Eliminates and prevents fungal growth.
- Antiseptic: Inhibits infection.
- Cicatrisant: Promotes skin healing, particularly for scars.
- Cytophylactic: Maintains the health of skin cells.
- Deodorant: Prevents unpleasant body odours.
- Expectorant: Facilitates the secretion of mucus and sputum in the airways, aiding in the clearance of blockages, especially in cases of a congested throat.
- Immune Stimulant: Enhances the immune system’s responses to infections and diseases.
- Insecticidal: Eradicates insects such as mosquitoes, sandflies, and spiders.
- Relaxant: Induces relaxation and reduces tension.
- Spasmolytic: Relieves muscle spasms.
- Vulnerary: Supports and accelerates wound healing.
9 Ways to Use Mānuka Oil
1. Reduce Infections
One of the most prominent applications of mānuka oil is its ability to reduce and prevent by inhibiting bacterial growth.
2. Manage Acne
Mānuka oil is a valuable asset in the treatment of acne-prone skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for preventing acne. This particular use has garnered substantial research support, establishing it as highly effective.
3. Wound Healing (Cuts, Bites, Stings)
When the body responds to cuts, stings, or bites, swelling at the site can exacerbate discomfort. The application of mānuka oil can alleviate inflammation and discomfort while also reducing the risk of wound infection, thereby expediting the healing process.
4. Combat Nail Fungus
Beyond its antibacterial attributes, mānuka oil exhibits antifungal properties, making it a valuable resource in combatting athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, ringworm and nail infection.
5. Stress Reduction through Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for improving sleep quality, enhancing focus and concentration, boosting energy levels, and even lowering stress and anxiety levels when the right oils are used. A few drops of mānuka oil added to a warm bath can effectively reduce stress, promote feelings of well-being, and induce calm.
6. Alleviate Allergy Symptoms
Mānuka oil proves beneficial in relieving allergy symptoms. This oil is devoid of known allergens and acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing reactions to allergens.
7. Hair and Scalp Health Health Improvement
Mānuka oil is increasingly recognized for its beneficial effects on hair and scalp health. Its natural properties make it a valuable addition to hair care routines, and its potential benefits include reducing dandruff, soothing itchy or irritated scalp, eradicating lice infestation, and making hair stronger, shinier and smoother.
8. Use as a Deodorant
Due to its potent antibacterial properties, mānuka oil is an excellent ingredient for natural deodorants. When seeking an all-natural deodorant, ensure that mānuka oil is a primary component.
9. Use as a Household Cleaning Agent
Mānuka oil finds versatile use around the house and can be blended with appropriate carrier oils and other ingredients for a wide range of household hygiene and cleaning purposes, including:
- Insect repellent
- Natural herbicide or pesticide
- Disinfecting door handles, keyboards, phone cases, and more
- Disinfecting shoes, linens, and clothing
- Deodorizing cars, furniture, and homes
- Removing mould and mildew
- Cleaning hard surfaces
- Refreshing fabrics and living spaces