When the European settlers arrived in the country, they inevitably introduced illnesses that were caused by germs and viruses previously unknown to the old time Maori people. As a result of these illnesses a large number of Maori people died over a short time. The Maori slowly began to turn from their traditional herbal cures and they started to rely more on the European doctors and the option of modern medicines. (Though it must be said that the Europeans also turned to the Maori people for their knowledge of the forest for both food and medicine in the early days.)

Many of the general properties of New Zealand native plants are now widely known. Below are some brief descriptions of how a few of these plants were prepared and used as natural remedies by the Maori people.

Note: We are not suggesting that you use these plants as an alternative to other medicines. We are not suggesting that you try the remedies described. If you have any ailments please consult with a pharmacist or doctor.

Makomaka (Wineberry)

Uses: Rheumatism, burns, boils, and back problems.

Remedies: Leaves placed in a porous bag and then boiled in water to create an extract that was used to relieve rheumatism and burns. Warmed leaves were bandaged onto burns, and the liquid from the boiled leaves could be used to bathe boils, and to ease back ailments.

Mapou / Mapau (Red matipo)

Ngaio

Uses: Insect repellent, wounds.

Remedies: A natural insect repellent is formed by rubbing the leaves directly onto the skin. The leaves were also bruised and warmed to release the oil and used as a poultice for septic wounds.

Nikau

Uses: Pregnancy, child birth.

Remedies: Both the sap and the pith of the nikau fruit was used in pregnancy related conditions. When eaten, the pith gives a slightly laxative effect, and in pregnant women this helps relax the pelvic muscles. The sap was consumed to ease labour during child birth.

Pohutukawa

Koromiko

Uses: Headaches, UTI`s, Kidney infections, diarrhoea.

Remedies: The vapour formed when the leaves were boiled in water was used as an inhalation treatment for headaches and `thick heads`. Heated, bruised leaves were applied directly to the head, thus stemming the headache.

The natural properties found in heated koromiko leaves were also used to treat diarrhoea, kidney infections and bladder disorders.

Kawakawa (Pepper Tree)

Uses: Wounds, boils, bruises, colds, aches and pains.

Remedies: When applied directly to the skin the crushed leaves can be used to heal minor cuts and wounds. To treat boils the crushed leaves are heated to tenderise the oil that they contain, then the oil is put over the affected areas.

The pulp made from crushing the leaves can be administered to the skin to combat such ailments as sore joints, bruises, and minor skin diseases. When taken internally the crushed leave mixture treats `colds`, kidney-related disorders, and is also a cleansing agent in that it acts as blood purifiers.

Puriri

Harakeke (NZ Flax)

Uses: Burns, cuts, constipation, splints.

Remedies: The gum from the base of the leaves was applied to cuts and sores.

When smoothed directly onto a burn, the likelihood of blistering was minimal. For constipation, the roots of the flax were scraped and cleaned, and then boiled and consumed. The leaves of the flax can also be put to use as splints for holding fractures, and to bind wounds together.

To finish, one of the most widely used plants by the Maori people was NZ Flax. It was used for clothing (such as piu piu or flax shirts), shelter, hunting, to make baskets and ropes, not to mention it`s extensive medicinal repertoire.