Kawakawa Kawakawa
Macropiper excelsum
by Amy McComb Qualified Herbalist, BSc(hons), Tutor at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies www.plantrhythms.com Wildcrafting Courses and Apprenticeships
Kawakawa is a coastal native shrub with aromatic heartshaped leaves. With swollen knobs on its stems and a woody strong look and an amazing attitude Kawakawa is somehow quite distinctive. It is found throughout the north island and the northern half of the South Island. This invigorating plant is a sister plant of Kava. The fruit, bark and leaves of Kawakawa all have medicinal purposes. Kawakawa prefers a moist rich free-draining soil and semi-shade to full shade. The female and male flowers are arranged in upright spikes characteristic of the Pepper family and grow on separate trees. Kawakawa often has holey leaves that have been left by ‘Cleora scriptaria’ the caterpillars of a native looper moth, which cause the plant to release extra substances for protection. Uses: against rheumatism, helps one to move forward without interruption, release of grief, is uplifting, a wonderful digestive, counters anxiety, has aphrodisiac effects, kidney and blood tonic, alleviates bladder problems, boils, bruises, relieves pain and toothache, a general tonic and purifier, has stimulant effects and more….
One of my favourite recipes is to make a Wild Pesto with this beautiful green being…
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REFRESHING KAWAKAWA PESTO Collect a minimum of 5 handfuls of Kawakawa leaves, asking leaf by leaf and preferably picking some holey ones. Pound them in with a pestle and mortar sending love and light through its veins. Sprinkle in some rose petals and oxalis, dandelion, plantain or any other plant you enjoy the taste of. Add organic cold pressed olive oil, lemon and salt to taste. Mix and serve as part of a meal or simple snack. Great digestive, uplifting and anti-anxiety properties! Scrumptious! Surprisingly tasty even for those who do not commonly eat wild plants. Lovely as a garnish in soups or as a simple pesto with toast, crackers, carrot sticks and hummus! A beautiful and stomach healing addition to any meal.
KAWAKAWA TEA A simple tea with 2-3 kawakawa leaves steeped in a teapot with a little lemon is also very refreshing and energizing… give it a try today!