Mānuka is more then just your average scruffy, small tree. To my Māori ancestors it was highly valued as a tree with healing in its leaves and branches.
There are Māori proverbs as well as tribal stories recorded that speak of the mānuka tree and its impressiveness, including this particular proverb:
"He iti Kahikatoa pakaru rikiriki te Totara"
The Kahikātoa (mānuka) can reduce the Totara to small pieces.
The totara is a big strong native tree. This proverb speaks of the mānuka tree and its strength, even tho it is a small tree it is very strong.
This Māori proverb reminds me of a common saying to: Never judge a book by its cover.
Mānuka was used internally and externally
- Burns
- Infections (topically and internally)
- Vapour baths
- Urinary infections (leaves were made into a drink)
- Even the seeds were chewed to cure an upset stomach.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial
- Astringent
- Diuretic
If I were to try and describe the mānuka tree I would say -
It is small but strong
It is humble yet extremely resilient and can thrive in many conditions.
It is a hard wearing tree yet has a very gentle side to it, as you pick its branches it produces the most beautiful floral yet earthy aromatic fragrance.