Mānuka

The Mānuka tree and its uses

The mānuka tree is native to New Zealand it has been used and valued by the Māori people for centuries. The small spiky leaves on the tree are abundant and the seed pods can remain on the tree for years after they have formed. 

Within Māori culture, mānuka was highly valued and applied across many aspects of everyday living.  It was used internally and externally as a remedy and healing agent for everyday sickness and ailments. The wood was used to create tools and other outdoor items from.  Mānuka branches were also applied in religious rituals and ceremonies within the community. 

Early European contact with the mānuka tree - Captain Cook, upon meeting with Māori, found that the mānuka leaf could be used as a tea.  He gave this tea to his sailors for scurvy. Scurvy is a severe vitamin c deficiency. This deficiency leads to issues such as gum problems, easy bruising, slow healing wounds and fatigue to name a few. 

Mānuka tree,  Leptospermum scoparium varieties

There are approximately 80 subspecies of mānuka trees across New Zealand. Scientific research has shown some of the differences between the varying types.  For example herbal tea made from one type can have a very different flavour to another.     

Another example is the essential oil, some species contain more beta triketones than others.  Beta triketones are known for their potent healing properties. Along with this the aroma profile of mānuka essential oil varies as well.

When tested for their bio active compounds there are differences between sub species and what they contain. Mānuka also contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds, it is valuable to know and understand what type of mānuka would best suit the task you are wanting to use it for. This can be done through scientific testing. 

What properties are in our Mānuka leaf?

Our mānuka leaf contains a variety of properties. One being its relaxation and calming felt effect. The flavonoids on the leaf have been scientifically studied and shown to interact with the GABA receptor in the human brain. This reaction causes a natural calming effect.

Our mānuka leaf also contains the free amino acid GABA (y amino butyric acid) GABA is the main neurotransmitter in the human brain. It is known for its anti anxiety properties.

Our Mānuka leaf also contains a high amount of antioxidants, antiviral, anti bacterial properties, nutrients and vitamins to name a few. 

How can Mānuka Leaf be used?

Due to its natural occurring and diverse bio active compounds, mānuka becomes a versatile ingredient that can be used in wellness product formulations such as herbal teas, tinctures, wellness targeted cosmetics and beverages.  Mānuka leaf powder is another way to utilise the mānuka leaf and its benefits.

Mānuka leaf, a vital ingredient in our product range:

Mānuka was the first native seed we planted, it will always have a special place here at the Native Tree Farm.  We use mānuka leaf in our Mānuka Calm herbal tea, we also distill our mānuka leaf to create a pure mānuka essential oil. 

We are organic certified growers, this means all of our mānuka products are certified organic.