Story: Plant extracts

Mānuka toothpaste

Mānuka toothpaste

Māori made extensive use of mānuka to help cure various ills. The active ingredient is leptospermone, which has antibiotic properties. Today, specialist products made from mānuka include toothpaste, honey and beer.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Nigel Perry, 'Plant extracts - Medicines', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14469/manuka-toothpaste (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nigel Perry, published 24 Sep 2007