Manuka

Leptospermum scoparium

Family Name:

Myrtaceae – this family almost invariably have gland dotted leaves.

Maori Names:

Manuka, Kahikatoa, Pata

Botanical Names:

Genus Leptospermum – 50 species in Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand (3 in NZ). Shrub or small tree, it is abundant in NZ from lowland to subalpine areas.

Parts used:

Leaves, bark, seed capsules. Fresh leaves and twigs as infusion. ½ cup 2-6 times daily or chew 6-8 capsules every 10 minutes until pain subsides.

Active Constituents:

Leptospermum has anthelmintic properties closely related to properties in the male fern, also an insecticide. Triterpene acids ursolic acid. O-methyl esters of ellagic acid. Mannitol.

Dose:

20-60ml 1:2 tincture per week.

Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anxiolytic, astringent, diuretic, alterative, febrifuge, spasmolytic, antiallergenic, antifungal.

Main Use:

Internal: Kidney and urinary problems, fevers, diarrhoea, digestive problems, colic, worms, blood purifier, halitosis, chest congestion, asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems, haemorrhoids and anal fissures, as a mouth wash or gargle for gingivitis and to promote oral hygiene. An ingredient of Susanne Auber’s Romino ointment along with Kareao for lumbago, rheumatism, and stiffening of the joints.

Combines well with:

Kowhai, Tarata, Kawakawa, Kareao, Kohekohe, Pauwananaga Vine, Harakeke, Koromiko, Camphor, Angelica, Bogbean, Meadowsweet, Prickly Ash, White poplar, Wild Yam.

Related Pharmacology:

Leptospermum fleeces in Malaysia used for fever, lassitude, Dysmenorrhoea, appetite stimulant, and stomachic, bronchitis ad rheumatism. Melaleuca cajupittu for rheumatism and gout.

Caution:

Avoid prolonged use of large doses with meals in case of possible tannin-mediated impairment of mineral absorption.

Medicinal Use:

The Manuka tree also produces nectar that the bee turn into a rich amber honey. Manuka honey I also well known for its curative properties. Many clinical trials have validated this and it has been suggested that this remarkable honey may also help clear infection by boosting the immune system. It is a wonderful medium in which to add such herbs as Echinacea making them more palatable for children. As a base for cough syrups it not only soothes the respiratory tract but helps prevent and relieve secondary bacterial infection.

Mild Sunburn: apply Coldwater to remove heat and gently rub Manuka cream into the affected areas to help relieve stinging and later itching.

Oily Skin and Pimples: Wash daily with Manuka Soap. Apply pure Manuka oil as a spot treatment for problem areas.

Fungal Infections and Nail bed infections: Apply a few drops of pure Manuka oil with a cotton ball twice daily. Continue to apply for 5 days after visible signs of infection have gone.

Skin Irritation, Chafing and Rashes: Wash regularly with Manuka soap and apply Manuka Cream twic daily as required.

Itching Scalp and Dandruff: Add 10 drops of pure Manuka oil to a normal amount of shampoo and massage into wet hair ad scalp. Leave for 5 minutes before ricing out.

Foot and Body Odour: Wash daily with Manuka soap. For Foot odour rub mild Manuka oil or cream into feet 3 times per week. Also protects against fungus infections.

Cuts Scratch’s and Abrasions: Apply pure Manuka Honey oil.

Insect Bites and Stings: Apply a few drops of pure Makuka oil or cream to help relieve itching and inflammation and prevent infection.

Athlete’s Foot: Apply a few drops of pure Manuka oil with a cotton ball twice daily. Continue to apply for 5 days after visible signs of infection have gone.

Aching Muscles and Joints: Massage Mild Manuka Oil into tired aching muscles and joints

You can apply Manuka honey directly to scratches, stings, bites wounds. Manuka Cream, to 95gm vitamin E base cream, add 5ml of pure Manuka oil. Stir thoroughly until all the oil is incorporated into the cream.

Commonly known as

Tea Tree; because the early colonists used its aromatic foliage as an alternative to tea. Captain Cook also used this plant to make tea, he liked the bitter taste.

You can apply Manuka honey directly to scratches, stings, bites wounds. Manuka Cream, to 95gm vitamin E base cream, add 5ml of pure Manuka oil. Stir thoroughly until all the oil is incorporated into the cream.

Manuka is also an excellent hard wood timber for the winter fire and the sawdust is used to produce delicious smoked fish.

Scientific research on Manuka has shown it to be active against a wide range of mico-organisms that cause irritation and infect of the skin and body. Some of them were quite serious, such as MRSA (more commonly known as the H-bug) and other wise were more common ones, such as those that caused Athlete’s foot.

Traditional Uses

From the earliest human habitation of New Zealand by the Maori people around 800 to 1000 years ago, the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparlum) was known to have special medicinal and therapeutic properties.

The Maori people used the leaves and bark for a wide range of ailments, including urinary problems and as a febrifuge (to reduce fever). The leaves were boiled and the hot vapour inhaled for head colds. Leaves and bark were boiled together and the warm liquid rubbed on stiff backs and rheumatic joints. It was also used as a diuretic, a sedative, a painkiller, for inflammation of the breasts, and for healing fractures. Boiled bark was used to relive constipation., as a gargle, and for bathing sore eyes. The emollient gum was given to sucking babies, and was applied to scalds and burns.

Fresh sap was taken as a purifier, seed capsules were boiled and the fluid used externally for bruises and inflammation, and internally for diarrhoea, and dysentery. Raw seed capsules were chewed on for colic, and when powdered, used in a poultice o dry an heal open wounds or running sores.

Prepared by Iren MacCulloch for The Herb Federation of New Zealand’s Herb Awarness Week 11th-18th March 2007