Manuka Essential Oil Spotlight
Manuka essential oil is a household staple for sure. This versatile oil has incredible skin care benefits when applied topically, neutralizes unwanted odors when diffused, and cleanses surfaces when used in home cleaning solutions. Manuka is like a earthier version of Tea Tree, but with even more skincare benefits. Talk about an oil we want in our stash at all times.
Each month we focus on using an oil every day to help us in accomplishing our goals. Join us in choosing a method of application and simply getting this oil on and around you every day in July!
Just a Drop of Manuka
- Has a warm, earthy aroma that pairs well with citrus and cleansing, herbaceous oils like Lavender and Rosemary
- Helps improve the appearance of skin and nails when applied topically
- Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes
- Neutralizes unwanted odors and cleanses the air when diffused
- Makes a great addition to home cleaning solutions and laundry
Background
Manuka is a member of the Myrtaceae family, which also includes Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Native to Australia and New Zealand, this shrub-like tree attracts pollinators, including honey bees that produce an aromatic honey from its flowers. Manuka essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of the plant.
Manuka is similar to Tea Tree, but it's not exactly the same. Tea Tree and Manuka are a lot like the three different types of Eucalyptus essential oils - related but different. Tea Tree and Manuka are from the same family - Myrtaceae - but are more like cousins than sisters.
The biggest difference? The scents. Tea Tree is strong, herbaceous, and slightly medicinal. Manuka has similar qualities but features a warmer, softer smell with a hint of floral, making it a wonderful choice for many things where you'd find Tea Tree too strong.
Manuka & Skin Care
Whether you're fighting fine lines or soothing small skin irritations, make sure Manuka essential oils stands front and center in your bathroom cabinet. Its moisturizing, calming, and cleansing. You can add it to your favorite daily moisturizer, whip up a simple DIY serum or even apply this oil diluted or directly to the skin as desired.
The moisturizing benefits of Manuka essential oil go beyond standout skin, though. This oil is one you want to add to your hair care routine as well, especially if you're needing help with hair recovery. Combine Manuka with your shampoo to replenish thirsty hair and relieve an itchy scalp.
Product Options
Manuka is also a key ingredient in:
Key Constituents
Constituents are naturally occurring compounds in plants (and therefore essential oils) that give them specific health-supporting properties. For more on each constituent, search them on PubMed or Duck Duck Go.
- Leptospermone
- Copaene
- Isoleptopsermone
Daily Habits with Manuka
Add Manuka to your beauty and skincare routine.
Add a few drops of Manuka to your Orange Blossom Facial Wash to elevate its cleansing and moisturizing properties.
Combine 2 drops each of Manuka and Helichrysum to your favorite body butter for an extra dreamy scent and an extra dose of moisture.
Make this DIY Manuka Bath Bar
- 1/2 cup organic shea butter
- 1/2 cup organic cocoa butter
- 1 tbsp organic sunflower oil
- 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
- 1 tsp organic beeswax
- 15 drops Manuka essentail oil
Step 1 - In a double boiler, gently melt the shea butter, cocoa butter, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Stir frequently.
Step 2 - Remove from the heat and add Manuka. Stir to mix.
Step 3 - Line a baking pan with tin foil or wax paper. Pour the melted butter mixture into the pan and let cool at room temperature overnight or in the fridge until set.
Step 4 - Break into pieces and gift to friends and family - or even better - yourself.
Add 2 drops of Manuka to your shampoo once a week. Wash hair gently and thoroughly - spending extra time massaging your scalp - before rinsing to drench hair in moisture and fend off flakes.
Try this DIY Hair Mask infused with Manuka to revive dry hair. Mix a few drops of Manuka essential oil with fractioned coconut oil and massage into the scalp. Cover hair with a shower cap and keep the mask warm. Leave on for 15-30 minutes then shampoo and condition as usual.
Keep feet and toenails in tip-top shape by adding a few drops of Manuka to a cotton ball and applying directly to tootsies.
Give your feet some TLC with this DIY Foot Soak:
- 1/4 cup epsom salt
- 3 drops Manuka
Mix and add to a basin of warm water. Soak feet for about 1- minutes, then pat dry.
Spot treat blemishes or oily spots on the skin with a roller of 15 drops Manuka and jojoba oil. (You can add more Manuka if needed!)
Use in DIY Sugar and Salt Scrubs for an earthy scent and cleansing properties.
Use this oil in your cleaning routine!
Add a few drops onto cotton balls and stash them in drawers, in air vents, under garbage cans, and in shoes for a quick boost of freshness.
Add a couple of drops of Manuka to your Thieves Kitchen & Bath Scrub to tackle tough or moldy messes.
Use in DIY cleaning recipes and add to Thieves Household Cleaner for a fresh boost.
DIY a delightful all-purpose cleaner by combining 1 cup of water, 1//4 cup pure witch hazel, 15 drops Manuka, and 10 drops Lemon.
Try this Laundry Scent Booster. To a glass jar with a lid, add:
- 1 cup epsom salt
- 1/2 cup fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 30 drops Manuka essential oil
- 20 drops Lemon essential oil
To use, add 2-3 tbsp directly to the laundry.
Make this carpet deodorizing powder. To a 4 oz glass jar, add:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup fine sea salt
- 10 drops each Manuka & Lemon (or 20 drops Manuka)
Step 1 - Add baking soda and salt to a jar, and mix well.
Step 2 - Add essential oils, stir, then place the top on the jar and shake well.
Step 3 (optional) - use a small knife or drill to make small holes in the top of the jar
Step 4 - Sprinkle onto carpets and let sit 10-15 minutes before vacuuming.
Diffuse:
Diffusing is a wonderful health habit! We have our diffuser going almost 24/7 and love to choose blends that are supportive of individual needs or systems. Try some of these blends to experience the warm, inviting scent of Manuka.
Full Heart - 3 drops Manuka + 3 drops Bergamot + 2 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce + 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
So Fresh & Clean - 4 drops Manuka + 3 drops Lemon + 3 drops Raven
Herbal Remedy - 4 drops Rosemary + 3 drops Manuka + 3 drops Lavender + 2 drops Tangerine
Laundry Day - 4 drops Citrus Fresh + 3 drops Manuka + 3 drops Cypress
Join us in using Manuka essential oil this month and beyond. Want to try Manuka essential oil, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.
As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer
0 Comments