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| Kawakawa |
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| Kawakawa is one of the most distinctive New Zealand native plants. It was one of the most important healing herbs in Rongoa Maori (traditional Maori medicine) .Use of Kawakawa as a healing or tonic herb is still popular today. |
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| Decoctions or infusions of Kawakawa leaf, or simple chewing of the leaves, were widely used for stomach pains and indigestion, particularly where due to over-eating. Use for stomach problems and indigestion is a common theme for a wide variety of species belonging to this botanical family around the world. Kawakawa leaf applications were also used topically for bruises and rheumatism, the pain of neuralgia and nettle stings, as well as for eczema. |
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| Kawakawa also has a reputation as an appetite stimulant, and it’s mildly bitter taste is probably contributory to this. The root was also chewed for both dysentery and diarrhoea. |
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| Kawakawa infusions or decoctions have long been a popular treatment for colds and influenza, and this probably relates at least in part to the significant diaphoretic effect produced by such preparations. Expectorant activity due to the volatile oil is also likely, and these actions as well as possible anti-microbial effects probably contribute to its efficacy in conditions such as colds, influenza, coughs and chest complaints. |
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| Like other Piperaceae family plants, stimulation of the circulation is an effect of internal consumption of reasonable doses of Kawakawa preparations. Such activity could make it useful in conditions such as chilblains, varicose veins, and poor circulation. |
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| Actions as an digestive stimulant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and/or carminative seem likely for Kawakawa leaves, based upon these customary uses, our phytochemical knowledge about the volatile oil, and experience from clinical practice. Antimicrobial and circulatory stimulant actions also appear likely. |
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| Records of the use of this plant show it has been used extensively by both indigenous populations of New Zealand and European settlers alike for more than 150 years. No adverse effects, contraindications, or herb-drug interactions have been reported to date. |
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Copyright © 2009 Divine Kawakawa NZ |
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