Rongoā Rākau – Māori Herbal Medicine

In the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, traditional medicine is a living expression of our connection to the natural world. Within te ao Māori, that connection finds voice in rongoā rākau — the knowledge of plants as healers.

The book Rongoā Rākau – Māori Herbal Medicine captures this wisdom, guiding readers into the heart of Aotearoa’s healing traditions, where plants are not only remedies but companions in the journey to wellbeing.

The Essence of Rongoā Rākau

At its heart, rongoā rākau is about respect for the healing powers of native plants. Rongoā means medicine or healing, while rākau refers to trees and plants. Together, they remind us that wellbeing is inseparable from our relationship with the whenua and its living treasures.

A Relationship with the Land

To understand rongoā rākau is to understand the Māori worldview: that the land itself carries mauri — the vital life force. Plants are not passive resources; they are whanaunga (relatives), bound to us by whakapapa. In this way, healing with plants is also about restoring balance in our relationships with the natural world.

A Cultural Bridge

Rongoā Rākau – Māori Herbal Medicine is more than a handbook. It is a cultural bridge between generations, keeping mātauranga Māori alive and relevant. For those seeking to weave indigenous healing into contemporary wellness, it is both a teaching text and a reminder of the depth of wisdom embedded in our traditions.

Healing Knowledge in Practice

The book provides plant profiles and recipes that bring this knowledge to life. Kawakawa for inflammation, kumarahou for respiratory relief, and tutu for soothing tired muscles — each plant carries a story, a purpose, and a way of reconnecting us to ancestral knowledge through practice.

By preparing remedies ourselves, we build a hands-on relationship with healing that is deeply personal yet rooted in collective wisdom.

Respect and Sustainability

Central to rongoā rākau is a call to responsibility. Harvesting must be done ethically and with tikanga, ensuring that plants and their ecosystems thrive for future generations. Healing is never for the individual alone — it is for whānau, community, and the wider world.

A Final Word

Rongoā Rākau – Māori Herbal Medicine invites us to look beyond physical symptoms and remember that true health is about harmony with the land. By walking with the wisdom of our plants, we rediscover remedies for the body — and also a deeper connection to the spirit of Papatūānuku herself.