Three different species of Myrtaceae growing in the Antipodes are the Australian Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and two from New Zealand called Manuka Leptospermum scoparium and Kanuka Kunzea ericoides.   They are relatives of Niaouli, Cajeput and the Eucalyptuses which also belong to the Myrtaceae family.  Due to their differing chemical compositions, each contributes their own idiosyncratic role in healing.

Having studied in New Zealand & lived in Australia, Aromamuse has experienced the generous healing properties that each one selflessly makes available to us; all three are beautiful essential oils for both body and mind.

Tea Tree, the most well known and widely used in this plant family, thrives in News South Wales, Australia.   Tea tree is actually the general name given to all melaleuca trees (which include Niaouli and Cajeput as mentioned above), but melaleuca alternifolia has found it’s place in the heart of most households as the effective representative of this plant family.  The term tea tree comes from local usage as a type of herbal tea prepared from the leaves.  Once discovered by Captain Cook it became a valued “bush remedy” by European Settlers.  However, it was only after WW1 that its medical uses got serious attention.  After scientific study in Australia it was esteemed an antiseptic bactericide with 12 times the strength of carbolic acid (the standard at the time) and in 1933 the British Medical Journal recognised it as  “powerful disinfectant, non-poisoning and non-irritating”.  To this day it is the most prolific essential oil in the household and can be bought almost anywhere.  It helps to build strength, resistance (both physically and emotionally), confidence and is the only essential oil with such an impressive antimicrobial CV (Resume); it kills all three nasties: fungi, bacteria and viruses.

No less impressive, but certainly less well known and used outside of the Antipodes, Manuka and Kanuka are just as beautiful & effective and represent true gems in any Aromatherapy kit.  Often mistaken for each other, they are cultivated in different parts of New Zealand.  Manuka is present throughout New Zealand from the lowland to sub-alpine areas, in a variety of habitats, and it sometimes acts as a nursery crop to re-establish forest.  Kanuka prefers dry, semi-fertile sites, intermediate between warm-temperate and sub-alpine zones, and is not found in South Westland, Fiordland, Southland or Stewart Island.  Both have been integral to Maori culture for healing, building, craft and weaponry.

• Similarities
  • They are all antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, bactericidal & immuno-stimulant
  • All 3 are good for the nervous system; protecting, balancing & stabilising, refreshing & revitalising
  • All are good for skin conditions, boosting the immune system, respiratory complaints and mouth complaints

• Differences
  • Manuka & Kanuka are safe to use during pregnancy, Tea Tree is not
  • Kanuka is much milder than both Manuka & Tea Tree and therefore may be used on children , the elderly and those with sensitive skin
  • Manuka & Kanuka can be used in combination to create a synergy similar to Tea Tree, yet not as strong
  • Tea Tree is said to give some protection against x-ray therapy in breast cancer

• Contra-indications
  • Manuka: Occasionally can cause some irritation so be wary of skin types & dilutions
  • Kanuka – None (due to its low biological activity)
  • Tea Tree – May cause irritation on sensitive areas of skin

If you have not had the opportunity to source Manuka and Kanuka, Aromaflex in Nelson, New Zealand, will not disappoint.

See also: True Lavender, Spike Lavender and Lavendin, Know your Eucalyptus: Lemon, Radiata & Blue Gum

Sources: Pub Med.gov, Crop & Food Research New Zealand, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay, Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy by Sue Clarke BSc PhD