MANUKA Oil

An essential oil of Leptospermum Scoparium which is a plant native to New Zealand. Extracted from the leaf and stem material of the plant via steam distillation. Renowned for its antimicrobial and therapeutic properties, manuka oil is widely used in natural remedies. The essential oil is found within sacs of the manuka leaves. Steam distillation at specific pressure and temperature is required for the sacs to release essential volatiles, while also preventing degradation of bioactive compounds.

WHAT IS IN MANUKA OIL?

The following table shows naturally occurring compounds that are typical components of the East Cape manuka oil chemotype.

Highlighted in green are the bioactive compounds which give our oil its unique antimicrobial properties. These compounds are more commonly known as β-triketones. Grandiflorone is another major β-triketone found in manuka leaf extract. However, it is not readily extracted through steam distillation and will only show in small amounts of the essential oil.

B-TRIKETONES

The β-triketone percentage value denotes the combined percentage of these compounds in manuka oil. Each batch of our product is tested through GCFID and GCMS analysis to give accurate percentages. We have sourced a strain of Leptospermum Scoparium that is unique to the East Cape region, showing heightened levels of β-triketones and antimicrobial activity. Manuka containing triketone levels that exceed 20% are rarely found in the East Cape area. Hence, we have specifically selected mother plants that are rich in β-triketones.

 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MANUKA, KANUKA, AND GENERIC TEA TREE OIL

Manuka comes from the same genus as other tea tree plants and it is important to note that the term ‘tea tree’ actually refers to several different species within the Myrtaceae family. However, studies have shown manuka oil to be more effective against gram positive bacteria compared to other tea tree essential oils. This is the key difference which makes manuka oil a preferred choice for pharmaceutical applications. *

In contrast, standard tea tree oils have a stronger odour due to higher levels of monoterpenes, while manuka oil has a more subtle fragrance as it contains lower levels of these compounds.

Kanuka, a member of the Myrtaceae family like manuka, has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties similar to manuka oil. However, the primary difference lies in the absence of β-triketones in kanuka essential oil.

When considering the benefits of essential oils, it is crucial to understand the variations in properties and composition. Our products at Koha are carefully formulated to ensure the highest quality and efficacy for our customers.

* Christoph, F. et al., (2000), A comparative study of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of tea tree oils with special reference to the activity of β-triketones, Plantamed (66), 556-560 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10985085 

Essential Oil Application

Manuka oil is to be used topically for wounds and damaged skin. The pure essential oil of manuka can be quite harsh on skin if applied directly. It is recommended that this product is diluted with a carrier oil or added to other skincare creams to optimise therapeutic benefits. Listed below are a few carrier oils that can be used in conjunction with our product.

Almond Oil
Rich in vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant characteristics, almond oil is a pleasant, and appealing carrier oil. Additionally, it has a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids, which might aid to hydrate and nourish the skin. Because it can aid in delivering the active ingredients into the skin, almond oil is frequently used to dilute essential oils, especially manuka oil.

Jojoba Oil
The natural oils produced by the skin and jojoba oil share a similar chemical composition. It contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities in addition to being high in fatty acids. This carrier oil is a suitable option to help protect and hydrate your skin.

Coconut Oil
Medium-chain fatty acids are found in abundance in coconut oil, a versatile oil that may have a number of health advantages. Since it can aid to hydrate and nourish the skin, it is frequently used as a carrier oil for essential manuka oil.

Dilution
A reasonable starting point for dilution of manuka oil, is about 2-5% essential oil in carrier oil. For instance, you could start with a dilution of approximately 10–25 drops of manuka oil per 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil. The resulting dilution of manuka oil in the carrier oil will be 2-5%.

It’s crucial to remember that this is only a general recommendation, and your own needs and preferences may affect the ideal dilution. It’s always a good idea to start with a modest dilution when using manuka oil for the first time and gradually raise the concentration as needed. By doing so, the possibility of irritation or other negative reactions may be reduced.

We advise conducting a patch test on part of your skin before applying to the affected area. Discontinue use if irritation persists.

A Material Safety Data Sheet is available here


VOLATILES

Specific volatiles within the pure extract of manuka oil include butyl esters and alpha pinene, which is a monoterpene that creates the distinctive tea tree odour. These volatiles can cause skin irritation for certain skin types. We are currently looking into ‘fractionating’ the essential oil of manuka to concentrate and separate the beneficial bioactive compounds from said volatiles. This process will form a top quality oil that is compatible with a broader spectrum of skin types. 

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Natural Products

Sourced from remote locations within the East Cape region of New Zealand, free from toxic pesticides and herbicides.

Healing Properties

Our manuka products feature antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to diminish harmful microbes.

Ethically Harvested

We instill regenerative methods harvesting to promote a sustainable form of agriculture.

Traceability

Our products offer unique QR codes that allow customers to trace back to source.