Mānuka，Leptospermum Scoparium (kahikātoa in Māori) is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. The dense, bushy Manuka plant is acclaimed and internationally known for the golden honey produced by its Manuka-loving bees.

However, Manuka is not just the source of much-sought-after honey. In fact, Manuka is one of New Zealand's greatest soil protectors and one of its most hardy species.

Mānuka，Leptospermum Scoparium (kahikātoa in Māori) is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. The dense, bushy Manuka plant is acclaimed and internationally known for the golden honey produced by its Manuka-loving bees.

However, Manuka is not just the source of much-sought-after honey. In fact, Manuka is one of New Zealand's greatest soil protectors and one of its most hardy species. Manuka bushes are very hardy plants that cling to coastal headlands, able to survive strong winds and regular salt spray. It is also found growing above treeline at high altitudes, and often in relatively poor soil. It remains active even when its roots are submerged in water. In this case, the plant produces special aerenchyma, called aerenchyma, which are air channels in the leaves and roots. These tissues are somewhat like snorkels, carrying oxygen and keeping the plant alive even though the roots are submerged.

Manuka essential oil, especially the triketone-rich chemotype, has activity against pathological bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus, Listeria, Enterococcus) and certain fungi (e.g. Trichophyton, Microsporum) and has Insecticidal activity. Manuka oil's unique activity against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and its antibiotic-resistant strain MRSA, has been conclusively shown to be due to the presence of triketones. This bioactive chemotype is now widely used as a topical treatment or ointment and personal hygiene product, and is becoming increasingly common as an alternative to pharmaceuticals.

Has antibacterial effect

Manuka essential oil contains triketones, natural compounds that can kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Has unique and strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria. A study from the University of Otago shows it can be effective against specific bacteria that cause acne. Another study published in the Journal of Microbiology analyzed microbial growth and found that Manuka oil significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and E. coli. Manuka oil has been found to be effective against some antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Has antiviral effect

A 2005 study showed that pretreating herpes simplex -1 and -2 viruses with manuka oil one hour before cell infection inhibited the viruses. After infection, only HSV-1 replication was significantly inhibited.

Similar studies have shown that when in direct contact with herpes simplex virus type 1, flavanones and manuka essential oil were the most active against the virus, with all triketones exhibiting strong antiviral activity. The mechanism is the interaction of triketone with the virion envelope, which blocks viral uptake by the host cell.

Has anti-inflammatory properties

A 2014 study looked at the effects of Manuka essential oil on suppressing or dampening the inflammatory response and found that Manuka has anti-inflammatory effects when inflammation is caused by a microbial infection. In other words, if an infection is causing inflammation, Manuka oil can help relieve it. This also suggests that this essential oil may be effective in treating lesions caused by insect bites and repairing infected wounds.

Has anti-aging and antioxidant properties

A 2013 study showed that topical application inhibited UV-B-induced increases in skin thickness and wrinkle grading in a dose-dependent manner. Simply put, this means that using Manuka essential oil can reduce sunburn. It also inhibits skin inflammation caused by UV-B by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, which can help relieve sunburn.

Has antispasmodic effect

In a 1998 study, Manuka essential oil showed antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, meaning it helped treat muscle strain or inflammation. Research on manuka's use in treating arthritis and fibromyalgia goes even further.

It's a scar remover

Manuka essential oil contains carlarene, which has skin-soothing and analgesic properties, thus promoting the growth of healing tissue at the wound site. Manuka essential oil acts as a comprehensive treatment, first killing or reducing the growth of bacteria or fungi, then reducing inflammation and calming the skin, thus speeding up healing and thus reducing scarring.