Kawakawa

Kawakawa – Macropiper excelsum subsp. excelsum Known by Maori as ‘The Pharmacy of the Forest’

History

Kawakawa Micropiper excelsum subsp.excelsum is found in coastal low land forests of North Island and upper half of the South Island of New Zealand. This is a native New Zealand Herb. 

There are two other species Macropiper excelsum psittacorum is found on the Kermedec islands and Macropiper Melchior on The Three Kings Islands.

Traditional used in Maori Medicine and known to be the ‘pharmacy of the forest’ as the first of the rongoā rākau to be planted, it is said that Tāne Mahuta infused the healing power of all the plants in the ngahere combined into the Kawakawa.

Maori wear wreaths of kawakawa on the head as a sign of mourning. Host people of a marae wave leaves of kawakawa to welcome guests, especially at a tangi

Properties

High in antioxidants thymol, carvacrol, limonene, terpinene, ocinmene and caryophyllene.

Antispasmodic, carminative, respiratory, nervine, muscle relaxant, digestive and sedative. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.

High in vitamins A, C & E. High in minerals of zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, niacin, copper, manganese and potassium.

Parts used are the leaves, bark and berries

Treatments;

Kawakawa contains lignans and makes an insect repellent use dried leaves and burn them like you would a sage smudging stick.  Was used to treat the inside of dwellings and kumara patches.

Leaves can be chewed or made into a tea to treat stomach ailments and bladder problems.

The fruits can be eaten as a diuretic.

 The leaves are chewed for toothache.

Externally used to heal cuts, boils, bruises, rheumatism, and nettle stings.

Leaves and bark are boiled in water and the resulting infusion or tea used for the treatment of skin problems such as eczema. A kawakawa oil infusion can be created easily and is excellent for skin problems.

Kawakawa’s stimulating and rejuvenating properties made a good tonic and the easiest way to take this tonic is via making tea with the leaves.

Kawakawa contains myristicin, related to eugenol, which is a mild antiseptic and dental pain reliever.

Uses;

The fruit, bark and leaves of the kawakawa all have medicinal properties.

Disclaimer; please seek medical advice before consuming any herbal remedies or medicine to see if this is right and safe for you. This knowledge above doesn’t substitute professional medical advice.

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OCEAN GYPSY KAWAKAWA, GINGER & LEMON TEA

At Ocean Gypsy we sell Kawakawa, Ginger & Lemon Tea which is excellent hot or cold.

Tea & Chai New Zealand Kawakawa, Lemongrass, Ginger & Calendula Herbal Tea or less commonly known as a Tisane is a wonderful blend of medicinal plants.  Kawakawa is an important medicinal herb for Rongoa Maori (traditional Maori medicine).  Interestingly in the Maori Plant Database from Plant Care Research New Zealand Kawakawa traditional uses for the leaves are for bladder, chest and stomach complaints. 

Available in 60g bag only

This blend is excellent for prevention or during illnesses such as a cold.