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Leptospermum scoparium or more
commonly known in New Zealand as “tea tree” is
“manuka” in the Maori language. The term sometimes
includes the “kanuka” or Leptospermum/Kunzia
ericoides.
An antibiotic agent was discovered in the
leaves of Leptospermone. The plant was first known
as Tea Tree by the exploratory team of Cook and
Banks which recognized the plant and recognized its
use when they were docked in Mercury Bay off the
Purangi River in 1769. The prime manufacturer of
Manuka Tea is the Purangi Estate Limited. |
They derive the precious extract completely from entirely
uncontaminated and naturally occurring manuka which grows on
the company’s property on Coombe Hill which adjoins the
Purangi River at New Zealand’s Mercury Bay. A new method of
extraction has been employed that enables the retention of
certain characteristics of the plant such as fragrance and
flavor. This item is sold as a food product in strict
accordance with New Zealand Food Act and Regulations.
Tea Tree from New Zealand is not to be confused with Tea
Tree from Australia which is extracted from the Meleleuca
Alternifolia, a native plant of Australia which is grown in
Australian plantations.
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Another Tea Tree Oil producer in
New Zealand, also located in Mercury Bay, is the
Coromandel Mountains Tea Tree Oil Company Limited.
They in turn extract the oil from unsprayed or
uncultivated and naturally occurring plants by a
natural method which does not require heat treatment
or crushing.
Extracted tea tree oil contains over a hundred
elements and can be used in the field of medicine.
Undiluted or full strength oil is utilized for
relieving stiffness and pain in joints, muscles, and
limbs as well as for topical or skin use for the
treatment of acne, cold sores and boils. The kanuka
oil’s low density allows for the extract’s
penetration through tissue. Immediate relief from
pain stays on for some time and several weeks for
joint stiffness. |
Tea tree oil dilutions may be employed to treat
gaping wounds and as a mouthwash for mouth and
throat infections.
The foremost research conducted on kanuka’s and
manuka’s therapeutic properties had been done by
Professor IR Dr D.F.Merz Agr.Sc., who had been
formerly a faculty member of Hamilton’s Waikato
University.
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He directed and supervised the Tea Tree Oil Project
of New Zealand now manufacturing the Coromandel
Mountains Tea Tree Oil Co. Ltd.'s oil of New
Zealand. His findings supported this product’s
therapeutic properties as proclaimed by the Ministry
of Health’s Therapeutics Section in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Red Tea Tree asymmetrically grows
with abundant flourishing along the whole branch.
All the leaves of Tea Trees in New Zealand
antibacterial properties and have been employed
through the years in Australia medicinally.
For those who would like light, pastel colored
plants, there is the Pink New Zealand Tea Tree.
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Its flowers flourish in a variety of colors ranging from hot
pink, light pink, and white. The Red New Zealand Tea Tree
leaves can be boiled in water to infuse a flavorsome yet
unusual tea.
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