Wairaakau Flora

 

Kowhai: Sophora microphylla

n

Skin: chicken pox, scabies, boils, tumours, wounds, 

   dandruff, ringworm, cuts, bruises, eczema and 

   dermatitis – inner bark and outer rind pulped and

   boiled in water. Used as a poultice or mixed
   with fruit juice as a drink

Muscles: Aching muscles, sprains– use a poultice as for skin

 nBones: Hastens healing of fractures - boil leaves and use as a poultice only

    after bones have been reset

nSexually transmitted diseases: healing and cleansing - boil the inner sap 

    and use as a wash

Wairaakau Flora

Kawakawa

Kawakawa: Macropiper excelsum Pepper tree

Most commonly used rongoa, easily obtained

n
Skin: Nappy rash, eczema, psoriasis and scabies acts as an anti-inflammatory – bruise leaves and apply to skin
n
Digestive system: Indigestion and stomach ulcers, a soothing agent that protects the mucous membranes and relieves irritation – boil water, add crushed leaves have as tea

nBones and Muscle: muscle and joint pain and swelling acts as an

anti-inflammatory – boil crushed leaves in water, use as a poultice

Bowel: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcerated conditions acts as a soothing agent that protects the mucous membranes and relieve irritation – boil crushed leaves stand for 10 minutes use as a tea

Blood: Purifies, rich in iron and blood disorders – prepare as above

nLungs: inhaled for Asthma, tuberculosis (TB), coughs, colds, bronchitis – prepare as a tea

nKidneys and Liver: Flushes and detoxifies - prepare as a tea

nFatigue or feeling run down: A natural energiser – have as a tea or cold drink

nFirst Aid: Bark used for dressing of wounds, swelling, lumps, abscesses and tumours