Manuka

Leptospermum scoparium

History

Manuka is a scrub-type tree which grows prolifically around coastal areas of New Zealand. It is said that when Captain Cook sailed into New Zealand’s Mercury Bay, many of his men were plagued with scurvy and other kinds of infectious diseases. The Maōri people offered them a natural remedy derived from boiled Manuka leaves.

Historically, the Maōri have used the wood and bark of the Manuka tree extensively, not only for building and crafting things but also for healing. They used an infusion of Manuka bark as a sedative and to treat scalds and burns. The ash from the bark was also rubbed onto the skin to treat skin diseases, while vapor from leaves boiled in water was used for colds. The inner bark was boiled and the liquid used as a mouthwash.

With colonization in the early 1800s and the introduction of bee hives in New Zealand came what it now the famous Manuka honey which is produced by bees who pollinate its flower. It is said to have prized healing and bioactive properties and which make it essential in a natural medicine first-aid kit.

Not The Same As Tea Tree

Not to be confused with Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil which also originates in New Zealand, Manuka is extremely valuable in its own right and deserves so much love!

Manuka has powerful properties but the most important is its strong antiseptic properties ideal for use on cuts and wounds. You can take advantage of these properties by using either the essential oil or Manuka honey.

Manuka Essential Oil: Steam distilled from the leaves (and often the twigs, too, as the wood/bark is also very beneficial). The yellow or light brown oil is said to be much more powerful antibacterial than Tea Tree (some sources claim that it is 20-30 times more antibacterial/anti-microbial power than Tea Tree Oil), yet it is gentler. Its scent is also softer, herbaceous, and more honey-like than that of Tea Tree.

Manuka Honey: Bees that feed from Manuka flowers produce a type of honey that is highly valued for its antibiotic and antihistamine properties. Manuka Honey is widely used to support digestive and immune health. It can help soothe coughs and sore throats and heal skin wounds.

Blends Well With

  • Basil
  • Bergamot
  • Chamomile
  • Cinnamon
  • Clary Sage
  • Cove
  • Cypress
  • Eucalyptus
  • Geranium
  • Ginger
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Mandarin
  • Marjoram
  • Rosemary
  • Sandalwood
  • Thyme

Key Benefits

  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-fungal: athlete’s foot and dandruff
  • Anti-microbial
  • Anti-septic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Deodorant
  • Fights infections
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Skin Regeneration: Treats scars from acne and other wounds as well as age spots
  • Helps with skin irritation: Eases eczema, acne, psoriasis
  • Antihistamine: relieves allergies in respiratory tract and the skin.
  • Tones oily hair when used as part of a final rinse.
  • Supports respiratory system: sinus congestion, asthma, cold, flu symptoms
  • Promotes healthy gums

Safety

Non-toxic and non-irritant when properly diluted. 

Topical Application

Immunity Boost Massage:

2% dilution:

  • 2 drops Manuka
  • 2 drops Spanish Sage
  • 1 drop Black Pepper
  • 10 ml carrier oil

Whenever you feel flu coming, massage on your chest in the morning and at night. Do not use if you are pregnant or have epilepsy.

 

Diffusing Blends

 Keep Germs Away

  • 3 drops Manuka
  • 3 drops Tea Tree

Worry Free

  • 4 drops Geranium
  • 4 srops Bergamot
  • 2 drops Manuka

Coming back to life

Use while recovering from flu

  • 4 drops Manuka
  • 4 drops Cardamom
  • 2 drops Clove

Aftercare

Use when recovering from intense emotional states.

  • 4 drops Manuka
  • 2 drops Lavender

 

Healing

Toothache Emergency

Warning: This is a MUCH stronger blend, derived from Healthy Smiles. Do not use for prolonged period of time as it is very warming and spicy and not at safe dilution levels. Emergencies only! Make an appointment to see your dentist STAT and use this to get you by until then.

In a 10 mL bottle drop:

  • 6 drops Peppermint
  • 2 drops Cassia
  • 2 drops Clove
  • 1 drop Myrrh
  • 4 drops Manuka
  • 10 mL (2 tsp) of Sweet Almond oil

Massage a drop of this on the gum around the aching tooth. Also place a drop onto the tooth. Do not swallow.

 

Hot compress

Draw out the infection from a deep wound or a cut

  • 3 drops Myrrh
  • 3 drops Manuka
  • bowl of hot water
  • clean muslin square or clean dish towel

Place the essential oils on the water and immediately place the cloth onto the surface of the water so it gathers the majority of the oils. Carefully wring out and apply to the wound. Leave for a few minutes. Repeat the whole process 3 times in a row, using a new or a disinfected cloth each time.

 

Heal cuts and grazes

  • 4 drops Manuka
  • 4 drops Frankincence
  • 2 drops Myrrh
  • 20 mL carrier oil

Place the essential oils on the water and immediately place the cloth onto the surface of the water so it gathers the majority of the oils. Carefully wring out and apply to the wound. Leave for a few minutes. Repeat the whole process 3 times in a row, using a new or a disinfected cloth each time.

Featured in Episode 17

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