Kawakawa

Piper excelsum

In rongoā Māori the leaf is used for toothache, skin complaints, wounds and bladder and kidney complaints. It contains myristicin among other compounds; clinical evidence for these uses is lacking.

Safety notes

Traditional use is not proof of treatment. Seek medical advice for symptoms and discuss use during pregnancy, with medicines, or with existing conditions.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of Oceania: Contains myristicin; do not use in large amounts or during pregnancy.

Preparation

Leaf as an infusion (tea), as a poultice or worked into a balm; fresh leaf was chewed. No dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Kawakawa is one of the best-known plants of rongoā Māori. Leaves with holes made by the kawakawa caterpillar (looper moth) are considered the most potent. The leaf was chewed for toothache, drunk as tea for stomach ache and laid as a poultice on wounds, boils and eczema. At a tangihanga (funeral), mourners wear wreaths of kawakawa, and the leaf is used when welcoming people onto the marae.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Healing traditions of Oceania

Attributed effects

The leaf for toothache, stomach ache, boils, eczema and bladder and kidney complaints; leaves with caterpillar holes are considered the most potent. Also used in mourning and when welcoming people onto the marae.

Preparation and amount

Fresh leaf chewed, as tea or as a poultice; nowadays also in balms. Follow local knowledge and cultural protocols; no dosage is given here.

Caution: Contains myristicin; do not use in large amounts or during pregnancy.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Salve and balm Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from Oceania →