When you think of using plant extracts and essential oils for health and skin care needs, do you actually think of Manuka oil? Relatively less popular than variants like tea tree or peppermint oil, this plant extract is gaining ground all over the world for its numerous healing and beneficial properties. The western world is waking up to the benefits of this essential oil. However, it has been used for ages by the Maori tribes in New Zealand.

What Is Manuka Oil?

Manuka oil is derived from the small branches and leaves of the Manuka tree which is native to New Zealand. It contains ingredients like Leptospermone, Flavesone, Sesquiterpenes and Triketones which lend the oil powerful antimicrobial properties. After the discovery of its antibacterial and antifungal nature, Manuka oil is being used extensively by the skin care industry. Nowadays, you can find soaps, lotions and shampoos containing this oil. Ensure you buy such products from reliable sources or a natural food store.

Benefits Of Using Manuka Oil:

The major benefits of Manuka oil are:

1. Fights Foot Infections:

Recent studies have indicated that using this oil can help fight a variety of foot infections. The Cawthron Institute of New Zealand study says the use of Manuka oil may eradicate bacteria and fungi that lead to toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. Soaking the legs infected with the bacteria in this oil can help thwart the growth. You may also pour a few drops of the oil in a tub of warm water and then soak your feet in the water for some time for the benefits.

2. Soothes Insect Bites:

Applying Manuka oil can help you cope with the stinging sensation caused by insect bites. It will also help reduce the swelling caused by the bite of venomous insects.

3. Fights Dandruff:

You thought tea tree oil is the only option to combat dandruff? The truth is that Manuka oil also fits the bill. It deals with scalp infections well too. It restores hydration and pH balance in your scalp slowly. It can also be blended with other hair oils and shampoos for treating dandruff. It can also be used to treat lice on the scalp.

4. Antibacterial Agent:

Studies have shown that Manuka oil is much stronger than tea tree oil in terms of antibacterial power. It fights specific strains of bacteria much better than tea tree oil. So, it can be used to fight various bacterial infections in the body.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Action:

Manuka oil also serves as a natural and powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can be used to treat conditions and infections that cause the inflammation of body parts and muscles.

6. Aromatherapy:

Like some other plant extracts, Manuka oil can be used for aromatherapy purposes. Its use can help the users battle stress, nervous anxiety and feelings of depression. This oil can be useful when you are tensed, agitated or nervous. You may also mix it with other relaxing essential oils and resort to methods like diffusing, massage and steam bath to obtain the benefits. It also leaves a refreshing aroma on your body.

7. Fights Muscle Pain And Ache:

You can resort to Manuka oil to cope with various joint and muscular pains. Massaging the oil in a lukewarm state can bring relief from the pain in various parts of the body. Taking a bath in the water to which the oil has been added can also be beneficial in this context.

8. Helps Clear Congestion:

Application of Manuka oil helps in clearing nasal congestion. To get relief from a blocked nose, sinus, and flu you can use steam vapor using the oil.
Whether you have a cold or want to fight dandruff, try this oil. You will be pleasantly surprised at how wonderfully it works!