The Mānuka tree has many advantages for both the planet and to us. Not only does it work with our honey bees to create the delightful Mānuka honey that we all know and love, but it also produces various other products and helps to protect our native New Zealand environment.

 

Mānuka Honey:

Before the bees get involved, Mānuka honey begins as the nectar of the Mānuka tree. Then, the nectar and the bee meet, and the process of crafting Mānuka honey begins. As you probably gathered from that short story, the Mānuka tree is a vital ingredient for Mānuka honey… Who would’ve thought, right? And at Happy Valley, we keep our honey as natural as possible, meaning there aren’t many steps between the Mānuka tree and your honey jar. The wonders of Mānuka honey are much too vast to cram into one article… So, we had to delve deeper into them in:

• Mānuka Honey in your First Aid Kit
• Superfood & Science: Defining Mānuka
• 7 Household Uses for Mānuka Honey
• Top Mānuka Myths
• Benefits to Eating Honey after Exercise

 

Mānuka Oil:

Many people know the amazing properties of Mānuka honey, but less know about those of Mānuka oil! The remarkable ability of Mānuka oil is well known by the Māori people and their healers. They applied the oil to many ailments, such as cuts, rashes and wounds. But the marvels don’t stop there! Further uses of Mānuka oil include:

• Sensitive skin
• Mosquito and insect bites
• Scalp health and head lice
• Home cleaning

For detailed use directions, see Mānuka oil - A secret weapon.

At Happy Valley, we sustainably prune the leaves from the Mānuka trees to ensure that the trees aren’t harmed upon harvest of the Mānuka oil.

 

Native Bush Protection and Regeneration:

The Mānuka tree is considerably one of the wonders of New Zealand’s native environment, found in in lowland areas all around New Zealand. The tree can thrive in harsh soils and agricultural animals do not commonly grazed on it, meaning it is a strong player in bush restoration. As they grow, they create a shelter for saplings of other native plants, allowing them to grow and helping regeneration of forests. Additionally, the tree prevents soil erosion, which also supports forest regeneration. And of course, we can’t forget how it supplies its sweet nectar to bees, other insects and geckos!
 
Now, who knew an article about a tree could be so interesting?