All About Manuka
Manuka is in the same plant family as tea tree, but its essential oil is preferred in perfumery. Like tea tree, manuka offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Manuka honey has been studied as a digestive aid and antimicrobial. Manuka may also offer insecticidal action and potential as an ingredient in topical applications.
Fun Fact
Native to New Zealand, manuka honey was first produced when bees were introduced to the area around the early 1840s!
Manuka Blog Articles
Manuka Honey and Oil
Latin Name: Leptospermum scoparium
Family: Myrtaceae
Other Common Names
- New Zealand tea tree, manex, kahikatoe, katoa pata, rauwiri, rauiri, tramanuka
Plant Description
Manuka is a tall evergreen shrub with sharp tipped leaves, pink or white flowers, and grey nut capsules.
Essential Oil Description
Manuka Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves. Aroma varies quite a bit based on geographic location. Smell is slightly similar to tea tree, but with a more complex, citrus, woody, herbaceous component.
Key Constituents
- Leptospermone
- Pinene / Alpha Pinene / Delta Pinene / Beta Pinene
- Copaene
- Cadinene
- Selinene
- Terpineol (alpha, beta, or gamma) / Terpinen-4-ol / Terpinolene
- Terpinene / Alpha Terpinene / Gamma Terpinene
- Calamenene
- Isoleptospermone
