Kumarahou (Pomaderris kumarahou)

We're in a fortunate position of knowing that humans have been safely & effectively using locally growing plant medicines to keep themselves healthy & well for thousands of years. Not only have we learnt over a long period of time which plants are safe, there are now many scientific studies to back up the folk remedies that our grandmothers & ancestors have been using.

Kumarahou is one of those plants that Maori & NZ locals have been using simply & effectively for years with great results (and no nasty side effects).

This is our local botanical for treating lung & respiratory conditions. So it's a perfect time to get to know her as the cold weather gets closer.

Kumarahou is commonly used to treat coughs, colds & asthma and in the past was used to treat tuberculosis. I notice a definite improvement in a cough or cold when I start drinking Kumarahou infusions. Continuous coughing lessens, almost straight after drinking, which is why I endure the extremely bitter taste. Gawd!

Her etheric medicine helps us make space for ourselves in our own lives, allow ourselves to breathe (on all the levels) She is also super blood cleansing and is a liver and skin tonic. She helps us come back to the present moment, to open up and to grieve - healing the heart and lungs on an emotional level and helping us move forward in life without looking back.

She helps us to open to receive and helps foster self-respect. She is supporting and cleansing for our qi, our lifeforce field. She is known as a tonic herb which are used to restore & strengthen the whole body, and can be safely taken over a long period of time.

A brew of Kumerahou is easy to prepare, with no fancy equipment required. Gently simmer a handful of leaves in a pot of water for 20-30mins until the liquid turns amber red, then strain & drink. You can store it in the fridge and reheat too. BEWARE: its not for the faint hearted!! It's very bitter. For kids (or cute adults!) you can sweeten with honey, but remember it's often the bitter flavor that is good for you too.

When we get a cough or cold we have a permanent rolling brew of Kumerahou on the stove (with the addition of Usnea, Licorice & Elderberry, my other anti-viral / immune system stimulating, herbal brew favorites). You can also add some ginger and tumeric root if you have them.

Or grab a tincture from the SOUL STORE here (coming soon…) or ask Willa to make you up an essence…

Kumarahou can be foraged in the North Island of New Zealand & dries very easily for later use. However (as with all foraging) please be mindful of the plants health & how much you are taking, always respecting the land & environment first and ALWAYS ask the plant!!! She knows if she is ready and able to give or not. Remember to respect her wishes, there is always another tree further on…

Please only take what's needed & ONLY after flowering is complete (so it's too early to gather now).

I am thinking of planting a tribe of Kumerahou on the mountain so I know I have an on hand supply for years to come, without damaging the wild growing population. This is an easy to grow plant, however it does get big so watch where you plant it and give it lots of space.

The Te Reo name of Kumerahou, means kumera planting time, as the kumera has been traditionally planted when the kumerahou is flowering.

If you'd like to learn about Rongoa Maori, or more about NZ Natives for healing, I highly recommend learning from your local Rongoa practitioners. The tikanga & protocols around gathering NZ natives for medicinal use are exquisite, we can all learn from these beautifully respectful practices.

Always remember to gather respectfully, mindfully & sustainably, caring for the plants & the land, fostering a reciprocal relationship.

This article is adapted from information from