Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is commonly known as the NZ pepper tree.
It is one of the most important healing herbs in Rongoa Maori. It grows wildly and abundantly throughout much of NZ and possesses a unique and subtle New Zealand scent.
Used topically (when added to a base product, not to be used alone) kawakawa has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant actions making it useful for painful muscles and joints, chilblains, bruising, gardening rashes, bites and stings, nappy rash, grazes and eczema.