Everything You Need to Know About Manuka Oil
1. What is Manuka Oil?
2. Manuka Oil Vs. Tea Tree Oil - What is the difference?
3. Can Manuka Oil be taken internally?
4. How do I use Manuka Oil properly?
5. Is Manuka Oil antiviral?
6. What does Manuka Oil smell like?
7. Can I use Manuka Oil on my dogs?
8. Can I use Manuka Oil on my cats?
9. Can I use Manuka Oil on my kids?
10. Can I use Manuka Oil while pregnant?
11. What is Manuka Oil used for?
11a. Manuka Oil for Toenail Fungus
11b. Manuka Oil for acne & other skin concerns
11c. Manuka Oil for ear infections (dogs & humans)
11d. Manuka Oil for cold sores
11e. Manuka Oil for oral health
11f. Manuka Oil for cough and respiratory concerns
11g. Manuka Oil for household use
11h. Manuka Oil for cuts, scabs, stings/bites, & scars
11i. Manuka Oil for hair
12. Adding Manuka Oil to skincare products
13. Disclaimers and Known Drug Interactions
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1. What is Manuka Oil?
Manuka oil is an essential oil that is steam distilled from the leaves and branches of the manuka tree. This is the same tree the bees pollinate to make manuka honey!
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2. Manuka Oil Vs. Tea Tree Oil - What is the difference?
Manuka & Tea Tree Oil share many of the same properties but with two key differences. Manuka oil is shown to be up to 33x more effective against harmful bacteria than tea tree oil. It is even effective against some antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA. Additionally, it is not as harsh on the skin, making it ideal for all sorts of topical applications.
3. Can Manuka Oil be taken internally?
Generally, it is best not to use manuka oil internally. There have been a good number of studies showing that manuka oil is effective against viruses like HSV. That said, the lack of clinical trials means there needs to be more data on appropriate dosing, and it is toxic when too much is ingested.
4. How do I use Manuka Oil properly?
Manuka oil should always be diluted! How much it is diluted will depend on the application. For instance, you might add only one drop to each application of facial moisturizer but need a full teaspoon for a load of laundry.
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5. Is Manuka Oil antiviral?
Yes, manuka oil is a powerful antiviral!
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6. What does Manuka Oil smell like?
Fresh & earthy with notes of honey is the most common way this scent is described. It also has soothing, relaxing properties with used in aromatherapy.
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7. Can I use Manuka oil on my dogs?
Yes! Add it to their shampoo for a healthy coat and moisturized skin. You can also use it to treat bites, scrapes, and wounds. You can read more about thishere.
8. Can I use Manuka Oil on my cats?
Manuka oil is considered too harsh for cats as they have very sensitive skin.
9. Can I use Manuka Oil on my kids?
Yes! As always, make sure to dilute it.
10. Can I use Manuka Oil while pregnant?
Yes, manuka oil is considered safe to use while pregnant.
11. What is Manuka Oil used for?
You can use manuka oil for almost everything from DIY antibacterial cleaning products to acne spot treatment. Our favorite things to add this oil to are: skincare, conditioner, laundry, massage oil & DIY shower bombs! Here are some of the top conditions and uses manuka oil is suitable for:
11a. How can Manuka oil be used to treat toenail fungus?
Manuka oils' combination of antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties makes it the perfect oil toeliminate nail fungus.Not all nail issues are actually caused by a fungus, but that is the only thing most OTC options treat. Manuka oil works WITH the body, not just on it, penetrating even the thickest nail beds.
11b. What are the benefits of using Manuka oil for acne and other skin concerns?
Manuka oil is a fantastic spot treatment for acne, not just because of its antibacterial properties but because it locks the moisture in. In addition to acne, it has been shown to help maintain scalp and hair health, treat scrapes, burns, bites, and wounds, reduce wrinkles and scars, help ease aching joints and muscles, and more!
11c. Can Manuka oil be used to treat ear infections in both dogs and humans?
Many report manuka oil has given them relief from ongoing ear infections. We recommend diluting one drop of oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. This can then be placed in the ear with a dropper. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place it in your ear canal for 15 minutes.
11d. How effective is Manuka Oil in treating cold sores?
Simply spot-treat the sore with diluted manuka oil. Adding to your regular skin/lip care routine can also help reduce the occurrence of cold sores.
11e. What are the benefits of using Manuka Oil for oral health?
Manuka oil is a fantastic addition to your oral care routine. It has been used for this purpose for years by natural dentists and generations of native Maori people. You can add a drop to your toothbrush or gargle with it. Check out some of our favorite oral care recipes in this blog post: https://www.shoppri.com/blogs/news/childrens-dental-health-month?_pos=5&_sid=fceba4897&_ss=r
11f. How effective is Manuka Oil in treating cough and respiratory concerns?
Manuka oil can greatly ease respiratory issues like cough and congestion when used aromatically. You can add it to a diffuser, facial steam, put a drop on your shower bombs, straight into a warm bath, or even just add a drop to a handkerchief or pillowcase.
11g. What are some household uses for Manuka Oil?
Manuka oil is the absolute best way to clean your house and is so easy to use. Combining 2-4 drops of manuka oil and a half cup of water can do everything from cleaning your toothbrush to your toilet! It is also a fantastic way to get clean, soft clothes. Simply add a teaspoon to your liquid detergent drawer or make your own dryer sheets using old t-shirts, white vinegar, and manuka oil.
11h. Can Manuka oil treat cuts, scabs, stings/bites, and scars?
Manuka oil is a cicatrisant that promotes wound healing. When Manuka Oil is applied to the affected areas, it promotes the growth of new cells, encourages the skin to form scar tissues, and can help fade scars.
11i. How can Manuka oil be beneficial for hair care?
Manuka oil nourishes your scalp, fights dandruff and bacterial or fungal infections, and promotes hair growth! Simply massage diluted manuka oil into your scalp or add it to your shampoo and conditioner!
12. How do I add Manuka oil to skincare products?
This is our favorite way to upgrade our skincare! Add it to your shampoo/conditioner, lotion, acne cream, lip balm, and more. You can use our pre-diluted 10% manuka oil in sweet almond oil as a stand-alone oil cleanser and moisturizer.
13. Disclaimers and Known Drug Interactions
As always, we strive to provide the best information backed by scientific studies. However, we are not doctors and cannot recommend any treatment for specific concerns. Talking to your doctor about any concerns you might have is essential.
That said, here is what we think you need to know:
Manuka Oil has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs. There is, however, no research on using it while using other prescribed skin treatments.
Allergic reactions may occur, particularly in people allergic to bees or bee products.
