Rongoā Maori

Rongoa is traditional Māori healing, a holistic system based on Te Whare Tapa Whā (four pillars) of health: wairua (spiritual), hinengaro (psychological), tinana (physical) and whānau (family). Rongoā rākau (plant remedies) form an integral part of Rongoā Māori, with numerous native plants used to treat a variety of conditions, traditionally administered by a Tohunga (practitioner).
As with any herbal medicine, you need to be able to correctly identify the plants, know the dosage required and know of possible side effects, including interactions with other medicines. Advice from a Tohunga is strongly recommended. In addition, there is a tikanga (protocol) around the harvesting process. Of course this traditionally referred to harvesting from the native bush, however the tikanga is not just for environmental reasons but also forms a part of the healing process itself, so is also applicable to harvesting plants you have grown in your garden.
1. Grow your knowledge and awareness of the rākau (plants) generally, so that using them is not like an ‘over the counter’ solution.
2. Before harvesting, karakia (prayer) to signify your intention and honour Tane Mahuta, the over-seeing atua (deity/Guardian Spirit of the Forest), perhaps also Rongo-ma-Tāne, the atua of cultivated plants, and the rākau (plants) themselves, who are considered to be our tīpuna (ancestors). Use the karakia as a time to focus on the task, putting aside any stress or problems you are holding onto and tuning in to the plants.
3. Thank the rākau for its medicinal properties and ask if it would share itself with you. It is said that the plants give more of their healing wairua (energy) when asked.
4. Ideally harvest from several different plants to ensure an ongoing sustainable resource.
5. Bless the material that you have harvested, and give thanks to the rākau that gave it.
6. Return all unused plant material back to Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) to ensure the cycle of life continues.

Disclaimer: We have a passion for growing herbs but we are not qualified herbalists and have no medical background. We always recommend that you consult with a qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications. Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.