29/11/2025
KAWAKAWA 🌿 THE CELESTIAL RĀKAU
He kōrero tuku iho…
Kawakawa is known as a rākau rongoā from the heavens. After the great separation of Ranginui rāua ko Papatūānuku when light entered the world but heartbreak also arrived IO sent Kawakawa down as a cloak of comfort.
A rākau to soothe Papatūānuku’s mamae, to heal the wounds left by that cosmic shift, to calm her trembling grief as her beloved Ranginui was lifted away.
Some say the leaves hold the tears of Papatūānuku the holes in the leaves showing where she felt pain, and where the rākau took that pain into itself so that we wouldn’t carry it alone.
Kawakawa is that gentle atua presence… warm, embracing, forgiving. A healer of whare tangata and wairua.
✨ Attributes of Kawakawa
♡ A rākau of comfort and grounding
♡ A protector of the hinengaro, soothing anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional heaviness
♡ A purifier of the tinana and wairua
♡ A symbol of peace, aroha, and reconciliation often used in pōwhiri, tangihanga, and spiritual clearing
✨ Medicinal Healing & Properties
Kawakawa is powerful yet gentle.
Traditionally used for generations, it supports:
🫶 Tinana
• Anti-inflammatory_ helps with mamae, aches, joint discomfort
• Pain relief_ especially bruising, swelling, cramps
• Digestive support_ bloating, gas, tummy upsets
• Skin healing_ rashes, eczema, bites, infections
• Supports blood circulation
• Great for mouth, gum, or throat issues as a gargle or steam
☯️ Hinengaro & Wairua
• Calms anxiety, restlessness, emotional distress
• Helps reset the nervous system
• Beautiful for grounding and protecting your energy
• Used in blessings, clearing rituals, and restoring balance after heavy experiences
♡Use in teas, balms, oils, steams, baths & poultices. Always with intention, karakia, and respect.
💚 Kawakawa is more than a plant…
It’s a healer with whakapapa, a reminder of grief transformed into healing, and a companion for our daily balance.
When you walk with kawakawa, you walk with the aroha of Papatūānuku herself.
