What is Kawakawa — and why is it in everything?
If you've spent any time exploring natural skincare made in New Zealand, you've probably noticed one ingredient popping up again and again: kawakawa. But what actually is it, and why are so many NZ brands — including us — reaching for it?
A plant with deep roots in Aotearoa
Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) is a native New Zealand plant that has been treasured by Māori for centuries. Known as the "medicine plant," it holds a special place in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) and has been used to treat everything from skin irritations and wounds to joint pain and inflammation.
You'll recognise kawakawa leaves by their distinctive holes — made by the looper moth, which only feeds on the healthiest plants. In te ao Māori, a holey kawakawa leaf is actually a sign of vitality. Nature's own quality check. 🍃
What does the science say?
Modern research is catching up with what Māori have known for generations. Kawakawa contains a compound called myristicin, along with flavonoids and essential oils that give it powerful:
- Anti-inflammatory properties — calming redness, irritation and swelling
- Antioxidant activity — protecting skin from environmental damage
- Antimicrobial qualities — helping to keep skin clean and healthy
- Analgesic effects — soothing discomfort on contact
For sensitive skin, babies, and anyone dealing with dryness or irritation, these properties make kawakawa genuinely remarkable — not just a trendy ingredient, but one that earns its place.
Why we use kawakawa in Nature's Nurse
When we were developing our Nature's Nurse Manuka & Kawakawa Balm, we wanted a product that could do it all — soothe, protect, and heal — without a single synthetic ingredient. Kawakawa was a natural choice (pun intended).
Paired with mānuka — another NZ native powerhouse with antibacterial properties — the result is a balm that works beautifully on:
- Dry, cracked or irritated skin
- Minor cuts, grazes and insect bites
- Eczema-prone or sensitive skin
- Nappy rash and baby skin concerns
- Chapped lips and rough patches
Honouring the plant — and its origins
We believe in using kawakawa respectfully, acknowledging its significance in Māori culture and the knowledge that has been shared across generations. It's not just an ingredient to us — it's a reminder of why we make products the way we do: close to nature, close to home, and with genuine care for what goes on your skin.
If you haven't tried kawakawa yet, we think it's time. 🌿