Kawakawa & Rongoā: Nature’s Healing for the Skin
Botanical name: Macropiper excelsum
Common name: Kawakawa
Kawakawa is one of Aotearoa’s most treasured native plants, long recognised in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine) for its remarkable healing properties. Deeply connected to nature’s rhythm, kawakawa is used to restore balance and soothe both body and spirit.
A Plant of Many Uses
Beyond skincare, kawakawa leaves have been traditionally used as a soothing tea, known to support digestion, circulation, and general wellness. The leaves can be enjoyed fresh or dried — simply steeped in hot water to release their gentle, peppery aroma and calming properties.
In rongoā practice, kawakawa is also used in balms, poultices, and tonics to help ease inflammation, muscle pain, and skin irritation. Its versatility and potency make it a true taonga (treasure) of the bush.
How Kawakawa Heals the Skin
Scientifically, kawakawa contains compounds such as myristicin, diayangambin, and eugenol, which have natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. These active components help to calm redness, repair damaged skin, and protect against bacteria — making it ideal for eczema, dry skin, rashes, minor cuts, and irritations.
Our Slow Infusion Method
At Tihema Botanicals, we honour these traditional practices by slowly infusing dried kawakawa leaves into our chosen carrier oils. This gentle process allows the oil to absorb the full spectrum of kawakawa’s healing properties over time, without harsh heat or extraction. The result is a rich, nurturing oil that carries the essence and benefits of the leaf — ready to be used in balms, butters, or directly on the skin.
Every jar and bottle we create carries the spirit of rongoā, a connection to the whenua (land), and a reminder that true healing begins with nature.