South Sea Myrtle: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

South Sea myrtle is a plant species that belongs to the myrtle family. With botanical name the plant is called Leptospermum scoparium, other trivial names are Manuka and New Zealand myrtle. The South Sea Myrtle is native to the mountains of New Zealand and the southeast of Australia. Manuka honey and manuka oil are made from the sweet myrtle.

Occurrence and cultivation of the South Sea myrtle.

South Sea Myrtle is native to the mountains of New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Manuka honey and manuka oil are produced from the sweet myrtle. The South Sea Myrtle is a plant about four meters high, which can grow in the form of a shrub as well as a tree. The branches and leaves of the South Sea Myrtle have a silvery, relatively dense pubescence. As the plant ages, the bark falls off in strips. The foliage leaves are relatively firm and stiff and have an acuminate shape. They protrude partially horizontally from the branch, can be either ovate or lanceolate, and range from five to twelve centimeters in length. The flowers of the South Sea Myrtle are located in the so-called leaf axils and are usually solitary. The flower cup has a gyroscope-like shape and has triangular calyx lobes, while the petals are roundish. They are white in color, and in rare cases can be pink. The South Sea Myrtle forms wooden capsule fruits with five small chambers that grow to a maximum of one centimeter in size. The South Sea Myrtle originates from the north of New Zealand as well as from Australia. It was introduced to Europe only a few decades ago. In the East Cape region there are particularly large populations of the South Sea Myrtle. The health-promoting Manuka honey, which is collected by bees that gather the nectar of the South Sea Myrtle, also comes from this area. The content of healthy ingredients is highest in specimens of South Sea Myrtle in East Cape.

Effect and application

South Sea myrtle has been known as a medicinal plant for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of Australia and New Zealand, and is even considered a panacea by these peoples. European researchers observed during expeditions that the Maori and Aborigines made a decoction from the South Sea myrtle. This remedy was used to treat diseases and wounds. After South Sea myrtle was brought to Europe, the plant’s ingredients were studied and its powerful healing properties were confirmed. In modern times, an extract of Manuka honey is used in particular. The medicinal potential of the honey is currently being researched at several universities and has already been successfully used to treat wounds. The honey is also suitable as a healthy food, which can be used as a spread or in tea. It can also be used as a wound dressing, although certified quality Manuka honey should be used. Besides honey, other health-promoting remedies can be made from South Sea myrtle. Thus, the flowers and fruits of the plant can be crushed and mixed with warmed olive oil. A few days later, the mixture has formed an oil that can be used for skin care, for example. Also, a decoction can be made from the South Sea myrtle, which is prepared like tea and applied to inflamed areas of the skin. In addition, the decoction is suitable for gargling, for example, in case of pain in the throat or a cold. South Sea myrtle contains various essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Manuka honey extracted from the plant is also effective against Helicobacter pylori, skin infections and chronic wounds. In addition to honey, the essential oils of South Sea myrtle are also commercially available, although attention should be paid to the dosage of the healing substances.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

South Sea myrtle is characterized by a versatile healing effect. The possibility of using South Sea myrtle in medicine was first observed by a botanist named Joseph Banks. He was a participant in the research expedition of James Cook. Banks noticed that the Maori use various plant parts of the South Sea myrtle for the treatment of various ailments. Especially for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and chronic or acute inflammations of the urinary organs, the South Sea myrtle is often used by said primitive peoples. Likewise, the medicinal plant provides relief from symptoms of colds and inflamed skin areas and wounds.Here, South Sea myrtle accelerates healing and curbs inflammation. For this purpose, the Maori made a tea-like brew from the South Sea Myrtle. In this way, the South Sea Myrtle received one of its English trivial names, namely “Tea Tree”. The strongest healing effects are in the fight against germs and bacteria. The substance methylglyoxal is responsible for the strong antibacterial effect. To use the healing effect, for example, the essential oil of the South Sea myrtle can be inhaled or applied to inflamed skin areas. The strong antibacterial effect of the plant is especially helpful for stomach problems, colds, bladder infections and inflamed wounds. It is possible that the active ingredients of South Sea myrtle have the ability to fight the increasing number of resistant strains of bacteria by natural means. After the plant was brought to Europe and subjected to medical tests, a plant antibiotic was also discovered in South Sea myrtle. This apparently has the potential to be effective against various strains of bacteria. It is said that successful therapies have already been carried out against the dangerous resistant hospital germs. When taken orally, South Sea myrtle also has a positive effect on digestion after eating spoiled food, for example.