Kawakawa Uses

Mastitis

Water and kawakawa leaves are placed in a pot.

They are brought to a boil.

Leaves are then removed and cooled enough to place directly over the skin on breasts.

It is important that the leaves are placed vein-side down and are pointing downward.

Cover with a thin cloth

This will help unblock milk ducts in women who are breast feeding and helps relieve pain.

(V. Symes, personal communication, April 20, 2015).

Blood purifier & Diuretic

Place a few leaves in a teapot. (10 med size per 1 litre)

Boil the kettle and fill teapot

Stir for a few seconds

Optional: Add a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon

Serve (T. Blake, personal communication, April 2, 2015).

Leaves can also be boiled in water until tender. Place the same water and the leaves into a NutriBullet. Wiz and serve (R. Symes, personal communication, May 25, 2015).

Cuts, scraps and burnsMake a poultice by mixing all the following ingredients:

Pour a cup of oil into a bowl

You may use any oil such as coconut oil, flaxseed oil or olive oil.

Cut up kawakawa leaves and place in the oil

Leave for 1-2 days

Melt beeswax over a double boiler until soft

Add all ingredients to a mortar and pestle and grind them into a paste

Optional: Add lavender leaves, manuka leaves and/or hydrocortisone cream.

Place in a bottle and seal

Rub onto cuts, scraps and burns as required (T. Blake, personal communication, April 2, 2015). Cover with a plaster or bandage or leave uncovered.

Kawakawa can be freshly picked and placed directly on skin burns and covered with a bandage.

Its good as a lip balm for dried or cracked lips. Its also effective for removing eye make-up such as stubborn mascara marks. Rub thin layer of poultice over the mascara marks on your face and wipe clean with a tissue.

ToothacheChew on freshly picked leaves to relieve toothache

Skin Cleanser

Kawakawa leaves can be added to hot boiled water for steam facials. Place boiled water and leaves in a bowl.

Place a towel over your head while placing your face over the steam

Be careful not to burn yourself by spilling the bowl.

The steam will open your pores and help cleanse your skin (T. Jenkins, personal communication, March 21, 2015).

Dried herbs

Oven dried

Place freshly picked leaves on an oven tray and bake until dry. Crush up and add to food. Seal in an air tight container or

Paper bag/jar dried

Place freshly picked leaves in a brown paper bag or seal in a air tight jar and store in a cool dry place. The leaves will dry over time.

Crush and sprinkle leaves over roast meat or add to cooking for flavour.

Salads

Make your favourite green salad

Take freshly picked kawakawa leaves (preferably ones with holes)

Wash leaves under cold water

Add whole or cut into smaller bite size

Drizzle over with oil (olive oil, flaxseed oil or avocado)

Serve and enjoy (T. Blake, personal communication, April 2, 2015).