Manuka essential oil – a natural way to combat nail fungus and more

Derived from traditional Māori medicine, Manuka oil is known for its unique cleansing properties and captivating scent. Although it is rarely found, Manuka essential oil is a very powerful antiviral and antibacterial agent, particularly useful for skin and ENT conditions. What should you know about the oil extracted from the unassuming New Zealand Manuka tree?

Manuka oil (Leptospermum scoparium) – how is it extracted?

The Manuka tree, known in scientific terminology as Leptospermum scoparium, is a species endemic to New Zealand. Manuka grows throughout New Zealand and is particularly common on the drier, eastern coasts of the North and South Islands.

Oil from Leptospermum scoparium is obtained by steam distillation of the two parts of the plant richest in oil – the leaves and small twigs. As the steam passes through the leaves and twigs, it condenses, and the oil, due to its density, rises to the surface of the condensed water, from which it is then collected.

The oil itself is a relatively new substance in the world of science, as it was first identified only in the 1970s. In turn, since the 1980s, manuka has been cultivated commercially, mainly to obtain essential oil from it, as well as the unique honey produced by bees from the evergreen manuka shrubs.

Manuka oil – what are its properties?

The main active ingredients of the plant are responsible for the health-promoting properties of Manuka oil. These are alpha-pinene ((antiseptic)), humulene ((anti-inflammatory)) and leptospermon ((antibacterial)). The latter is also a component specific to shrubs of the myrtle family, and it is thanks to this that Manuka owes its scientific name.

Manuka oil is characterised by the following properties:

• Antibacterial – Manuka is an unstoppable ally in the fight against various upper respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, colds, flu, sinusitis and coughs. These effects are due to numerous triketones, and components with antiviral
• and antifungal properties – Thanks to its active ingredients, the oil slows down and prevents the growth of many fungi, as well as associated fungal infections
• Disinfectant – extremely effective against all kinds of skin infections. Indeed,, Manuka oil can be used to treat abscesses, boils, as well as cold sores, acne and many more
• Expectorant – its cleansing properties help to relieve congestion in the airways by aiding the removal of mucus from the throat and bronchi

Manuka oil – indications and uses

Oil from Leptospermum scoparium can be used for a wide variety of skin problems, respiratory issues, or those related to the body’s internal systems. The indications for the use of Manuka essential oil are as follows:

• Application to the skin and nails (massages, cold compresses, baths) – acne, bronchitis, burns, insect bites, fungal infections, warts, blisters
• Use in respiratory tract prophylaxis (diffusion, aromatherapy, inhalation) – prevention of infections, cough, runny nose, flu, seasonal colds
• Use in the internal tract – stomatitis, gingivitis, bad breath

Please note, that for external wounds and conditions such as cold sores withxc1949 scars or spots, Manuka oil can be rubbed into the affected area once or twice a day.

Alternatively, for home aromatherapy, the oil can be inhaled directly from a bowl of hot water, for five to ten minutes. For massage, as with other forms of direct application to the skin, it is recommended to mix the oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, argan oil or olive oil.

Manuka essential oil – helpful for acne?

The main cause of acne is directly linked to the overproduction of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands in our body. To reduce swelling, and thereby improve the appearance and health of the skin, the population of bacteria feeding on sebum in blocked pores must be controlled.

When bacteria attack each sebaceous gland, they produce enzymes, that damage its walls, causing the pores to rupture and the spread of germs to the surrounding tissues. Manuka oil kills the bacteria responsible for acne, regardless of whether it is applied topically or used for inhalation via a steam bath. It is this method that is most often recommended for combating persistent acne.

Simply add 2 to 5 drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water, and then place your face at a safe distance directly above the bowl. The steam will penetrate the skin and beneath it, gradually eliminating the bacteria responsible for acne.

Manuka oil – effects on the facial skin

Cadinene, triketones and sesquiterpenols are chemical compounds, found in vast quantities in Manuka oil. Interestingly,, they can help treat a variety of conditions and ailments, affecting the facial skin.

As already mentioned, Manuka oil exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms found on our faces. Recent scientific studies demonstrate that Manuka oil can be used for various facial skin conditions such as acne, eczema, spots, rashes, psoriasis and even sunburn.

Manuka oil is most effective on the skin when used with a carrier oil. Applied directly to the affected area three to four times a day, it will bring about a rapid improvement within just a few days.

Manuka essential oil – does it combat nail fungus?

Manuka oil exhibits remarkable, health-promoting effects on many parts of the body. These include areas affected by all kinds of fungi. In the case of fungal infections, the fungicidal properties of the triketones contained in Manuka oil come into play. It should be noted here that the essential oil from Leptospermum scoparium is described as one of the strongest essential oils with antifungal properties, outperforming such well-known oils as, for example, tea tree oil.

To treat nail fungus using Manuka oil, start by applying the oil regularly to the affected nails up to twice a day, and cover them with a thin layer of cotton fabric. Soaking your feet in a Manuka oil bath can also be helpful. Simply add 5 to 15 drops of oil to 2 litres of lukewarm water and soak the infected nails in it for about 15 minutes. This can be repeated four to six times a week.

Manuka oil – interesting facts worth knowing

What interesting facts are worth knowing, when using Manuka oil?

• High-quality Manuka oil has an earthy, woody and slightly tart scent.
• Leptospermum scoparium usually grows to a height of 2–5 metres, although specimens reaching 15 metres are also found.
• The name ‘Mānuka’ derives from the Māori language. The term means ‘New Zealand myrtle’.
• Despite its close association with New Zealand, the plant is also found in south-eastern Australia.
• Manuka oil blends beautifully with basil, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or oregano and thyme.

“Investigations of kanuka and manuka essential oils for in vitro treatment of disease and cellular inflammation caused by infectious microorganisms” – C-C. Chen et al., scientific journal Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection, Chinese Society of Microbiology, 2016.

“Essential oils from New Zealand manuka: triketone and other chemotypes of Leptospermum scoparium” – M. H. Douglas, scientific journal Phytochemistry, Elsevier, 2004.

“Mānuka Oil – A Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties” – W. H. Tesfaye, scientific journal Pharmaceuticals, MDPI, 2020.

“Manuka Oil, A Natural Herbicide with Pre-emergence Activity” – E. F. Dayan, J. Howell, J. P. Marais, D. Ferreira, M. Koivunen, scientific journal Weed Science, Allen Press Online Publishing, 2011.

“Topical Administration of Manuka Oil Prevents UV-B Irradiation-Induced Cutaneous Photoaging in Mice” – O. S. Kwon, S. H. Jung, B. S. Yang, scientific journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Oxford University Press, 2013.

“Virucidal Activity of a β-Triketone-Rich Essential Oil of Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka Oil) Against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Cell Culture” – J. Reichling, C. Koch, E. Stahl-Biskup, C. Sojka, P. Schnitzler, scientific journal Planta Medica, Thieme Medical Publishers, 2005.