Manuka article

Manuka or Leptospermum scoparium is a native shrub or tree from New Zealand that has been used extensively by the indigenous Maori and later early European settlers for its ability to aid in healing and fighting infection. New Zealand manuka is a distant relative of Australian tea tree and eucalyptus, which are all a part of the larger Myrtracae family. This includes clove, myrtle and the leptospermums.
The manuka trees can often be found in very rugged conditions and usually exposed to the elements. The trees’ role in the eco-system is that of a nurturer of forests because it drops a lot of organic leaf matter enriching the soil as well as protecting small saplings from the elements, later giving way to new forests. It is the essential oil encased by its leaves that protects the tree from a host of natural enemies such as bacteria, fungi, and insects. When in bloom, the manuka tree can be seen with a dazzling array of white flowers. These flowers also help produce a honey known for its medicinal properties.

The manuka plant and the indigenous Maori have a rich cultural heritage that has been steeped together since time of the ancients. The Maori traditionally used the tree for medicinal purposes as well as a source of wood. (The Maori people skillfully used their native trees and plants for healing and nourishment.)
A long time ago the Tohunga or spiritual doctor held the exclusive knowledge of medicinal plants. Of course, through time the Maori people gained awareness of the plants being used to treat a particular disease. The Maori did not record information through the written text but through dance, carvings and the oral tradition. So the elders of the tribe, both men and women, hence passed down this very special knowledge that probably took thousands of years to accumulate. Today, these ancient remedies and tonics are still used among tribal members. European settlers later used the manuka. Captain Cooke and his crew drank a tea made from the leaves to prevent scurvy and promote good health.
Manuka has been used to treat a wide range of skin problems such as eczema, ringworm and chronic sores. The young shoots were chewed and swallowed for dysentery. They were also boiled for rheumatism, sprains, abrasions, as well as sore and stiff backs. For urinary tract complaints and to reduce fever, a decoction of leaves was drunk. Vapor baths treated blocked sinuses, hay fever, head colds, bronchitis, and asthma. A poultice of crushed leaves was often applied for many skin diseases as well as to wounds to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself and reduce the risk of infection (Riley,1994).

Geographically, manuka grows prolifically on both the North and South island being found at low and high elevations. Interestingly enough, it is seen by some farmers as a pest or a weed and are constantly battling it for grazing and pasture land.
Through an extensive study and review of the manuka groves on New Zealand’s North and South island, as well as some smaller coastal islands, it was realized that there were great variables in biological activity levels found in the different groves. Further analysis of some oil samples taken from the East Cape region by Dr. Cooke of the Cowthron Institute revealed some very profound results. There was an antimicrobial activity far more powerful than any other region in New Zealand.
The East Cape “Chemotype” was then tested against a wide range of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses. Maori medicine and the analytical sciences had now met head on and the conclusion was not a disaster but a graceful union that is still currently being undertaken scientifically because not all of the manuka’s secrets have been unlocked. This conclusion had confirmed what the Maori had long since known.
The Cowthron Institute concluded that, “East Cape manuka oil was 20 – 30 times more active than Australian tea tree oil against gram-positive bacteria and 5 – 10 times more active against fungi.” It even kills antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. Further testing also confirmed that manuka oil is also effective in fighting bacteria including those associated with acne, foot and body odor.
Manuka oil and its amazing ability to fight infections is attributed to the triketone rich manuka from the East Cape region of New Zealand’s North Island (20 – 30% triketone content). It is the triketones that provide the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties for East Cape manuka with its high concentrations of cyclic triketones, particularly leptospermone, iso-leptospermone and flavesone (Porter and Wilkins, 1998).
These compounds seem to restrict the diffusion of toxins, lessening the adverse reaction to insect bites and stings (exhibiting its anti-allergic anti-histamine abilities) (Porter, 2001). They also provide a calming effect to itchy and irritated skin. Although proven only through anecdotal evidence, the manuka has the ability to reduce muscle and joint pain as well as inflammation associated with injury and arthritis when applied topically.

The Maori of the East Cape have since set up a company to sell commercial quantities of the East Cape chemotype manuka oil. A pioneering spirit was born and the task of creating subsistence for the local tribe as well as a commercial market for the manuka oil. A company was created and is owned predominantly by the indigenous local Maori people. The population of the districts is around 1200.
Land owners are contracted to undertake harvesting and promote a cooperative spirit. Teams of harvesters trim the trees by hand, gathering the trimmed plant matter and packing it into bales for transport. This allows for low impact on the environment and is sustainably harvested every two years. For this reason, groves are rotated being that the majority of the manuka oil is wild crafted organic. The bales are then transported to the small factory where they are processed to extract the oil naturally.
Manuka being quite oil rich is extracted using the ancient method of steam distillation at low controlled temperatures. This releases the essential oil from small glands in the leaves, branch lets, and seed capsules. The oil being extracted naturally with water and without the use of any solvents is then filtered making it ready as a viable commercial product. Manuka oil is a very rare and more costly oil to produce than Australian tea tree oil. It takes approximately twice as much plant matter to produce an equal amount of oil. Further, extraction time takes up to five hours because of its high boiling point compared to the more volatile Australian tea tree oils that are extracted in less than an hour.

Manuka truly has captured the wairua or spirit of the land and its people with its sweet and gentle fragrance. Manuka actually means nervousness or anxiety in the Maori language.
The essential oil from manuka is an extremely powerful bactericidal across a wide spectrum, as well as being fungicidal and antiviral with the ability to kill antibiotic resistant strains. This should not paint the wrong picture. Manuka oil has a very soft and subtler side to it and can be used by itself or because of its pleasant aroma can be blended with a wide array of essential oils.
The manuka oil serves as a protection oil. It stabilizes and protects the nerves, balancing the mood and giving a calming effect. It is excellent for all respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sore throat, and streptococcus. The oil can be applied neat or with a carrier oil to a wide range of skin problems and tends to be quite a bit milder on the skin than Australian tea tree oil. The recommended usage level for activity to be effective depending on the application are 0.5 - 10%.
Some examples of its uses are: cuts, rashes, bites, stings, tine, athletes foot, nail bed infection, eczema, oily skin, pimples, dandruff, aching muscles and joints, and of course in a diffuser.
Manuka oil might be new to many but definitely has secured its place amongst other high quality essential oils.