Product Information
Common name: New Zealand Tea Tree, Kahikatoa Manuka 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).
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 Manuka oil for such infections with impressive results.
Manuka 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.
In the tincture form, the high levels of tannins in Manuka make it extremely astringent, meaning it helps to draw tissues together to aid in the healing process.
Manuka’s actions make it perfectly suited to helping with a wide range of conditions; cuts, sores, infections (both fungal and bacterial), inflammatory skin conditions, oral infections and ulcers. Manuka oil is excellent as a first aid application for cuts, scratches and bites. It can also be used diluted as an anti-septic lotion on even very sensitive skins, such as baby’s bottoms!
Laboratory studies done at the Dental School at New Zealands’ Otago University show a synergistic action between Manuka and another NZ native Tanekaha against many common oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans, Strep. mitis, and Actinomyces naeslundii. Manuka is useful for promoting oral health, reducing mouth and gum infection, and can be used for sores in the mouth and healing after dental surgeries. It can also be gargled or sprayed into the mouth for sore throats.
Ingredients: Manuka leaves and bark extracted in 40% alcohol.
