MANUKA
Native to Australia and New Zealand, Manuka is a remarkable member of the myrtle family and a botanical relative of Tea Tree. Its delicate flowers attract honeybees, while its leaves and small stems give us an earthy, slightly sweet essential oil with uses that reach from skin care to freshening the home.
With its warm botanical aroma and remarkable versatility, Manuka earns a place far beyond the essential oil cabinet.
Meet Manuka
Manuka belongs to the Myrtaceae family—the same botanical family that includes Tea Tree and other familiar aromatic plants.
Growing as a hardy shrub or small tree, Manuka produces delicate flowers that attract pollinators, including the honeybees responsible for the famous aromatic Manuka honey.
Yet the flowers aren't the only interesting part of this plant.
Steam distillation of Manuka's leaves and small stems produces an essential oil with its own distinctive aromatic profile and practical uses.
Young Living sources Manuka from New Zealand, including wildcrafted plant material from the East Cape region.
More Than Manuka Honey
Many people recognize the word Manuka because of Manuka honey—but Manuka essential oil comes from a different part of this fascinating plant.
From the Flowers
Honeybees gather nectar from Manuka flowers to produce the distinctive honey associated with the plant.
From the Leaves + Small Stems
The aromatic oil comes from steam distillation of the plant's leaves and small stems.
What Does Manuka Smell Like?
Manuka carries an earthy, herbaceous character reminiscent of Tea Tree, softened by subtle sweet and woodsy notes.
Diffuse it alone or pair it with citrus, floral, resinous, or other botanical oils to create a fresh, grounded atmosphere.
Practical Beauty in Everyday Life
Skin + Complexion
Add Manuka to a favorite facial serum, essence, cleanser, or moisturizer to support healthy-looking skin and help reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Feet + Nails
Apply Manuka to toenails and between the toes or add it to a relaxing foot-care routine to support the appearance of healthy feet and nails.
Freshen the Air
Diffuse Manuka to neutralize unwanted odors and create a clean, fresh-smelling environment.
Home Cleaning
Add Manuka to Thieves® Household Cleaner or another favorite home-cleaning solution for an earthy aromatic boost.
Scalp + Hair Routine
Massage a few drops into the scalp before shampooing as part of an invigorating scalp-care ritual.
Five Practical Places to Begin
Add It to Your Skin Care
Add a drop to a single application of your favorite facial cleanser, serum, essence, or moisturizer. Perfect for an evening botanical skin-care ritual.
Give Your Feet Some Attention
Apply Manuka to toenails and between the toes as part of your regular foot-care routine. For a spa-like experience, add Manuka to a warm foot bath.
Freshen the Room
Diffuse Manuka when cooking odors or other unwanted smells linger. Its earthy aroma creates a clean, grounded atmosphere without relying on synthetic fragrance.
Upgrade Cleaning Day
Add a few drops of Manuka to diluted Thieves® Household Cleaner for an additional botanical aroma.
Try a Scalp Massage
Before shampooing, massage a few drops of Manuka into the scalp. Allow a few minutes to enjoy the aromatic experience, then shampoo normally.
Down to Earth Spring Floral
- 2 drops Manuka
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops German Chamomile
Add water according to the directions for your diffuser and enjoy.
Earthy Manuka and Frankincense meet bright Bergamot and gentle German Chamomile for a beautifully balanced botanical aroma.
Manuka + Grapefruit
Combine Manuka and Grapefruit in the diffuser to create a fresh, spa-inspired aromatic experience. This pairing works especially well in a bathroom while enjoying a warm shower or bath.
Blend Companions to Explore
Experiment with aroma combinations according to your personal preference and the atmosphere you want to create.
Lavender
soft and floral
Grapefruit
bright and refreshing
Orange
warm citrus
Tangerine
sweet and uplifting
Frankincense
rich and grounding
Tea Tree
crisp and herbaceous
Melissa
fresh and delicate
Clary Sage
herbaceous and balancing
Topically
Apply 2–4 drops directly to the desired area as directed on the Young Living product label.
Dilution generally isn't required except for sensitive skin. For facial use or sensitive skin, starting with a diluted application offers a gentle introduction.
Aromatically
Diffuse according to the current Young Living Manuka product label and the directions supplied with the diffuser.
Important
Manuka essential oil carries labeling for topical and aromatic use, not internal consumption.
Manuka and Tea Tree Are Botanical Relatives
Manuka and Tea Tree both belong to the Myrtaceae family.
Their aromas and traditional botanical uses share similarities, but Manuka remains its own distinct species with its own naturally occurring aromatic constituents.
Manuka: Leptospermum scoparium
This makes Manuka an intriguing oil for people who already enjoy Tea Tree but want to explore another member of this fascinating botanical family.
A Botanical Journey
Simple Guidance for Everyday Use
- For external use only.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Follow the current Young Living product label.
- People with sensitive skin can dilute with a carrier oil before topical use.
- If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition, consult an appropriate health professional before use.
- Manuka does not carry a photosensitivity warning according to Young Living's product information.
One Plant. So Many Possibilities.
From a morning skin-care ritual to freshening the kitchen after dinner, Manuka offers a wonderfully practical way to bring another New Zealand botanical into everyday life.
Earthy enough to ground a diffuser blend. Gentle enough for a thoughtful skin-care ritual. Practical enough to earn a place in the cleaning cabinet.
Sources & Further Reading
View Sources & References
- Young Living Manuka Product Information
- Young Living Manuka Product Page
- Young Living sourcing information for New Zealand botanicals
- General botanical references for Leptospermum scoparium and the Myrtaceae family
