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