Manuka is a veritable medicine chest in one plant. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. Testing has shown that it will even kill antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. It is excellent for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sore throats and strep infections. It restricts the diffusion of toxins, lessening adverse reactions to insect bites and stings. It provides a calming effect to itchy and irritated skin. It is also anti-inflammatory when applied topically, reducing muscle and joint pain as well as inflammation associated with injury and arthritis. It stabilises and protects the nerves and helps to balance moods, having a calming effect. Manuka was highly valued as a traditional medicine (Riley, 1994). It was used it to treat a wide range of skin problems such as eczema, ringworm and chronic sores. Young shoots were chewed for dysentery and boiled for rheumatism, sprains and abrasions as well as sore and stiff backs. The leaves were decocted for urinary tract infections and to reduce fever. It was used in a vapour bath for sinuses, hay fever, head colds, bronchitis and asthma. A poultice of crushed leaves was applied for many skin diseases and wounds.
