Antibacterial. Research shows that mānuka oil can successfully target and eliminate several common bacterial infections such as S. aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, and even MRSA. Although tea tree oil is very powerful for targeting bacteria, these studies indicate that mānuka is even MORE potent.
Studies have shown that Manuka essential oil possesses a 30 times stronger antioxidant and antimicrobal activity than Tea Tree essential oil.
Though it is, at times, referred to as a tea tree, they are not the same plant. Additionally, manuka oil is taken from various parts of the Leptospermum scoparium plant, while tea tree oil is only taken from the leaves of the melaleuca tree.
99% NATURALLY DERIVED - Healthy looking skin starts with two powerful ingredients: Tea Tree Oil and Manuka Honey. Tea Tree Oil is a natural cleanser, while Manuka Honey soothes and softens while providing a moist, low pH environment to keep skin in a good condition.
Manuka was effective at 80% concentration only against T. mentagrophytes (zone diameter, 12 mm) and at 40% against T. rubrum and C. albicans with fungistatic activity.
When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
Pamper your fingernails from the comfort of home by mixing 2 drops tea tree oil into a half teaspoon of vitamin E, rosehip, or jojoba oil, and massage into nails and cuticles. Leave on for about a half hour, rinse with warm water, and moisturize as usual.
Toenail fungus treatment options
After a gentle evaluation of your nails, a podiatrist may prescribe an antifungal medication, administer laser therapy, or surgically remove affected nails. Medications could include a topical cream or nail lacquer, as well as prescription pills.
This research found that after 16 weeks, 80 percent of individuals had been cured of nail fungus. This oil has long been used for a variety of purposes, including killing germs and relieving asthma, toothache, and cough.
Manuka oil (Leptospermum scoparium) is rich in triketones, flavonoids and other compounds which give it strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Mānuka oil is one of the most potent natural solutions for targeting fungal infections due to its high concentration of triketones. Unlike many topical creams, mānuka oils and ointments work with the body to help you fight the fungus. They're able to penetrate deeply into the nailbed.
Don't mix Tea Tree Oil with other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin c, etc. Best to use one or the other, not both. Never use it more than once a day – less is more!
Additionally, Manuka oil always needs to be diluted before use.
Topically. You can apply Manuka oil directly to the skin (just a drop will do), or dilute it by adding it to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
Manuka honey's antioxidant and antibacterial properties are key players in treating wounds. It's also worth noting that manuka honey has a lower pH than most honey, which can help promote optimal wound healing. “Manuka honey can help speed up the healing process,” says Flora. “It can also help prevent infections.”
In New Zealand, it is called Mānuka, in Australia, it is more commonly known as Tea Tree, but the word Manuka (without a macron, which is used to indicate a long vowel) has been in common use in Tasmania for at least 100 years.
Manuka honey's antibacterial properties are what set it apart from traditional honey. Methylglyoxal is its active ingredient and likely responsible for these antibacterial effects. Additionally, Manuka honey has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
Tea Tree Oil
This oil comes from a tree in Australia. It's a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments.
Tea tree oil contains key compounds that reduce the bacteria on skin's surface that contribute to acne production, says Ava Shamban, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills. Plus, she adds, "it helps calm the skin and reduces redness caused by acne pustules."
Tea tree oil is expected to be the second most effective anti-microbial agent, as it also contains an OH group, and betadine is expected to be the least effective because it does not contain an OH group.
Antibacterial Activity. The antibacterial activity of mānuka oil is the most characterized, being effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Table 2).
Studies have shown that laser treatment can be very effective as it's uses energy to penetrate the nail bed and eliminate the infection from within. HOT laser – this is where the laser uses heat to destroy nail fungus by heating the nail plate.