Manuka is fast becoming a must-have essential oil and is the latest edition to the doTERRA essential oil collection. Revered in New Zealand for its many health benefits, Manuka essential oil supports inflammation. This sweet, herbaceous oil is considered to be less irritating for sensitive skin than Tea Tree oil. Scientists have found Manuka is 33 times more powerful than its counterpart Tea Tree. We have listed the most beneficial ways to get the most out of your Manuka essential oil.

Manuka Essential Oil can help Acne

While the root cause of acne is a hormonally derived overproduction of sebum, it’s important to get the bacteria that feast on the sebum in blocked pores under control to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance and health of the skin. Dilute Manuka essential oil in a non comedogenic-carrier oil such as hemp seed oil and apply to affected skin twice a day.

Ease Dandruff and Soothe Itchy Scalp with Manuka Essential Oil
Dandruff is more common than you may think, as most of us have had it at some point in our life. Dandruff is the result of the overproduction of dead skin and is linked with an over population of yeasts called Malassezia on your scalp. It can become very itchy and red. Manuka oil will soothe an inflamed scalp and assist the microbes causing the itching and flaking skin. Simply, add 2 or 3 drops of Manuka oil to your shampoo & conditioner and then wash your hair as normal.You can also try adding 4 drops of Manuka oil to 2 tbsp. of fractionated coconut oil. Massage your hair & scalp with this mixture, leave for one hour, or ideally overnight, before washing your hair.

Control Body Odour with Manuka Essential Oil
Body odour is caused by an out of balance bacteria population. Even though sweat itself is normally odourless when your skin is clean, when the bacteria that live on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply and begin to leave a smell. Regular use of a natural product like Manuka essential oil can assist with the bacteria. Manuka oil can be added to lotions and carrier oils and massaged into the skin, and it can be mixed with a liquid soap or shower gel each time you bathe or shower. For best results use daily to keep the bacteria at bay.

Combat Stinky Feet with Manuka Oil
Foot odour plagues many of us. It’s embarrassing and unpleasant. But what causes foot odour? Each foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands, producing up to a litre of sweat a day. That’s a lot of moisture to keep pressed against your feet! People get smelly feet when the perspiration has no where to evaporate – but it is not the sweat that causes the foot odour. Bacteria that lives on the skin eats the feet’s sweat, producing isovaleric acid, causing the odour. You can prevent smelly feet by reducing the amount of sweat captured in your shoes by wearing breathable shoes and going barefoot as much as possible when at home.

Take 3 drops of Manuka oil and then add this oil to your body wash or add 5 drops to your bathtub. Allow the oil to soak into the body. Another option, massage diluted Manuka oil into your feet to reduce foot odour and assist with any fungal infection of the toes and feet.

A foot note 🙂 Athletes foot fungus responds well to Manuka oil. Some people have had good results using the oil undiluted on their skin, but undiluted oils can result in skin sensitisation so it’s better to err on the side of caution and use the oil diluted.

Manuka Essential Oil to Clean Wounds and Support Healing
Manuka oil is also a cicatrisant which means that it promotes new cell growth and thereby promotes healing of wounds. Clean wounds with plain, cool water first and be sure to flush out any dirt and debris followed by a wash made with 3 drops Manuka essential oil to disinfect the area. Use several drops of oil in a small amount of water and stir briskly to mix. Use clean sterile cotton wool to dab the wash onto the wound

Manuka Oil for Sting and Bite Relief
This is Manuka’s best kept secret. In case of an insect bite or sting, quickly apply 2 drops Manuka oil to the affected spot to assist with pain and swelling.

We are so excited that doTERRA has added this versatile essential oil to their collection. Manuka really is a must-have essential oil which will soon become a favourite addition (and does go a long way one drop at a time) in every non-tox first aid kit.

You can learn more about ordering Manuka essential oil here.