- Region
- Oceania
- Origin
- Aotearoa New Zealand and coastal southeastern Australia; nectar of Leptospermum scoparium
- Traditions
- Rongoā Māori, Mānuka as taonga
Oceania · Food · № 51
Food · Oceania
Mānuka honey
Aotearoa New Zealand and coastal southeastern Australia; nectar of Leptospermum scoparium
A monofloral honey with distinctive compounds such as leptosperin and methylglyoxal. Ordinary food honey is not a treatment.
Safety notes
Do not give honey to babies under 1 year because of the risk of botulism. Wounds belong with a health professional.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of Oceania: No honey for babies under 1 year.
Preparation
Use as food. Since 2018, honey exported from New Zealand must pass an official test to be sold as mānuka honey.
Use in traditions
The mānuka tree is a taonga (treasure) in Māori tradition and is associated with Tāne, the atua of the forest. In rongoā, leaf infusions were taken for colds and fevers, and bark oils or poultices were applied to wounds and skin.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of Oceania
Attributed effects
The mānuka is a taonga; leaf infusions were used for colds and fever, and oil or compresses of the bark on wounds and skin. The honey itself is a modern food.
Preparation and amount
The honey as a food; medical honey products for wounds belong with healthcare providers.
Caution: No honey for babies under 1 year.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Syrup, honey and oxymel