Kōwhai

Sophora microphylla

A tree with yellow flowers, a national symbol of New Zealand. The bark was traditionally used on wounds and bruises.

Safety notes

All parts, especially the seeds, are poisonous because of the alkaloid cytisine. Do not take internally.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of Oceania: All parts, especially the seeds, are poisonous because of cytisine.

Preparation

Traditionally as a poultice of the bark; do not prepare it yourself.

Use in traditions

Kōwhai is one of the well-known plants of rongoā Māori. A decoction or poultice of the bark was used on wounds, bruises, sores and itchy skin, and bark was worked into a poultice for broken bones. Its yellow flowering was taken as a sign that it was time to plant kūmara.

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

Bark as a decoction or poultice on wounds, bruises, sores and itchy skin, and in a poultice for broken bones.

Preparation and amount

External use only, according to rongoā practitioners; do not prepare it yourself.

Caution: All parts, especially the seeds, are poisonous because of cytisine.

Ways to prepare herbs: Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

All herbs from Oceania →