East Cape Manuka Oil 100% Pure,
Manuka Cream and Manuka Soap

Only in the last decade has the Manuka tree begun to be recognized and understood through science, but the Maori (who are the indigenous people of New Zealand) have long known the strength and healing ability of the Manuka tree.

Manuka has been used to treat a range of skin problems, including chronic sores, ring worm and eczema. Others reported that a decoction of Manuka leaves was drunk 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 Manuka 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 of the Manuka tree were chewed and swallowed for dysentery.  The bark, the sap, and the seed capsules of the Manuka tree were also used extensively for treating various ailments.

Clearly, Manuka was an important medicinal plant, both to the Maori and to the original European settlers who, in the early years of settlement, depended on Maori knowledge of medicinal plants in treating their own illnesses.

Although the Manuka tree of New Zealand had attracted scientific interest in the past, little had been found of real importance - until some Manuka oil samples were tested by Dr. Cooke of the Cawthron Institute and 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 displayed 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 irritation and infection of the skin and body. Some of them were serious, such as MRSA (antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as the H-bug) and others were more common ones, such as those that cause Athlete's Foot.

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 (20-30%) of cyclic triketones, particularly Leptospermone, Isoleptospermone and Flavesone.

Research shows these compounds to possess mild insecticidal properties. 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.

The Cawthron Institute concluded that "Manuka Oil was 20 to 30 times more active than Australian Tea Tree Oil" for gram positive bacteria, and 5 to 10 times more active for fungi. Further testing has confirmed that Manuka Oil is effective in combating bacteria including those associated with acne or eczema, as well as foot and body odor.

	Mild Sunburn - Apply cold water to remove heat and gently rub Manuka Cream into affected areas to help relieve stinging and later itching.		Oily Skin and Pimples - Wash daily with Manuka Soap. Apply Pure Manuka Oil as a spot treatment for problem areas.
	Fungal infections & Nail Bed Infections - Apply a few drops of Pure Manuka Oil with a cotton ball, twice daily. Continue to apply for 5 days after visible signs of infection have gone.		Skin Irritation, Chafing, and Rashes - Wash regularly with Manuka Soap and apply Manuka Cream twice daily as required.
	Itching Scalp and Dandruff - Add 10 drops of Pure Manuka Oil to a normal amount of shampoo and massage into wet hair and scalp. Leave for five minutes before rinsing.		Foot and Body Odor - Wash daily with Manuka Soap. For foot odor, rub Mild Manuka Oil or Manuka Cream into feet 3 times per week. Also protects against fungus infections.
	Cuts, Scratches and Abrasions - Apply Pure Manuka Oil.		Insect Bites and Stings - Apply Mild Manuka Oil or Manuka Cream to help relieve itching and inflammation and prevent infection.
	Athlete's Foot - Apply a few drops of Pure Manuka Oil with a cotton ball, twice daily. Continue to apply for 5 days after visible signs of infection have gone.		Aching Muscles and Joints - Massage Mild Manuka Oil into tired and aching muscles and joints.

Manuka Oil is rapidly gaining popularity in the field of Aromatherapy. Some aromatherapists believe that although the effectiveness of Manuka Oil as a bactericide and fungicide is dramatic - Manuka Oil has another side. A leading German Aromatherapist, Ruth von Braunschweig, reports on the sensual, "feel good" side of Manuka Oil, stating it to be beneficial for people with over sensitive nervous systems and those who suffer from stress and anxiety, conditions that often manifest themselves in allergic reactions.

She states that "Manuka Oil" is very effective for many skin problems. It strengthens the psyche and at the same time stabilizes the skin, it makes it more resistant, because it is relaxing for the skin nerves as well as cell-activating and regenerating for the outer skin layers. The skin doesn't overreact constantly - so it doesn't come out in a rash so fast.

Therefore Manuka is helpful for sensitive skin, especially itching skin or insect bites, acne, eczema, badly healing skin, inclination to fungal infections, ulcers, bedsores and infections.