Learning about Manuka Oil

With all the benefits of Manuka honey, it only makes sense that there are also benefits from the tree from which the bees extract the nectar that eventually becomes Manuka honey. Like the honey, the oil extracted from this tree offers plenty of benefits. Let's take a quick look at them as well as some rather unique ways to use Manuka oil in your everyday life.

What is Manuka Oil

The botanical name of the plant from which the oil is extracted is the Leptospermum Scoparium and it is native to New Zealand. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plants leaves, flowers, and branches. While offering many of the same benefits of tea tree oil, which comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia (native to Australia), it is considered much stronger.

Properties and Benefits of Manuka Oil

Like Manuka honey, Manuka oil has long been used in holistic care. In addition to this, it is also mentioned in quite a few homemade remedies and products. Let's look at a few of them to see how you can better use Manuka oil in your household:

• Hair Care - one of the more popular uses of Manuka oil is for hair care, mostly for dandruff and dry scalp conditions. Being an oil, it is a natural assumption that this product will help moisturize. To use it in this manner, simply add some of the oil to your bath water and massage it into your scalp.

• Foot Care - a very popular home remedy for foot problems is honey and tea tree oil. With this oil being stronger than tea tree oil, you can hope for even better results. It can be used in a foot wash (see our honey foot care post) or can be directly applied to the area to provide some relief. To apply directly, apply some oil to a cotton ball or Q-tip and apply to the affected area.

• Skin Care - look up home remedies for healing acne scars and you will often find this as an ingredient. The oil also has anti-bacterial properties, so it can be applied to small cuts as well. Another topical use for this oil is to soothe aching muscles and joints.

• Repellent - this was something that we mentioned in our horse care post. Tea tree oil and Manuka oil are actually used in some bug repellents. This makes it a natural repellent for your pet or animal when they are outside in the spring and summer when bugs such as gnats and flies are in abundance.

For more information on Manuka oil or to make a purchase, please click here.

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