Kawakawa: Aotearoa’s Sacred Healing Plant
In Aotearoa New Zealand, kawakawa (Piper excelsum) holds a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance. Revered in rongoā Māori — traditional Māori medicine — kawakawa leaves have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, from skin conditions to digestive issues to joint pain. Today, kawakawa is having a well-deserved moment in natural skincare, and for good reason.
Here at MumaDEE'z Creations in Rotorua, we are proud to work with this incredible taonga (treasure) of the land, crafting our Kawakawa Balm with the care and respect this plant deserves.
What Makes Kawakawa So Powerful for Skin?
Kawakawa leaves contain a rich array of bioactive compounds that give the plant its remarkable therapeutic properties:
- Myristicin — a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. This is a key driver of kawakawa’s effectiveness for irritated, inflamed skin.
- Flavonoids and antioxidants — these protect skin cells from oxidative stress and environmental damage, supporting skin repair and resilience.
- Diayangambin and other lignans — compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity, making kawakawa useful for skin prone to bacterial overgrowth.
- Essential oils — responsible for the plant’s distinctive aroma and contributing to its calming, soothing effect on reactive skin.
It is also worth noting that the most potent kawakawa leaves are traditionally those with holes in them — made by the kawakawa looper caterpillar. In rongoā Māori, these leaves are considered the most medicinal, as they indicate the plant has been activated and is sharing its energy.
Kawakawa for Eczema, Psoriasis, and Irritated Skin
Kawakawa’s combination of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties makes it particularly well-suited for chronic skin conditions:
- Eczema — Kawakawa helps calm the inflammatory response that characterises eczema flares. Applied topically, it can reduce redness, itching, and irritation.
- Psoriasis — Its anti-inflammatory compounds soothe the scaling and inflammation associated with psoriasis patches.
- Dry, cracked skin — Kawakawa balm creates a protective, nourishing barrier that locks in moisture and supports the skin’s natural healing process.
- Insect bites and minor wounds — Historically used in rongoā Māori to treat cuts and abrasions, kawakawa’s antimicrobial properties make it a natural first-response remedy.
- Nappy rash and sensitive baby skin — Gentle enough for delicate skin, kawakawa balm is a popular natural alternative for parents seeking plant-based skincare for babies.
How to Use Kawakawa Balm
Our Kawakawa Balm is simple to use and suitable for the whole family:
- Cleanse the area gently before applying.
- Apply a small amount of balm directly to affected skin. The balm will warm and soften on contact, absorbing slowly for long-lasting nourishment.
- Use as needed — morning and night for chronic conditions, or as a spot treatment for flare-ups, bites, and minor irritations.
- For dry hands and lips, keep a tin in your bag for on-the-go relief throughout the day.
As with all natural products, we recommend patch testing on a small area of skin first, particularly if you have known plant or pollen sensitivities.
Honouring Rongoā Māori
We are committed to using kawakawa with cultural respect and gratitude. Rongoā Māori is a living tradition, and kawakawa is not simply an ingredient to us — it is a reflection of the whenua (land) we call home here in Rotorua. We are honoured to bring this healing plant into our handcrafted skincare range and share its benefits with our community and beyond.
Experience the healing power of kawakawa for yourself. Our Kawakawa Balm is handcrafted in small batches in Rotorua, using ethically sourced kawakawa and the finest natural ingredients. Your skin — and the land — will thank you.
