The fruit, bark and leaves of the kawakawa all have medicinal properties. The leaves were chewed or made into an infusion to treat stomach ailments and bladder problems, the fruits were eaten as a diuretic, and the leaves chewed for toothache. The leaves and bark can made into an infusion used for the treatment of skin problems such as eczema, and a balm can be used to heal cuts, boils, bruises, rheumatism, and nettle stings.
Recent research has found over 60 active compounds, including pellitorine, which has a numbing effect on the body. Kawakawa also has stimulating and rejuvenating properties which make it a good tonic when infused and taken as a tea.