Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Oceania · Herb · № 845

Harakeke (New Zealand flax)

Phormium tenax

The gel-like sap from the leaf base is traditionally applied to wounds, burns, ulcers and grazes; the root was regarded as laxative and worm-expelling. Scientific evidence is limited.

Oceania · Herb · № 23

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.

Oceania · Herb · № 846

Kōwhai

Sophora microphylla

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

Oceania · Herb · № 52

Kūmarahou

Pomaderris kumeraho

A plant in traditional Māori medicine; there is little scientific confirmation of its benefits.

Oceania · Herb · № 847

Mamaku (black tree fern)

Sphaeropteris medullaris

The slimy pith and sap of this black tree fern were traditionally used on sores and wounds, and for diarrhoea.

Oceania · Food · № 51

Mānuka honey

A monofloral honey with distinctive compounds such as leptosperin and methylglyoxal. Ordinary food honey is not a treatment.

Oceania · Herb · № 175

Tarata (lemonwood)

Pittosporum eugenioides

Mainly a fragrant plant: leaves, flowers and gum smell of lemon. Medicinal uses have not been studied.

Oceania · Herb · № 848

Tutu

Coriaria arborea

A highly poisonous shrub. Its poison, tutin, can cause convulsions and be fatal.

Oceania · Herb · № 273

Manuka and kanuka

Leptospermum scoparium en Kunzea ericoides

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, antimicrobial, antiseptic, expels worms (leptospermone); for ulcers, infections and fever.