Kawakawa

Kawakawa is also known as the NZ pepper tree.

It is one of the most versatile plants used for Rongoa as it is resourceful in many ways (T. Blake, personal communication,

April 2, 2015).

You can find it growing amongst shaded areas of plantation or native

bush on the road-side.

Kawakawa

It is also known to represent grief and Tangi (Maori funeral), as it is worn in a head wreath by Maori as a sign

of mourning.

Kawakawa have heart-shaped leaves and tends to grow sheltered amongst shady areas of other trees or scrubs.

It is best to pick the holey insect eaten leaves. These are believed to be less

bitter and better tasting

What can it be used for?

• Mastitis (V. Symes, personal communication, April 20, 2015).

• Blood purifier & diuretic• Kidney problems (T. Blake, personal communication, April 2, 2015).

• Cuts, scraps and burns (H. Beatie, personal communication, May 27, 2015).

• Toothache• Skin cleanser (T. Jenkins, personal communication, March 21, 2015).

• Aphrodisiac to renew the youth of older men (Williams, 1996).

• Dried herbs for eating• Salads (T. Blake, personal communication, April 2, 2015).

How can it be used?

Kawakawa can be externally applied to the body and internally consumed.

• The leaves can be applied whole, cooked or uncooked to the problematic skin area.• The leaves can be added to bath water and bathed in.• The leaves can be made into a poultice with other ingredients and applied to the

problematic skin area.• The leaves can be dried and added to food as dried herbs.• The leaves can be added to salads and eaten or chewed raw (T. Blake, personal

communication, April 2, 2015).• The leaves can be added to drinking water for consumption

References

Williams, P.M.E. (1996). Te Rongoa Maori. Hong Kong: Reed Publishers.