MĀNUKA ESSENTIAL OIL
A distinctive New Zealand aromatic oil with fresh, herbaceous and softly spicy notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Leptospermum scoparium
Common Name: Mānuka / New Zealand Tea Tree
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin of Plant: Aotearoa New Zealand and south-eastern Australia
Country of Production: North Island, New Zealand
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and small branches
Note: Top to Middle
Colour: Pale to deep yellow
Aroma: Fresh, herbaceous, spicy and lightly earthy
About This Essential Oil
Mānuka Essential Oil is steam distilled from the foliage of Leptospermum scoparium. Its distinctive herbaceous aroma is used in diffuser blends, soaps, household fragrance and carefully formulated body-care products. Although sometimes called New Zealand Tea Tree, mānuka is botanically different from Australian Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, and the oils are not interchangeable.
Key Benefits
• Provides a distinctive fresh and herbaceous aroma
• Creates a clean and grounding aromatic atmosphere
• Adds character to diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Popular in soaps and household products
• Suitable for carefully formulated body-care products
• Offers a uniquely New Zealand aromatic profile
History
Mānuka is a resilient native plant of Aotearoa New Zealand and is also found in south-eastern Australia. Māori have long used parts of the mānuka plant within customary practices, including preparations made from its leaves, bark and gum. These traditions should not be presented as historic use of the modern steam-distilled essential oil. Today, mānuka oil is produced as a concentrated aromatic material for fragrance, personal-care and household formulations. Sourcing and cultural narratives should be confirmed with the producer and relevant mana whenua or knowledge holders.
Main Chemical Components
Sesquiterpenes, Monoterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and herbaceous
• Softly spicy
• Lightly earthy
• Distinctive top-to-middle note
Aromatic Uses
• Creates a fresh atmosphere in diffuser blends
• Adds character to soaps and household products
• Suitable for carefully formulated body-care products
• Complements New Zealand botanical blends
• Adds depth to citrus, woody and herbaceous compositions
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as clean and grounding
• Opens with fresh herbaceous notes
• Develops softly spicy and earthy nuances
• Less sharply medicinal-smelling than some tea tree oils
• Individual responses to aromas vary
Blends Well With
Basil, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrtle, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary and Tea Tree.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Dilute appropriately.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or medical conditions.
• Diffuse intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
