Flax 'n Seed (Harakeke) - The gum-like sap produced by harakeke contains enzymes that give it blood clotting and antiseptic qualities to help healing processes. Māori are fully aware of its curative properties and that it is a mild anaesthetic, and apply the sap to boils and various wounds, to aching teeth, to rheumatic and associated pains, ringworm and various skin irritations, and scalds and burns. Also a mild anaesthetic with curative skin properties.
***
Kahikatea - Also known as White pine, this native plant grows to a height of between 80 and 100 feet in swampy areas throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand Used by the Maori for wounds and bruises. A good "man's soap" (body-scrub or mild exfoliating soap-bar)
***
Kauri - The Kauri tree is known in New Zealand as the "King of the Forest"
Aromatic with antiseptic and relaxant properties
***
Kawakawa - One of the most popular of many treatments used by Maori for cuts, boils, abscesses, septic infections and old wounds. Anti-fungal activity is shown by volatile oil constituents myristicin and elemicin, anti-inflammatory and/or carminative
***
Kowhai - In traditional times, Māori used the Kowhai tree as medicine. The bark was heated in a calabash with hot stones, and made into a poultice to treat wounds or rubbed on a sore back or made into an infusion to treat bruising or muscular pains. If someone was bitten by a seal, an infusion (wai kōwhai) was prepared from Kowhai and applied to the wounds and the patient was said to recover within days.
***
Manuka - known as the "New Zealand tea tree" since Captain Cook used their leaves to brew a strong tea for his sailors. Parts of the trees were used extensively by the early settlers of both countries, and the Maori and aboriginal people have been using parts of tea trees therapeutically for centuries. Antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties
***
Pine - Using the needles of pinus radiata results in soap that is antiseptic and refreshing.
Great if you are looking for a body-scrub or exfoliating bar of soap.
***
Pohutukawa - Northland’s “Christmas Tree" The honey (nectar) in the flowers contains Ellagic acid, an antioxidant, anti-mutagen with anti-cancer activities. Ellagic acid has also antiviral and antibacterial activities. antiviral and antibacterial properties
***
Rimu - podocarpic acid, one of the main terpenoid constituents of New Zealand natives,
has revealed potential anti-cancer and mild oestrogenic activities.
A good "man's soap" (body-scrub or mild exfoliating soap-bar)
***
Tanekaha - Known as the celery herb Tanekaha was used medicinally as an astringent and antimicrobial agent by Maori people and early European settlers. The anti-microbial action of tannic acid has been well documented, and it has been shown to be effective against a range of bacteria, yeasts and viruses. A mild astringent with curative properties
***
Totara - Totarol is a naturally occurring extract from the totara tree,
with potent antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial and potent anti-oxidant.
***
Eucalyptus (Not a NZ native) - A good "man's soap"
(body-scrub or mild exfoliating soap-bar) Antiseptic
