Kanuka, a species of flowering trees and shrubs native to Australia and New Zealand, has strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is used in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy, and has been found to be effective in treating skin conditions. Kanuka is often confused with its close relative, manuka.
A kanuka is one of the species of flowering trees and shrubs whose leaves produce a rich, pleasant aroma when crushed. Native to Australia and New Zealand, kanuka has been used by the native New Zealand Maori for centuries as an herbal remedy. Modern medicine has confirmed what the Maori already knew, that kanuka oil has strong antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has a pleasant scent and is used to enhance cosmetics and perfumes. Its calming effect has made it highly suitable for aromatherapy.
The kanuka and its close relative the manuka are sometimes called “white tea trees.” The name may come from historical accounts that British captain James Cook brewed leaves from the trees to make strong tea for his sailors. In recent years, kanuka has seen increasing use in Europe and North America as a natural herbal treatment for many skin conditions. The medicinal benefits of kanuka and manuka have begun to be more closely examined by Western physicians.
Although data is limited, research has shown that kanuka oil can kill several types of bacteria, including listeria, staph, and strep. The oil, which is distilled by pruning and steaming the leaves of the plant, also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, rashes, and eczema. Its antifungal properties make it effective against athlete’s foot. It even kills parasites like ringworm and lice.
The kanuka is often confused with the manuka. To make matters worse, the two names are sometimes used interchangeably. Despite their sometimes similar appearance, there are easy ways to tell the plants apart from one another.
Kanuka species are generally larger, and the shrubs often mature into trees. Manuka is a smaller, multi-stemmed shrub. The oldest kanuka trees can reach a height of 60 feet. The seed cases of the kanuka are much smaller than those found in the manuka species, and its leaves have a much duller sheen. Kanuka leaves are also softer, lacking the sharp points and rough texture of manuka.
Kanukas grow best in temperate climates that tend to be hot. They flourish in the hills and near the coasts, but are rarely found in the forests. When grown in clusters, the white flowers of the kanuka can form the impression of a snowy landscape from a distance. Its wood is not suitable for building or making tools, and is often used for firewood.
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