Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil are nature's greatest secret for healing the skin of skin irritations, athlete foot, fungal skin infections, fungal nail infections, dandruff, rashes and other skin problems. Although it is only in the last decade that the Manuka tree has begun to be recognized and understood through science - the Maori people, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have long known the strength and healing ability of the Manuka tree.
Manuka honey and Manuka oil has been used to treat a range of skin problems including chronic sores, ring worm, eczema, fungal infections (athlete foot and fungal nail infections), scalp itch and dandruff. Others reported that a decoction of leaves were drank for urinary complaints and to reduce fever. The leaves were boiled in water and inhaled for head colds, blocked sinuses, hay fever, even bronchitis and asthma. Leaves and bark were boiled together, and the warm liquid was rubbed on stiff backs and rheumatic joints. The leaves and young branches were put into vapor baths. The crushed leaves were applied as a poultice for many skin diseases and were directly applied to wounds and deep gashes to enhance healing and reduce the risk of infection. The young shoots were chewed and swallowed for dysentery. The bark, the sap, and the seed capsules of the Manuka were also used extensively for treating various ailments.
Clearly, Manuka was an important medicinal plant, both to the Maori people and to the early European settlers who, in the early years of settlement, depended on Maori knowledge of medicinal plants in treating their own illnesses.
Scientific Research
Although the Manuka tree had attracted scientific interest in the past, little had been found of real importance, until some manuka oil samples tested by Dr. Cooke of the Cawthron Institute showed some remarkable results.
The Cawthron Institute research, conducted on behalf of the Company, showed that the oil produced from the Manuka trees, in the Te Araroa region of the East Cape, showed antimicrobial activity far greater than had been seen with other Manuka oil samples and greater than many other natural oils.
The testing showed Manuka Oil to be active against a wide range of micro-organisms that cause skin irritation and infection of the skin and body. Some of them, serious- such as MRSA (more commonly known as the H-bug) and other more common ones such as those that cause Athletes Foot. Cawthron Institute and Crop & Food Research established that East Cape Manuka Oil is at least 15 times more effective than Australian Tea Tree Oil against-gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus and streptococcus) including antibiotic resistant strains. It is also at least five times more effective than Australian Tea Tree Oil against some fungi, including those responsible for Athletes Foot.
Furthermore, research conducted for the Company has determined that the reason for the unusually high levels of antimicrobial activity is due to the presence of relatively high concentrations (20 to 30%) of cyclic triketones particularly Leptospermone, iso-leptospermone and Flavesone. These compounds also appear to be responsible for the beneficial effect of restricting the diffusion of toxins and lessening the adverse reaction to insect bites and stings. They also have a calming effect to itchy and irritated skin increasing anecdotal evidence also now supports the ability of Manuka Oil to reduce muscle and joint pain and inflammation associated with injury and arthritis, when applied topically.
Effectiveness of Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil
Research found that not all Manuka Oils from New Zealand are biologically active. Only Manuka oil from the East Cape region of New Zealand contains high levels of "triketones", the naturally occurring chemical compound that provide the anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties. All Manuka Oil is batch tested by Crop & Food Research to verify all Manawa Manuka oil products contain high levels of triketones to ensure their healing ability.
Manuka Oil Production
Manuka Oil used in the Manawa products is produced at Te Araroa on the East Cape, a clean, unpolluted natural environment. The special Manuka trees grow naturally on the hilly farm and bush lands around Te Araroa. These naturally occurring forests of Manuka have not been genetically modified, nor sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or any other chemicals.
Teams of harvesters trim the trees by hand and gather the young trimmed brush and pack it into wool bales. This harvesting process is sustainable and low impact on the environment allowing re-harvest within two years.
The packs of freshly trimmed brush are transported to the small factory in Te Araroa where they are processed to extract the Oil. The Oil is extracted by gently steaming the Manuka brush to release the essential oil from the leaves. This process is known as pure steam distillation and uses no chemicals during the extraction. It is this pure Manuka Oil that is then used in the Manawa Manuka Oil products.
Directions for Use: Apply sparingly to minor scrapes, abrasions and mild skin irritation.
Disclaimer: This information has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, prevent or treat any disease or illness. It is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem. No claim or opinion on this website is intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements.
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