Kawakawa: The Heart of Natural Healing in Aotearoa

Awaken your senses. Nourish your glow.

At Lemon Tree NZ, we believe wellness is a way of life — grounded in nature, tradition, and intentional living. To kick off our Living Well series, we’re introducing you to one of New Zealand’s most treasured native plants: Kawakawa (Piper excelsum).

🌱 What is Kawakawa?

Kawakawa is a native shrub with vibrant green, heart-shaped leaves. For Māori, it is much more than a plant — it is a taonga (treasure), central to the practice of rongoā Māori (traditional healing).

💚 Traditional Uses of Kawakawa

For centuries, Kawakawa has been used by Māori for its powerful physical and spiritual healing:

✔ Herbal teas for digestion and circulation
✔ Balms and poultices for wounds, bruises, and inflammation
✔ Steam baths to relieve congestion
✔ Rituals to cleanse and restore emotional balance

“Kawakawa teaches us that healing is holistic — it cares for body, mind, and spirit.”

✨ Modern Benefits for Mindful Living

Today, Kawakawa is celebrated for its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it perfect for:

🌿 Calming irritated skin (eczema, psoriasis, bites)
🌿 Soothing sore muscles
🌿 Supporting skin regeneration and hydration

🔍 Want to experience Kawakawa for yourself?
Browse our Kawakawa Wellness Range →

🌏 A Philosophy Rooted in Nature and Respect

Kawakawa isn’t just a skincare hero — it’s a symbol of balance and reconnection. It invites us to:

🌸 Slow down
🌸 Listen to nature
🌸 Honour traditional knowledge
🌸 Live gently, with intention

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ŌKU Tea Collection

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Discover our curated range of ŌKU organic herbal teas, inspired by the traditional healing wisdom of Aotearoa. Whether you're looking to relax, restore, or revitalise, there's a brew to match your rhythm.

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