The manuka plant is treasured in New Zealand because of its wonderful properties and its impact on the natural world. Not only is the botanical oil a great tool for skin care, but local honey bees use the pollen to create some of the best honey in the world. Understandably, manuka products are in high demand. However, not all of them are created equally. To get the best quality manuka oil for the most effective results, you need to use a pure essential oil and follow the directions. Not all companies offer pure oil. Some have natural oil instead. So what’s the difference? Why is pure manuka oil any better, and are there any downsides in going for this more high-end option?
Natural Manuka Oil Vs. Pure Manuka Oil
Before we look at the potential benefits of choosing pure manuka oil, it’s important to understand the difference between pure oil and natural oil. The term natural manuka oil sounds great as it is. You want a product that has nothing but natural ingredients in it for the best results. Anything that has chemical fillers and preservatives could lead to some adverse effects.
With that said, this doesn’t mean that 100% natural products don’t have fillers, too. Some companies will create diluted forms of oil that are safe for immediate use. These are great in the right situation but don’t offer the same potency as pure oil. Other natural products will have additional oils and botanicals in there just to fill the bottle. It might be 70% manuka and 30% almond oil. Others may go as far as using vegetable oil. That’s why it’s so important to read the labels on products and company websites before ordering anything. If you’re determined to get nothing but 100% pure oil here, there can be nothing but manuka oil on that ingredient list.
The Benefits Of Pure Manuka Oil
Choosing pure manuka oil certainly is beneficial for consumers. You get a much more powerful product that has great potential for skin health. When used correctly, this pure oil can aid in wound care and general healing. It has antibacterial properties and is full of antioxidants, which also makes it perfect for promoting cell growth and reducing inflammation.
Pure Manuka oil also has great potential in aromatherapy. Any natural essential oil with a strong scent can evoke emotions and memories as the floral notes trigger past events. Some are more invigorating, while others are relaxing. Manuka oil has a really pleasant scent that’s sweet and earthy because of the pure botanical extract. This can be really soothing when used in healthcare products or added to a bath. The problem with products that aren’t pure is other notes may get in the way. Something with almond or coconut oil isn’t going to smell the same. Cheap products could also end up smelling far too artificial.
Finally, when you choose a company that appreciates pure and organic oils, you’re supporting a greener company. The extent of this will vary from company to company, but you can be pretty sure these suppliers care more about the planet than those using chemicals. They will take the time to grow manuka without the need for pesticides and ensure any bees they have creating manuka honey are healthy and supported. You should also check out the company’s commitment to the environment online when browsing suppliers. Many of the best will also do their best to minimize their carbon footprint and the amount of waste generated. There’s always going to be air miles when shipping manuka oil over from New Zealand, so it helps to find anything that’s trying to offset this in some way.
The Downsides Of Pure Manuka Oil
There are some drawbacks to consider when going for pure manuka oil over other products. The first is the method of application. Pure manuka oil is incredibly potent, and while this means it’s highly effective in the ways mentioned above, you need to dilute it before use. Adding pure manuka oil directly onto the skin could lead to serious cases of skin irritation and inflammation. You’d end up doing more harm than good.
Thankfully, it’s really easy to use the best Manuka products with carriers to get the best out of it. You can add a couple of drops of this soothing oil to another natural ingredient, such as a nourishing coconut or almond oil. You could also add it to your current beauty regime as an additive for your skin and hair care products. Many users swear by this oil as a way to improve their scalp health and add a couple of drops to their shampoo. The added benefit of diluting this oil is that one bottle should last longer than you realize. It all depends on how often you use the oil and how many applications.
The final negative factor to consider here is the cost. A bottle of the best pure manuka honey doesn’t come cheap. It will end up paying for itself when you dilute it in the ways mentioned and when you start seeing the results. You can think of it as more of an investment purchase for ongoing health and wellness. Also, don’t forget that when you buy pure manuka honey from the best suppliers, you’re supporting a crucial industry in New Zealand. You’re paying to ensure that growers can also continue to support the creation of authentic manuka honey from well-maintained colonies of bees.
High-end Pure Manuka Is Worth It
While pure manuka products may be more expensive and more difficult to use, they are definitely worth the cost and effort for the results. You can still get great value from one of these bottles by adding a few drops to bathwater, shampoo, and skincare products. The potency of the oil is great for healing your skin and promoting regeneration. It’s certainly far more effective than the cheaper products with their less-effective fillers or any questionable diluted forms. Invest in the real thing, support real manuka growers, and see the benefits.
