Manuka Oil Information

Manuka oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves and stems of the Leptospermum scoparium (manuka). The manuka plant is native to New Zealand and grows, variably, as a small bush, shrub or tree. The essential oil is reported to have therapeutic value.

History

• Drugs.com reports that the manuka plant was used historically by the Maori, an indigenous people of New Zealand, for medicinal purposes as well as more mundane purposes such as tools and as a building material.

Production

• Manuka oil is made using a steam distillation process. Steam distillation extracts components by applying steam to a mixture (of water and plant material in this case) and then condensing the vapor.

Therapeutic Uses

• While the research is limited, New Zealand's Office of Complementary Medicines (TGA) and Medsafe reports that manuka oil does have antibacterial properties when applied to gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, for example. It also possesses limited anti-fungal properties.

Side Effects

• The Office of Complementary Medicines (TGA) and Medsafe notes that prolonged exposure to high concentrations (not commercially available) of manuka oil could cause an allergic reaction, such as skin irritation.

Usage

• Manuka oil is produced commercially in a 5 to 10 percent solution that is intended for topical application on minor cuts and abrasions. The oil is applied directly or in a diluted form.