Rongoa - Maori Uses Of Plants

Rongoa - Maori Uses Of Plants

Rata (Northern Rata)

• Rata bark was seeped in water to make a lotion which was applied to the affected area to treat ringworm.
• A poultice was also made from the bark and this was applied to the affected area to treat boils, sores and abscesses .

• Rata bark was beaten into a poultice and left in water, the patient could then use this lotion as a bath or massage it into the skin to treat sore muscles, rheumatic joints or broken bones .

• The shoot of the plant wes cut and the sap applied to a wound to stop the bleeding before it was covered with a leaf bandage .

• The bark could also be boiled and the remaining liquid applied to the bleeding area .

• Nectar from the flowers was swallowed to treat sore throats.

To treat toothache, Rata leaves were chewed and applied

to a hollow in the tooth . The sap from the young shoots was

also taken orally, as it was said to have antiseptic and

anesthetic effects.

Purpose Of Processing Steps

Infusions:

Many of the plants used in medicines have either been infused or boiled, these processes are mainly used to extract the active ingredients of the plant leaf more easily. After being infused the plants become essential oils, the now essential oils can be used in many different medicines depending on the plant.

Manuka (Tea Tree)

Poultices

Poultices are usually made for rubbing on injuries or for muscle soreness. Poultices are mainly made from the bark or stalks of the plants, as well as the infusions the poultices are used for different injuries depending on the plant.

Both varieties have seedpods with a distinct head that is

divided into sections .

• The seed pods were crushed and dried then sprinkled over a seeping or open wound to dry it out and encourage healing.
• The seeds could also be boiled in water and the liquid extract could be applied externally for bruises and inflammation .
• When the leaves and seed pods are boiled in water the resulting infusion is very fragrant and was often inhaled when a patient had a cold or a blocked nose to relieve congestion.
• Infusions of inner bark could be taken by mouth as a sedative to promote sleep in people who are over excited, anxious or in pain .
• The boiled bark could also be rubbed into the skin to ease the pain of a fracture .
• The strength of Manuka also made it useful as a splint for fractures.

By Sam Bauld

Kawakawa (Pepper Tree)

Conclusion

Various Treatments

• The leaves and twigs could be boiled and eaten as an alternative .
• Paipai was a common skin condition of the Maori that resembled ringworm.
• Treatment of this ailment with Kawakawa was done using steaming.
• Boils were treated with Kawakawa as it was considered an astringent.
• Patients would usually be treated with a Kawakawa infusion given by mouth night and day for 3 days.
• Stomach pains were treated with Kawakawa. The leaves and bark were swallowed.
• The root was also chewed to stop cure dysentery.
• Kawakawa leaves were boiled and a patient would then bathe in the remaining liquid as a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis.

Wounds and bruising:

• Kawakawa leaves would be roasted producing a juice which was placed on the wound .
• The wound could also be bound up with fresh leaf/leaves which hastened the healing process .
• To treat bruises, Kawakawa leaves were boiled and then placed onto the bruise as hot as the patient could stand.
• Other Rongoa uses:

For toothaches and swollen mouths or cheeks:

• leaves were crushed into a poultice and placed over the affected area..

Harakeke (Flax)

In conclusion, we now know that there are many ways these plants can heal and cure common sicknesses and injuries. These plants are very symbolic to the Maori people and their ancestors, as they have used these plants to heal injuries for many centuries. These plants still can be used as alternatives from medicines today which is why they are so important, they are important because they are part of our history and they are medicines in general. There are still many more plants that can be used for healing but these are some of the well known plants.

Process

• The leaf or root of the harakeke plant was beaten into a poultice
• Then heated or roasted.
• The hot poultice was then applied to bring abscesses or tumours where they were starting to form in an attempt to bring them forward to the surface of the skin.

Other Uses

• The hard part of the leaf was used as a splint.
• Umbilical cords were tied with scraped flax.
• Sore backs were heated by the fire and then strapped up with a flax belt.
• A bad cut was sewn up with Muka (Flax fibre), using a sharpened stick.
• When someone had tutu-tree poisoning, a flax gag was crammed in their mouth to stop them biting their tongue – or their throat was brushed with flax on the end of a stick to make them vomit.
• The juice of the root was used to kill intestinal worms, and as a purgative.
• The poultice was also used to help reduce swelling of the joints or limbs.
• Fresh Harakeke root was pounded and the juice used as a lotion to treat ringworm.
• It was also used on infants to prevent skin irritations.
• Alternatively gum from the Harakeke plant was also directly applied to the affected area to treat ringworm.
• To treat chilblains and abscesses, the root was soaked, roasted and then made into a pulp which was applied to the affected area.

Introduction

Rongoa is a traditional Maori medicine. It includes herbal medicine made from plants, physical techniques like massage, and spiritual healing. It’s a system of healing that was passed on through generations. It includes multiple actions and focuses on the spiritual dimension of health.

Methods of healing

• herbal remedies – drinks, poultices or lotions made from plants
• using heat to relieve pain
• putting plant sap on wounds to help them heal.