The following is an extract from a medicinal herb info sheet I produced on this species. The principle active constituent in the leaves is an essential oil, whilst triterpenoids and flavonoids have also been isolated. The oil varies considerably in its make-up depending on the area in which the plant is growing, nine different chemotypes having been identified. A form in the East Cape of New Zealand has the strongest antibacterial action and so is more suitable for medicinal use. A South Island form has a high geraniol and linalol content and is more suitable for perfumery. The essential oil has been shown to be an effective antimicrobial with broad-spectrum action. Studies in New Zealand, for example, have shown that the plant can destroy the Heliobacter bacterium that is implicated in peptic and duodenal ulcers. The oil is made up of several components including cineole which is a stimulating expectorant when taken internally and is a mild anaesthetic and antiseptic when used externally. Limonene has an expectorant and antiviral action. Pinene and cymene have a powerful antiseptic action. Linalool is a powerful antimicrobial, whilst it also has effective sedative effects and is rapidly absorbed through the skin and nasal mucosa. The principle medical actions of the leaves and young shoots can be summarized as follows:- • It is a very effective antimicrobial, comparable to the essential oil obtained from the TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia). It has proved effective against a very wide range of pathogens, in particular, streptococci and staphylococcal bacteria and fungi that affect the skin. • It has mild pain-relieving properties and, when applied topically, has anaesthetic properties. • It has mild sedative properties. • It promotes the flow of perspiration in a fever. This actually has a cooling effect upon the body whilst also aiding in the elimination of toxins via the perspiration. • It has a stimulatory effect upon the immune system. • It is anti-inflammatory. • It promotes the expectoration of catarrh from the respiratory tract. MANUKA is a very effective antimicrobial and has a range of therapeutic actions and medicinal uses similar to TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is very helpful in the treatment of a range of complaints of the respiratory system, especially where that is an over-production of catarrh. Conditions such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, whooping cough and pneumonia have all been shown to respond well to treatment. MANUKA’S antimicrobial action and ability to rid the system of catarrh make it a very effective treatment for complaints of the urinary tract such as cystitis and urethritis. It is also effective in treating intestinal complaints such as colitis, food poisoning and gastritis. Research has shown it to be helpful in cases of peptic and duodenal ulcers whilst it will also aid in the removal of intestinal parasites. MANUKA can be taken both internally and externally as a douche to treat vaginal conditions such as vaginitis, leucorrhoea and candida. It can be taken internally, or used as a mouthwash and gargle in treating gum infections, mouth ulcers, sore throats, tonsillitis and laryngitis. The essential oil is most commonly used externally, though a wash made from the leaves can also be employed. Its antimicrobial action makes it a most effective treatment for a range of skin conditions. In particular, it is used to treat fungal and other parasitic infections such as scabies and ringworm, bacterial infections such as abscesses, boils and impetigo, also viral infections such as herpes and warts. It is very helpful in relieving all manner of other skin conditions such as eczema and dandruff. It is an excellent application for nail infections, cuts, blisters and sores, whilst it soothes sunburn and will quickly relieve the discomfort of insect bites and stings. It can be rubbed over arthritic joints and aching muscles in order to relieve the pain. It has also been found helpful in conditions such as varicose ulcers, corns and bunions.