flipWai kawakawa — kawakawa infusion
Wai kawakawa — kawakawa infusion
Why this dish? First woman drawn from the earth, Hineahuone embodies the bond of care between humans and the plant world. Kawakawa, a peppery and sacred forest plant, is at the heart of rongoā (traditional medicine): an infusion inspired by these uses to warm the body and soothe.
An infusion of kawakawa leaves, slightly peppery and bitter, traditionally drunk as a body remedy. Recipe inspired — with respect — from the uses of rongoā, without reproducing sacred ritual practice.
When the body aches, ē taku uri, you do not turn away from the forest: you draw near to it. The kawakawa, with its leaf holed by insects — the best, they say — carries a gentle fire under the bitterness. We put the leaves in hot water, and the drink warmed the inside and soothed. These are not my words alone: it is the knowledge that the earth gave to my daughters, and to their daughters after them. Drink slowly, and thank the plant.
- •Kawakawa leaves — a handful (aromatic medicinal plant)
- •Spring water heated on stones — enough to infuse (infusion base)
Wai kawakawa — kawakawa infusion
An infusion of kawakawa leaves, slightly peppery and bitter, traditionally drunk as a body remedy. Recipe inspired — with respect — from the uses of rongoā, without reproducing sacred ritual practice.
Why this dish? First woman drawn from the earth, Hineahuone embodies the bond of care between humans and the plant world. Kawakawa, a peppery and sacred forest plant, is at the heart of rongoā (traditional medicine): an infusion inspired by these uses to warm the body and soothe.
When the body aches, ē taku uri, you do not turn away from the forest: you draw near to it. The kawakawa, with its leaf holed by insects — the best, they say — carries a gentle fire under the bitterness. We put the leaves in hot water, and the drink warmed the inside and soothed. These are not my words alone: it is the knowledge that the earth gave to my daughters, and to their daughters after them. Drink slowly, and thank the plant.
Ingredients (period version)
- Kawakawa leaves — a handful (aromatic medicinal plant)
- Spring water heated on stones — enough to infuse (infusion base)
Ingredients
- Dried kawakawa leaves (or kawakawa tea) — 1 tbsp (aromatic plant)
- Water — 500 ml (infusion)
- Honey — 1 tsp (optional) (sweeten bitterness)
Method
- Bring water to a simmer then remove from heat.
- Add the kawakawa leaves and cover.
- Let infuse 8 to 10 minutes depending on desired strength.
- Strain, optionally add a little honey, and drink hot in small sips.
How it was made : Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) is a central plant in Māori rongoā, used in infusions and preparations for many wellness purposes; leaves holed by insects were considered most effective. Rongoā practices traditionally include spiritual dimensions and remain a living knowledge to approach with respect.
The contemporary twist : Serve warm in a dark cup with a fresh leaf floating on the surface, like a contemplative forest tea.
Sources : Murdoch Riley, Māori Healing and Herbal (1994) · P. B. Brooker, R. C. Cambie & R. C. Cooper, New Zealand Medicinal Plants (1987)
Hineahuone · Charactorium
