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The extraordinary powers of mānuka honey for health and wellbeing are highly valued and soughtafter by people around the world. This 1oz silver proof coin pays homage to this incredible product.
Long before the arrival of European settlers and honey, the healing properties of mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) were already well known to the Māori people. The sturdy shrub usually grows up to around five metres in height but is able to stretch out into a small tree of around 15 metres if given the chance.
The dense evergreen plant was used by Māori for a wide variety of things. It’s hard red wood was used to make paddles, spears and in the construction of shelters. Its bark was turned into containers, and the inner bark was used to waterproof the roof structures.
Prior to the arrival of European settlers honey was not common, but its healing powers were. The bark was used in various remedies to treat burns and was an effective sedative. Ash could be rubbed in the skin to treat irritations or disease, and vapour from boiling the leaves helped to ease the symptoms of a cold.