Mānuka


Mānuka is one of the most popular and well-known New Zealand native herbs with a wide variety of therapeutic actions and indications. It is probably most famous for its powerful antibacterial and antifungal actions, which have been well investigated in a laboratory setting. It has been shown to be effective against some 20 different types of bacteria, including the notorious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Botanical name: Leptospermum scoparium

Common name: Tea Tree, New Zealand Tea Tree, Kahikatoa

Part used: Herb

Activity against various species of fungi has also been demonstrated, including those responsible for athletes foot and candida (thrush). In recent years many herbal practitioners and patients have used topical preparations containing Mānuka oil for such infections with impressive results.

Mānuka contains many tannins and is extremely astringent (that is, it tightens tissues – the feeling you get when you drink black tea). This action, combined with its impressive antimicrobial properties, helps relieve symptoms of diarrhoea and dysentery, as well as making it useful in wound healing and to decrease inflammation and bleeding in the case of gum infections.

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Frequently asked questions

What is mānuka?


Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is a hardy shrub or small tree from the myrtle family, native to New Zealand and parts of south-east Australia, and also known as kāhikatoa or tea tree. It has small, prickly, aromatic leaves and is covered in white or pink flowers in spring and summer. While many people know it for its honey, the leaves, bark and essential oil of the mānuka plant have a long history of use in their own right.

What is mānuka used for?


Mānuka has been a valued part of rongoā Māori, with remedies made by infusing the leaves or gathering mānuka gum. Infusions of the leaves were inhaled to help with colds, and the leaves and bark were boiled to make a liquid applied to ease pain such as a stiff back. Leaves and branches were also placed on hot stones or in boiling water to create a cleansing steam for those who were unwell. Boiled mānuka leaves were also rubbed onto itchy or scabby skin.

Why is mānuka called tea tree?


The name comes from Captain Cook, whose crew brewed the leaves into a tea-style drink. On his second voyage, he even combined mānuka with rimu to make a spruce beer. Settlers and whalers carried on the tradition. Mānuka shouldn’t be confused with the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), which shares the nickname but is a different plant, which is why many prefer to use the Māori name.

Is mānuka oil antibacterial?


Yes, and research backs this up. Mānuka essential oil, steam distilled from the leaves, is studied mainly for its antibacterial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria. What sets it apart from Australian tea tree oil is its high concentration of triketones, compounds that support its antimicrobial action. Mānuka oil from the East Cape region is especially prized, with triketone levels up to 30 times higher than oil from elsewhere.

How do you use mānuka oil safely?


Mānuka oil is intended for external use and should be diluted in a carrier oil or used in a formulated cream or balm before applying to the skin. Do a patch test first, avoid broken skin and the eye area, and stop use if irritation occurs. Never swallow mānuka essential oil, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Check with your healthcare professional before use if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and follow the directions on the product label.