Native Alternative Medicine Healing Using Kawakawa, Manuka, and Kumerahou
What else could you try to combat winter ills? Here in NZ we have native plants growing around the place that we can use to help us in healing.
There are two in particular that I use on a fairly regular basis. One is Kumerahou which is probably the most versatile of all our native plants aside from Manuka (you may have heard of Manuka Honey). In traditional medicine there are steps that must be adhered to out of respect, so what you would do is to say a prayer before picking the leaves of the plant. Then it can be dried and made into a tea to drink.
I was taught to select the leaves a bug had already eaten. Yum!
There are also strict protocols around disposal of the leaves. When I have finished using them they are given back to a tree. Following the protocol is considered as important to the medicine as the plant itself. This includes the time that the leaves are picked. For Maori there is no separation between spiritual and physical aspects.
When I first heard of swine flu I stocked up on….. Kawakawa leaves! This is the most useful New Zealand plant for cold or ‘flu symptoms. A great alternative for natural healing.
Blessings,
Keri Eagan
AlternativeInsight
Photo Credit
Tags: alternative medicine healing, alternative natural healing, Herb, Kawakawa, Kumerahou, Manuka, Maori, Native, Plant
I have never heard of any of these remedies. Sticking to my old standby’s – salt water, alcohol, vitamin C/lysine and ice. Garlic is another fine alternative that has the added benefit of keeping people at a distance.
Steve Chambers
Sales Training Speaker
Who are you saying the prayer to? This is fascinating.
Seize the Day,
Rob
Simple Survival Tips For Disasters and Emergencies
You remind me that I have to get to know the local plants and what use I can make of them if I have to bug in.
Thanks for the tips.
Martin O’Connor
http://smallbusinessdesigncenter.com
Great blog Keri, I always learn something….
Scott Payne
http://www.scottpayne.me
I like it. I’ve heard the manuka honey masks can pull stuff out of your system. Have you used masks?
Kate
Interesting I never heard of those remedies
Jose Escalante
http://www.joseescalante.com
Where does one find these herbs in the US or can we? I’ve seen Manuka honey, but the K-leaves . . . not sure I’ve seen that.
Katie
That’s really smart to use what’s around you. Everytime I hear of a natural remedy, I’m always a bit surprised. They are typically simple solutions that can do so much. For example, a tablespoon a day of local honey can protect against allergies. The reason? Because the bees in the area pollinate and this helps build your resistance to the local pollen and such.
MissMentor
Hmm sounds interesting.
Bert (alter ego- Mister P)
MisterP.org/blog
I love (NZ) manuka honey, and frequently have it on toast, for breakfast. Didn’t know about saying a prayer though.
I was warned, however, by a bee expert (PhD and works for the government) about not having too much at any one time. It does have anti-bacterial properties which are beneficial in small doses, but too much is not good – think bleach, which is also anti-bacterial (and anti-a lot of other things!).
I guess it’s the same with a lot of alternative healing remedies. The more informed you are about them and how to use them, the better!
http://www.martin-wright.com
I never heard of any of these methods in healing flu. I’d probably try it over a shot any day though.
Vicki http://www.bridal-threads.com
Keri,
>
For Maori there is no separation between spiritual and physical aspects.
>
Couldn’t agree more!
In the ultimate sense, there is no differnece between mundane and the spiritual life.
They’re 2 sides of the same coin!
John Ho
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Influence & Persuasion
This world is all about giving and taking to create the balance it needs.
Great post.
Lynn Lane—>
The Warrior Of Success
Very interesting. I had not heard of these remedies until reading your post.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
It is nice to hear of healings from other parts of the world.
Robert Martin
http://www.carbuyinghq.com