For something a little different, today’s showcase features an exclusive oil that is currently available only as part of a larger package, the Winter Protection Kit. Because it’s nested within this kit and not available for individual purchase, it would be easy to miss it; but don’t! That 5 mL bottle labeled Manuka contains a world of possibilities.
What's all the buzz about Manuka? In the health-conscious world of superfoods, Manuka honey is touted for its healing properties. Perhaps you’ve seen it listed as a power smoothie ingredient or you’ve read about the benefits of including this type of honey in your diet. Well, Manuka honey is produced by bees which have pollinated the flowers of the manuka plant, the very same plant whose leaves, seeds, and bark are steam distilled to produce Manuka essential oil! The manuka plant, native to New Zealand, is a member of the myrtle family, which also includes tea tree and eucalyptus. Seasoned essential oil users will recognize those two plants as the sources of fantastically beneficial oils, so we would expect nothing less than excellence from their lesser-known sister oil!
Manuka begins as a shrub with the potential to grow upwards of 40 feet tall. Traditionally, the Maori of New Zealand have found uses for every last part of the manuka plant in their cultural health practices. Manuka’s scent can be described as distinctly spicy yet sweet, and its rare composition of aromatic compounds gives it the highly valued ability to promote a relaxing environment. Enjoy inhaling those rare aromatic compounds with this bright and sparkly diffuser blend:
Sunny Honey
2 drops Manuka
3 drops Lime
4 drops Grapefruit
Looking for a quick variation on a different theme? Trade out Lime and Grapefruit for Lavender and Frankincense to diffuse a Calm and Collected blend.
Put Manuka essential oil to use in a variety of areas, from cleaning house to cleaning teeth and supporting the skin. Whether you add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and use it to attack grimy surfaces, or create your own mouth rinse with 1-2 drops of Manuka in a small amount of water, you’ll be experiencing those powerful cleansing properties while breathing in a rich, relaxing aroma. Apply Manuka topically to areas of your skin that need extra TLC, particularly after exposure to the elements. For a truly buzzworthy creation, make your own Smoothing Serum for the skin. Combine 30 mL carrier oil with 5 drops pure Vitamin E, 4 drops Manuka, and 3 drops Frankincense. Experiment to see what this regenerating, supportive homemade serum can do to soothe and smooth!
Whatever you do, don’t underestimate the power of Manuka. Nested within the Winter Protection Kit for its valued ability to promote healthy-looking skin, it’s time to see what the buzz is all about.