Medicinal benefits of harakeke (V0152)
Traditionally, Maori considered the harakeke plant to have medicinal properties and used it, for example, to treat wounds.
Duration: 1:09
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Industrial Research Limited scientist, Stephen Tauwhare explains the medicinal properties associated with different parts of the harakeke plant.
Transcript
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tāmaki Nui a Rua: He aha ngā wāhanga rongoa?
Wiremu: What are the medicinal parts of the plant?
Stephen Tauwhare (Industrial Research Limited): Harakeke was used by our people for rongoa [remedies] and they used all parts of it. The leaf could be used for slings or splinting. The karare, which is like the flower stalk in the plant, could be used to splint broken bones. The gel was used to treat wounds, abrasions, and cuts. And of course, the roots - various concoctions were made out of the roots - I guess for a lot of internal complaints. Things like gastro-intestinal problems, which are problems in your stomach or your gut … dysentery, diarrhea, those sorts of things.
