Manuka Essential Oil

Manuka essential oil is extracted from the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka or Tea tree). The Manuka shrub is native to New Zealand and southeast Australia. It is found throughout New Zealand but is particularly common on the drier east coasts of the North Island and the South Island, and in Australia in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. Manuka is the Māori name used in New Zealand, and 'tea tree' is a common name used in Australia and to a lesser extent also in New Zealand.

It is typically a shrub growing to 2-5 m tall, but can grow into a moderately sized tree, up to 15 m or so in height. It is evergreen, with dense branching and small leaves 7-20 mm long and 2-6 mm broad, with a short spine tip. The flowers are white, occasionally pink, 8-15 mm (rarely up to 25 mm) diameter, with five petals.

Latin Name: Leptospermum scoparium of the myrtaceae family. The Manuka plant was traditionally used by the Maori people for a range of complaints including bronchitis and rheumatism. Produced by steam distillation of the leaves our pale yellow oil has excellent anti-viral, anti- fungal and bacterial properties not unlike the better known and distantly related Tea Tree.

Whilst a true standard has not yet been established Natural Touch Aromatherapy's Manuka oil has been tested to establish that it is free from adulterants. It may be substituted for Tea Tree in many cases (see cautions).

Methods of use: Bath, massage, vaporisation and disinfectant.

Cautions: As this is a relatively new oil use in a low dilution, 1%, and do a patch test 24 hours before use in a blend to make sure that there are no adverse reactions - Do not use during pregnancy.

Manuka Essential Oil Certificate of Purity