FAQs

RāKiwi is proud to be Certified Organic. While not all our honey is certified organic (yet!), all of our honey is completely free from additives, pesticides and sprays. Our bees forage in remote, untouched areas, and we keep things as close to nature as possible every step of the way.

Yes, our Mānuka honey is 100% raw and unpasteurised. That means what you get in the jar is just as the bees made it - with all its natural goodness and live enzymes intact.

Mānuka honey comes from the nectar of the New Zealand native tree Leptospermum scoparium, which only flowers for several weeks each year. The hives are often located in remote, rugged terrain, and collecting the honey requires skill, care and even helicopters for our highest grades. It’s also rare with only about 7000 tonnes produced for the entire global market each year. Combined with its exceptional natural health benefits, this scarcity and purity makes it a real treasure.

Natural honey crystallises over time, especially when it’s raw. We gently cream our Mānuka honey to create a smooth, spreadable texture that’s easier to enjoy. This process does not affect the purity or benefits of the honey.

From natural immune support to skincare, our customers use Mānuka honey in all sorts of ways. The unique properties of MGO make it great for sore throats, wound care, digestive support, and more.

Around 12 calories per teaspoon - less than refined sugar (16 calories). Plus, Mānuka honey is an exceptional natural superfood with over 2,000 compounds, e.g. compared to 80 compounds in Clover Honey.

Yes, unless you’re allergic to bee products. Many mums love it for its natural energy boost, soothing sore throats, and post-birth recovery support. Always check with your healthcare provider.

No. Honey isn’t recommended for babies under 18 months due to the risk of infant botulism.

Forever, basically! As long as it’s stored away from heat and direct sunlight, your honey will remain delicious and safe to eat well beyond its best-before date. The certified UMF™ activity will hold until the date on the jar.

Absolutely. Crystallisation is a natural process and a good sign of raw honey. To restore its smooth texture, gently warm the jar in hot water.

Yes! We use recyclable glass jars - perfect for reusing or recycling. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we encourage you to dispose of packaging responsibly.

We’re so sorry! While we do our best to pack every jar with care, sometimes things shift in transit. Just reach out to us through our website and we’ll make it right.

Kānuka oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the Kānuka tree (Kunzea ericoides), native to New Zealand. While both Kānuka and Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) belong to the myrtle family, they are distinct species with different properties. Kānuka oil has a sweeter scent and is lighter in texture compared to Mānuka oil. It contains higher levels of alpha-pinene, contributing to its unique aroma and characteristics. ​

Kānuka oil is rich in compounds such as alpha-pinene, viridiflorol, limonene, and 1,8-cineol. These constituents provide various health benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation
• Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Effective against certain bacteria and fungi.​
• Antiviral: Assists in combating viruses.​
• Antiseptic: Prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
• Insecticidal: Acts as a natural insect repellent.​
• Muscle Relaxant and Pain Reliever: Provides relief for sore muscles and joints.

 Kānuka oil can be utilized in various ways:​

• Massage: Dilute with a carrier oil and massage into affected areas to alleviate muscle pain or inflammation.​
• Aromatherapy: Add a few drops to a diffuser to promote relaxation and help ease congestion
• Skin Application: Dilute and apply to minor wounds, acne, or fungal infections to harness its antimicrobial properties.​
• Inhalation: Use in steam inhalation may help to ease nasal and respiratory congestion.​
• Insect Repellent: Apply diluted oil to the skin to deter insects.​

Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bronchodilator effects. The higher alpha-pinene content in Kānuka oil contributes to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, combating certain pathogens, and aiding respiratory function. It also imparts a fresh, pine-like aroma to the oil.

Yes, Kānuka oil is beneficial in aromatherapy. Its calming properties can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Add a few drops to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle to experience its soothing effects. 

While both oils possess antimicrobial properties, Mānuka oil is generally more potent against gram-positive bacteria due to its higher triketone content. Kānuka oil, lacking triketones but rich in alpha-pinene, is effective against fungal infections and offers gentler antimicrobial effects

Kānuka oil is considered gentle and is often chosen for its milder anti-inflammatory effects. However, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test and dilute the oil appropriately before widespread application.

RāKiwi's Kānuka oil is sustainably harvested from wild Kānuka trees in New Zealand's East Coast. The leaves and twigs are carefully distilled to preserve their natural properties, ensuring a high-quality, pure essential oil free from harmful residues.

Yes, Kānuka oil can be incorporated into homemade skincare formulations such as creams, lotions, and balms. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition to products aimed at treating acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. ​

To preserve the oil's therapeutic properties, store Kānuka oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.