Manuka essential oil (Leptospermum scoparium)
Manuka is a large shrub with flowers, which strongly attract bees – thus producing the well-known manuka honey and related products. Manuka essential oil is distilled from the twigs and leaves. It is a more recent addition to aromatherapy and is sometimes referred to as New Zealand tea tree (also known as red tea tree) as it shares similar properties. It is however more powerful than tea tree oil and tends not to be so sensitising. I have found that horses generally prefer manuka rather than tea tree when offered each oil to inhale. Manuka is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihistamine, insecticide, expectorant and sedative.
We use manuka essential oil sourced from the East Cape of New Zealand as tests show that oil sourced from this region are the richest in triketones. Triketones are responsible for its unique strong activity against gram-positive bacteria, e.g. staphylococcus aureus and its antibiotic resistant strain of MRSA. This has been conclusively proven to be due to the presence of triketones.
Manuka essential oil is a major ingredient in the Magic Manuka range of products, and can also be found in the Tea Tree, Manuka and Neem Cream Wonder Healing Gel and Spray and the Summer Relief range of products.
Kanuka essential oil (Kunzea ericoides)
Kanuka is also from New Zealand and is related to Manuka. Kanuka is sometimes known as white tea tree and shares similar properties to both manuka and Australian tea tree. However kanuka is a lighter oil, with its molecules able to penetrate the skin and muscle tissue faster and deeper than manuka. Kanuka has very effective anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties. We use this oil in the Magic Manuka range of products.
Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)
Patchouli is native to tropical Asia and has been used for centuries as an incense and also for its disinfectant and insect repellent properties. We’ve added it to a number of our products as it lends itself very well to equine skin and hoof care. Being naturally anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, antibacterial and insecticidal, we’ve added it to the Summer Relief range, Winter Relief range and also the Essential Hoof range of products.
Immortelle essential oil (Helichrysum italicum)
This essential oil is also known as Everlasting or Helichrysum. Immortelle is a very powerful skin healing oil and we use it in both the Wonder Healing Gel and Wonder Healing Spray. It has wonderful cell regenerating properties and when combined with other essential oils such as lavender, helps to prevent scarring and proud flesh formation. Immortelle helps to loosen adhesions from wounds and scarring and also helps to disperse bruising. Being naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and gentle on sensitive skin, we felt this oil was a very worthy addition to the Wonder Healing range of products.
Neem oil (Azadirachta indica)
The neem tree is native to India and other southeast and southern Asian countries. The oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the tree and the leaf and seed can be harvested without causing damage to the tree itself. Neem is highly insecticidal, fungicidal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It is known to be highly deadly to at least 14 types of fungi and this is why we add it to products such Essential Hoof Spray. It is also a natural insecticide and amazing skin healer and therefore a great ingredient to add to the Summer Relief range of products. Tea Tree, Manuka and Neem cream contains a very generous amount of neem oil as well as tea tree and manuka oil. We only use organic cold pressed neem in our products.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Our aloe vera is cold pressed and from an organic plantation in Mexico. Many of our products contain organic aloe vera due to its excellent skin healing properties, and also because it makes a wonderful base for adding other ingredients such as essential oils. Aloe vera gel is packed full of vitamins and minerals and is also very effective against a range of bacteria and fungi. Aloe vera penetrates deep into the layers of the skin enabling healing to take place from the inside out.
D-panthenol (ProVitamin B5)
This natural provitamin B5 (some manufacturers use a synthetic version) is fantastic at adding condition to both hair and skin. We use it due to it being an effective moisturiser, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. D-panthenol helps to bind water to the outer layers of the skin and hair and it also penetrates into each hair follicle and strand of hair. We’ve added this natural ingredient to our Essential Hoof Spray and Essential Hoof Gel, help to aid penetration into the outer layers of the horn improving flexibility and strength. We’ve also added it to the Summer Relief Spray to soothe itchiness and improve the condition of mane, tail, coat and skin.
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