Manuka (MβTK20+) ethereal oil

Botanical name: Leptospermum Scoparium

Manuka is the only Leptospermum species native to New Zealand. The Maori people of New Zealand have used all parts of this valuable shrub to produce healing remedies. The leaves were used to reduce fever and help with colds. The bark was brewed into a tea for a sedative.

The leaves and flowers of the Manuka tree are strongly aromatic. The scented flowers are used for making the popular manuka honey, whereas the essential oil of its leaves and lateral branches are much employed for phyto-cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations; mainly because of its potent anti-microbial properties. Manuka essential oil has found itself expanding into a wide range of products for topical treatment of various conditions such as joint pain, eczema and psoriasis.

Scientists have confirmed that manuka essential oil is up to 33 times stronger than tea tree essential oil for protecting against specific strains of bacteria! It is also very effective against MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph. Aureus) bacteria, which is resistant to normal antibiotics. This makes manuka essential oil a very valuable oil to use when creating a disinfectant agent or a cleaning blend. VIZU also used the help of manuka in one of our herbal oil product - ACNE & PIMPLES - so as to eliminate all stubborn acne bacteria which thrives on our skin.

It is also important to note that there are many different chemo-types of manuka essential oil. Manuka trees which thrive in different regions of New Zealand, produce different chemo-types within their constituent build-up. Manuka oil, which contains high levels of beta-triketones type, possesses the greatest anti-microbial potential. Other chemo-types reveal greater anti-inflammatory and analgesic tendencies. Beta-triketones consist of Flavesone, Leptospermone, Isoleptospermone & Grandiflorone; and are collectively known as Manuka oil ßeta-Triketones (MβTK™). These MβTK™ levels vary in concentration from 1% to 30%, depending on the location of the harvest.

VIZÜ’s manuka essential oil is certified MβTK20+, also known as Manuka oil ßeta-Triketones >20%, has one of the highest beta-triketones at a total of 22.43% from our chromatographic data. It is authentic and of very high quality.This oil has been graded MβTK20+ (Manuka oil β-triketones) and is only sourced on the East Cape of New Zealand. The unique growing conditions of New Zealand’s East Cape has given the tree to produce some exceptional high concentration of beta-triketones which cannot be found in any other regions, or in any plants either. Read more of the MβTK grading system here.

Herbal Folk Tradition

For centuries, the Maoris have used manuka to treat a variety of complaints. The whole plant can be used in medicinal preparations. A decoction of the plants were drunk for urinary problems and also to bring down fevers. The steam of the leaves boiled in water was inhales for head colds. An infusion of the leaves and bark is also to rub on stiff and aching muscles and joints. Chewing the bark is said to have relaxing effect and promotes good sleep.

When Captain Cook and his crew discovered New Zealand in the 18th century, they made a tea with the leptospermum leaves to combat scurvy during their long exploration of the southern hemisphere. As a result, the tree became known as New Zealand tea tree.