02/12/2023
Kawakawa; ‘Piper Excelsum’ - member of the pepper family and considered native to New Zealand.
Traditionally used in Maori medicine Rongoa, wounds were bound with it’s leaves, and leaves could be chewn for toothache as well as infusions made from leaves and roots.
leaves with kawakawa looper moth catepillar holes are chosen as the plant raises levels of phytonutrients due to insect attack, and youngest leaves are left as to not disrupt the generations of leaves after.
Culturally, the leaves are worn to welcome people into the marae and at Tangis wreaths may be worn to signify mourning.
Kawakawa can be used for skin - healing fungal infections, abcesses, boils and irritated skin. It has astringent properties that heal and dry wounds out. Also used for bruising.
Apart from infusing in oils, balms and creams - you can bathe with kawakawa in your bath.
A tea from Kawakawa can be used for gastrointestinal upsets, irritable bowel, bloating and stomach pain.
This can also be used for respiratory and oral issues, teeth, mouth and tonsils.
The berries can be pickled, dried or made into tea. They can have a numbing sensation if you eat too many.
