The early bushman drank tea-tree, using the Manuka and Kanuka leaves to brew a drink similar to tea. The Maori and early European settlers used to chew young shoots or swallow a drink made from seed capsules as a cure for dysentery and diarrhoea.
Well thats handy information if you ever go bush :)
Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) is similar to Manuka. The difference is that the Manuka's seed capsules stay on the lower branches of the trees for several years while Kanuka sheds its capsules within one year. Manuka seed capsules are approximately 8–10mm in diameter while Kanuka are 4–5mm in diameter.
Kanuka Tea
Kanuka is known to be a calming tea - perhaps its time for that break from office-work to contemplate and unwind. Grab your favourite cup, add boiling water to 1 tsp of Steffie's natural kanuka leaves.