Karamū: Nature’s Gentle Cleanser

Support balance. Cleanse naturally. Thrive from within.

In our Living Well blog series at Lemon Tree NZ, we celebrate the wisdom of Aotearoa’s native plants — treasured for generations in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) for their ability to nourish, restore, and protect.

Today, we shine the spotlight on Karamū (Coprosma robusta), a flowering shrub that is as beautiful as it is beneficial.

🌱 What is Karamū?

Karamū is a hardy, evergreen shrub found across New Zealand’s forests, coastlines, and wetlands. Recognisable by its glossy green leaves, tiny star-like flowers, and bright orange-red berries, Karamū is both a food source for native birds and a valued healing plant for people.

In rongoā Māori, Karamū is best known as a blood and liver cleanser — a gentle tonic for internal balance and overall vitality.

🌿 Traditional Uses of Karamū

For centuries, Karamū has been used in a variety of healing practices:

• 🍵 Tonic for balance – Leaf infusions were used to cleanse the blood and support liver function
• 🌿 Digestive support – Traditionally taken to aid digestion and ease discomfort
• 💛 Skin health – Internal cleansing was believed to support clearer, healthier ski
• 🍇 Berries as food – Small but nourishing, eaten fresh or dried by Māori and early settlers

“Karamū helps from the inside out — restoring balance to the body so it can thrive naturally.”

🍃 Benefits of Karamū Today

Modern herbalists still recognise Karamū’s value as a detoxifying and balancing plant, often used to:

✔ Support healthy liver function
✔ Aid natural detox processes
✔ Improve circulation and vitality
✔ Maintain skin health and clarity

It’s particularly helpful during times of low energy, seasonal changes, or after feeling run-down.

🍵 Enjoying Karamū in Daily Life

Karamū is most often enjoyed as part of a herbal tea blend, paired with other supportive native botanicals like Kawakawa and Kūmarahou.

A daily cup can be a grounding ritual — offering both gentle cleansing and a mindful moment of connection with nature.

🌏 A Plant of Resilience

Karamū thrives in many environments, from coastal dunes to forest edges, helping to stabilise soil and support biodiversity. Like the plant itself, its healing message is one of resilience and renewal — quietly restoring balance so that wellness can naturally flourish.