Kawakawa

Kawakawa has an important place in rongoā Māori, a tradition of healing that connects people, whenua and the natural world. Historical accounts record leaf and bark preparations used for cuts and wounds, and kawakawa leaves used in therapeutic vapour baths. [2]

At the heart of our balm is Kawakawa-infused olive oil—the healing and soothing core of a formula created to bring comfort to skin that needs extra care. Our extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil slowly draws out kawakawa’s naturally occurring compounds, including myristicin and pellitorine. These compounds can assist in calming inflammatory responses, helping bring comfort to irritated skin and the discomfort associated with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and skin rashes. Pellitorine’s natural numbing properties could also assist with the sting and itch of insect bites, nettle stings, minor burns and hives. Alongside these botanical compounds, olive oil’s antioxidant constituents and kawakawa’s plant lignans helps defend against free-radical damage and support the skin’s natural repair processes, while the rich oil nourishes cracked heels, dry cuticles and chapped lips.

Certified organic, extra-virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil adds another layer of care, giving the balm its smooth, melting texture and helping soften rough, flaky skin. Rich in lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids, it brings together nourishing moisture care and compounds studied for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. These properties assist in protecting vulnerable skin—including minor cuts, grazes, scratches and fresh tattoos—while it recovers, alongside appropriate cleansing and aftercare. As the balm warms against your skin, the oils spread smoothly, leaving dry areas feeling softer, replenished and more comfortable.

Certified organic beeswax completes the formula, transforming these nourishing oils into a balm that stays where you need it. It forms a protective layer that helps to reduce transepidermal water loss—the moisture that naturally evaporates from your skin—supporting lasting hydration and suppleness. This barrier also assists in shielding skin from wind, excess wetness and everyday environmental irritants, bringing nourishing care to wind-chapped faces and helping protect the nappy area from moisture-related irritation. Together, these four ingredients offer versatile care across generations: for hands that have worked hard for decades, younger skin exposed to everyday adventures, and the dry, uncomfortable patches that deserve a little extra attention.

The University of Auckland also describes traditional topical use for eczema, boils, bites, stings and grazes. This rich history helps explain why kawakawa remains such a valued plant in New Zealand skincare. [4]

Traditional uses also include preparations for digestive complaints and toothache. Some modern human research has examined kawakawa tea; that is a separate use from our external-use balm.

We respect the knowledge behind these traditions. Modern research adds another perspective—it does not replace rongoā Māori or its cultural context.

Explore our full benefits and everyday uses.

Look closely at a kawakawa leaf and you will often find a constellation of tiny holes. Finding these chewed leaves is a natural sign of a thriving, balanced native ecosystem. These distinctive marks are commonly left by the caterpillars of the native kawakawa looper moth, Cleora scriptaria. They tell a story of a living plant, native wildlife and the forest they share.  [8]

Meaning and Significance in Rongoā

• Higher Potency: Traditional knowledge holds that leaves targeted by the caterpillar carry a tohu (sign) indicating higher concentrations of the plant's medicinal, peppery defensive oils.
• Plant Defense: When insects browse and chew the foliage, the plant responds by flooding the surviving tissue with concentrated bioactive properties, making the holey leaves preferable for healing teas, balms, and poultices. [1, 2, 3]