What is Kawakawa?

What is Kawakawa? 

The beautiful Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum also known as Pepper Tree) is one of Aotearoa’s more recognisable native plants. It has heart shaped leaves, unusual orange fruit and can be found in many coastal areas. This special herb has been traditionally used by Māori for plethora of ailments ranging from cuts and wounds through to toothache and stomach pains.   

Research has shown that Kawakawa contains many active  compounds including elemicin, myristicin and diayangambin. These may help give Kawakawa its reported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.  

How to use Kawakawa 

A popular way to use Kawakawa is a topical balm, we have a few ways you can make this.  You can use our All-Purpose Balm Recipe and for the 78g of liquid oils use say 40g of Kawakawa infused oil and 38g of other chosen liquid oils - Avocado, Hemp or Calendula Infused Oils are all good options.   

If you are a newbie or want to share your love of crafting, our Make Your Own Kawakawa Balm Kit is great option too. 

You can even go one step further and make your own Kawakawa infused oil by using our Kawakawa dried herb, add it to a jar and then fill with an oil (Sunflower, Almond, Grapeseed).  Let this infuse for up to a month.  

You can also use our Kawakawa Dried Herb as a tea, use ¼ to ½ tsp per cup - it makes a warming cup of tea, great with ginger in the winter. This also makes a great, caffeine-free substitute for regular tea or coffee with its mild stimulating effect. 

Kawakawa Products from PureNature 

Kawakawa Infused Oil – Made locally and sustainably in Mangawhai  

Kawakawa Dried Herb – Sustainably wild crafted in the East Cape 

Kawakawa Extract – Made right here at PureNature, a glycerine extract that is water soluble to add to moisturisers, toners, serums etc 

OceanDerMX Calm & Soothe – Made by Organic Bioactives, a water-soluble product to add to moistursiers, toners, serums etc). 

Make Your Own Kawakawa Balm Kit – An easy all ingredients included kit to make your own Kawakawa Balm at home.