Kanuka Honey

New Zealand kanuka honey is used in our Green Goddess masque.   The powerful health benefits associated with manuka honey have made it a huge success story for New Zealand exporters. Manuka’s cousin, kanuka, is far less famous – but may be equally beneficial.

Like manuka, kanuka honey comes from a native New Zealand shrub found all over the country. The two plants belong to the same family – Myrtaceae – and look fairly similar.

Kanuka has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to help heal burns, bruises, and other wounds. Studies have shown that it can also be an effective treatment for skin conditions including eczema, rosacea and acne.

The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of kanuka come from the high levels of hydrogen peroxide in the honey. This sounds like an added chemical, but it is actually a naturally occurring substance in honey, created by an enzyme called glucose oxidase.  Hydrogen peroxide, along with other compounds in kanuka, helps kill off bacteria, treat fungal infections, and reduce inflammation.