2. What is Rongoā and what are its links to disease and infection?

Knowledge

All through history people have been using observation and experience to work out methods to treat sickness and infection and to keep people healthy.

Rongoā is traditional Māori medicine which has a holistic approach - this means it includes mauri (life force), tapu (natural law) and wairua (spirit) - to keep a person healthy and to heal a person. Early Māori first used Rongoā to prevent sickness and treat people when they became sick.

Part of Rongoā is the use of native plant leaves, seeds, berries and bark. Recent scientific analysis of the chemicals in the native plants of Aotearoa have identified many antibacterials (kill bacteria), anti-inflammatories (reduce inflammation) and chemicals that ease pain and digestive system upsets.

Kawakawa is a native plant that is used in Rongoā to successfully treat eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, swelling and insect bites. Kawakawa is endemic to Aotearoa (found nowhere else on Papatūānuku) and has distinctive heart-shaped leaves.

There are often holes in the leaves created by a caterpillar that only feeds on kawakawa and is immune to the anti-insect chemicals in the leaves. It is said that the leaves that contain the most chemicals are the ones with the most holes, and it is these holey leaves that are the best for use in Rongoā.

Mānuka also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is often used in commercially made acne and anti-aging products.

Harakeke (flax) contains a sticky gum that is used to treat skin infections and wounds. The long thin leaves are used to dress wounds or as a sling. The juice from harakeke disinfects wounds to aide healing.