Health properties
Kawakawa (piper excelsum) has many benefits including:
Anti-inflammatory — traditional topical use for swelling; supported by studies showing reduced inflammatory markers.
• May be helpful in balms for sore, overworked muscles or joints after physical activity.
• Some users report relief from minor skin inflammation such as chafing or mild eczema-type irritation (always patch test first).
Analgesic / pain-relieving — used traditionally for aches and minor pain; topical preparations reported to soothe sore muscles and joints.
• Often blended with oils (like olive, hemp or sweet almond) to create rubs for lower back tension, neck and shoulder discomfort.
• Sometimes used alongside other soothing plants (e.g. mānuka, kumarahou) in traditional rongoā preparations.
Antimicrobial — leaf extracts show antibacterial and antifungal activity in lab studies against some skin pathogens.
• Kawakawa balms and washes are commonly used for minor cuts, grazes and blemish‑prone skin.
• Can be incorporated into natural deodorants or foot balms where gentle antimicrobial support is desired.
Wound-healing / Astringent — used as poultices for cuts and abrasions; tannins and other constituents may promote drying/closure of minor wounds.
• Traditionally applied to help draw out irritation and support the natural healing process of the skin.
• Often chosen for “everyday” first‑aid: insect bites, minor scratches and areas of skin prone to weeping or oozing.
Digestive support — traditional infusions used to ease stomach discomfort, indigestion and colic.
• Mild kawakawa tea is sometimes sipped after meals to support digestion and ease feelings of “fullness” or gas.
• Traditionally considered a gentle tonic for the whole digestive tract, not just the stomach.
Antioxidant — extracts contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds with free-radical scavenging activity in laboratory assays.
• Antioxidants may help protect skin cells from environmental stress when used in topical skincare.
• Can be combined with other antioxidant-rich botanicals to support overall skin vitality and resilience.
Anti-parasitic / insect-repellent — traditionally used to deter pests; some lab evidence for activity against certain parasites/insects.
• Crushed leaves have been used around the body or living areas to discourage insects.
• Modern natural formulations may blend kawakawa with other essential oils for gentle insect‑repellent sprays or balms.
Circulatory/tonic effects — traditionally used to support general wellbeing and circulation in rongoā contexts (anecdotal/ethnobotanical).
• Sometimes described as a “warming” plant, supporting a sense of movement and flow in the body.
• Used in some traditions as part of broader wellness tonics, rather than as a strong single‑herb remedy.
General safety notes — kawakawa is usually well tolerated in traditional amounts, but:
– Internal use should be moderate and avoided in pregnancy or by people on certain medications unless advised by a qualified practitioner.
– Topical products should be patch‑tested first, especially on sensitive or damaged skin.
Traditional use (Māori)
Long used by Māori as a general wellness and first‑aid plant. Leaves were chewed, brewed as infusions, or macerated into poultices for topical application.
Common traditional applications: soothing skin irritations and minor wounds, easing aches and discomfort, supporting digestion (infusions), and as a topical aromatic. Leaves and preparations were incorporated into rongoā (Māori healing practices) and used in ceremonial contexts.
Preparation methods historically included chewing fresh leaves, making warm poultices, brewing tea from leaves, and smoking or applying crushed leaves.
• Kawakawa was often harvested with karakia (prayer/incantation), acknowledging the mauri (life force) of the plant and the reciprocity between people and the ngahere (forest).
• Specific leaves might be chosen for different purposes (e.g. leaves with insect holes sometimes preferred in some traditions, as they were thought to show the plant’s strength and resilience).
• Kawakawa could be combined with other native plants in complex rongoā formulations tailored to the needs of the person (the “whole person” approach, not just the symptom).
• Use and tikanga (protocols) vary between iwi and hapū, and knowledge is best learned directly from tangata whenua and experienced rongoā practitioners.
Physical / botanical properties
Plant: A small tree/shrub native to New Zealand and nearby islands. Glossy, heart-shaped leaves with a distinctive peppery, aromatic scent when crushed.
Appearance: Leaves typically 5–12 cm long, bright to deep green; bark smooth; small spikes of tiny flowers followed by pepper-like berries on some subspecies.
Chemistry (general): Leaves contain essential oils and aromatic phenylpropanoids, plus alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. These constituents give kawakawa its pungent, spicy aroma and peppery taste.
Organoleptic profile: Warm, peppery, slightly sweet and aromatic when crushed or brewed.
Common forms used in products: dried leaf, leaf powder, infused oil, hydrosol, tincture, and topical extracts.
• Habitat: Commonly found in coastal and lowland forests, shady gullies, and along tracks; prefers moist, sheltered environments.
Growth habit: Often multi‑stemmed with a bushy form, reaching 2–6 m tall; can be pruned and shaped for home gardens as a medicinal and spiritual plant.
Cultivation: Grows well in temperate climates with partial shade and well‑drained soil; regular mulching and protection from strong winds support healthy growth.
Sustainability: Responsible harvesting involves taking only a small portion from each plant, avoiding the main stems and ensuring the plant can continue to thrive and regenerate.
Metaphysical / energetic properties
Grounding and protective: Often used in rituals or carried as a talisman to create a protective or stabilizing energetic boundary.
• A sprig of kawakawa may be worn or placed near entryways as a gentle guardian of space and energy.
• Used to “hold” a person through challenging emotional times, supporting a sense of safety and containment.
Heart‑center work: Associated with soothing emotional wounds, supporting heart-opening and compassion practices.
• The heart‑shaped leaves are often seen as symbolic of emotional healing, forgiveness, and compassion for self and others.
• Can be included in meditation, breathwork or karakia focused on releasing grief, softening anger, and reconnecting with love.
Cleansing and purification: Used in smudging or baths to energetically cleanse spaces or the aura.
• Leaves may be added to warm baths, foot soaks or steam bowls to support energetic reset and relaxation.
• Bundles or loose leaves can be used in gentle smoke rituals (with good ventilation and mindful intention).
Connection to place and ancestry: Kawakawa is also used to honor connection to land (whenua) and ancestral practices; it can be included in ceremonies that acknowledge lineage and belonging.
• Sometimes used in pōwhiri and tangihanga contexts, symbolising respect, remembrance, and the continuity between the living and those who have passed.
• For many people, working with kawakawa is a way to deepen their relationship with Aotearoa’s landscapes and with the stories and teachings held in rongoā.
Personal practice:
– Sit quietly with a living kawakawa plant, offering a moment of gratitude before harvesting.
– Use a single leaf on the heart or over the puku (belly) during rest or meditation to invite calm and reconnection.
– Keep dried leaves on an altar or special place as a reminder of protection, grounding and aroha (love).
