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Manuka tea

(706 products available)

About manuka tea

Types of Manuka Tea

  • Manuka Honey Tea

    Manuka honey tea is made by dissolving manuka honey in hot water. The honey sweetens the water and creates a nutrient-rich drink. Manuka honey is known for its medicinal properties, especially its antibacterial effects in treating wounds and infections. When added to tea, it provides relief for sore throats, coughs, and other illnesses. Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand and Australia, creating a unique flavor profile that is earthy, strong, and slightly floral.

  • Manuka Leaf Tea

    Manuka leaf tea is created using the leaves of the manuka plant. This tea is commonly used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may be beneficial for digestive issues, inflammation, and boosting the immune system.

  • Manuka Flower Tea

    When prepared from the flowers of the manuka tree, manuka flower tea is a less commonly known but still appreciated beverage. It is prized for its delicate, subtle taste and potential wellness benefits. This type of tea is rarer than leaf tea since it requires specific growing conditions to produce enough flowers for tea. In addition to its flavor, manuka flower tea is also believed to possess therapeutic properties, including supporting skin health and helping to fight off colds and flu.

Benefits of Manuka Tea

  • Antibacterial Properties

    Manuka tea, whether from leaves or honey, is known to have potent antibacterial properties. Manuka honey and leaves contain methylglyoxal (MGy) which is responsible for their high UMF antibacterial activity. These compounds help fight bacterial infections.

  • Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant

    Manuka tea contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals and is associated with chronic diseases and aging. These antioxidants promote overall health and may help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for individuals with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Methylglyoxal in Manuka honey also has anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe inflammation throughout the body.

  • Immune System Support

    Manuka tea is commonly used to help strengthen the immune system and ward off illnesses such as colds and flu. This is because it contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium. Manuka honey’s antibacterial and antiviral properties, combined with its high sugar content, create an environment that is less conducive to bacterial growth. This helps to prevent and fight infections.

  • Disease Prevention

    Manuka leaf tea may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer due to its rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help protect cells from damage, thus preventing these diseases.

  • Digestive Health

    Manuka tea has historically been used to promote digestive health. Compounds in the leaves may help soothe the digestive tract, reducing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and irritation. It is therefore helpful for people with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

  • Mental Clarity

    Traditionally, Manuka was believed to have calming effects, reducing stress and anxiety. This may help with relaxation and have a positive effect on mental clarity.

How to Use Manuka Tea

  • Preparing Manuka Tea with Manuka Leaves

    Fresh or dried manuka leaves can be used to prepare manuka leaf tea. If using fresh leaves, about 5-7 leaves are needed per cup. If dried, 1-2 teaspoons should suffice. The leaves should be crushed slightly to release their essential oils and then added to boiling water in a teapot or a cup. Allow the leaves to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong the user wants the tea to be. Strain the leaves and enjoy the tea plain or with honey for added sweetness.

  • Preparing Manuka Tea with Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey tea can be made by adding a spoonful of manuka honey to black tea or herbal infusions like green tea or chamomile. Use one tablespoon of manuka honey for each cup of tea. Manuka honey should be dissolved in hot tea to incorporate the beneficial properties of the honey into the drink.

  • Adding Other Ingredients

    Additional ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor and increase health benefits. Ingredients like lemon, ginger, turmeric, or herbs like peppermint and chamomile can be added to manuka honey tea or manuka leaf tea.

  • Usage Amount

    To enjoy the benefits of manuka tea, it is recommended not to consume more than 2-3 cups a day. Regular consumption should be limited to no more than 1 tablespoon of manuka honey per cup to avoid excessive sugar intake.

How to Choose Manuka Tea

  • Quality of the Source

    Manuka tea should be sourced from reputable suppliers who have a clear understanding of where their manuka plants are sourced from. Authentic manuka herbal tea comes from New Zealand and Australia. Take note that there are companies that sell impostor teas that do not have the same benefits. Buyers may check the supplier’s certifications, customer reviews, and testimonials to ensure they are receiving genuine products.

  • Manuka Tea UMF Rating

    The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating measures the potency of manuka honey’s antibacterial properties. This is only applicable for manuka honey tea. Manuka honey teas that have a higher UMF rating contain more antibacterial compounds and are stronger.

  • Type of Manuka Tea

    There are two types of Manuka tea: Manuka leaf tea, which is made from the leaves of the manuka tree, and manuka honey tea, which is made by dissolving manuka honey into tea. Buyers should decide which tea they prefer between the two types. They may also choose both types to enjoy different benefits. For example, manuka honey tea has a stronger flavor while manuka leaf tea has a richer aroma.

  • Organic vs Conventional

    Choose organic manuka tea when possible to avoid exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Organic manuka teas are more natural and better for health.

  • Packaging

    Manuka honey should be stored in glass containers. Plastic containers may affect the quality of the honey over time. Buyers should therefore ensure they receive tea that is properly packaged to retain freshness and potency. For manuka leaf tea, ensure that the leaves are in airtight packaging to prevent exposure to air, light, and moisture in order to maintain their essential oils and health benefits.

Q and A

What is Manuka tea good for?

Manuka tea is helpful for treating infections, skin problems, sore throats, colds, and digestive issues. It is also good for boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and increasing antioxidant levels in the body.

Can Manuka tea be taken every day?

Buyers can safely enjoy manuka honey or leaf tea daily. Regular consumption even as part of a balanced diet may promote overall health. People should ensure they do not consume more than 2-3 cups a day to avoid excess antioxidant intake.

Are there any side effects of Manuka herbal tea?

When taken in moderate amounts, manuka tea has no side effects. Excessive consumption may cause nausea or lead to digestive problems. Buyers who are allergic to plants in the Leptospermum genus or have preexisting conditions should consult their doctor before taking manuka tea.

What does Manuka tea taste like?

Manuka leaf tea has an earthy and woody flavor that is stronger than green tea. It has an herbal and slightly sweet aftertaste. Manuka honey tea tastes sweet and rich with a thick texture that may be smooth or gritty, depending on the honey's consistency.

How long does it take for Manuka tea to work?

Manuka tea works quickly, especially when applied topically. Its effects can be seen within hours of using the tea. However, internal benefits can take a few days to weeks to notice, depending on the person's tolerance and health status.