KAWAKAWA - a drawing agent

Recently I was once more reminded of how incredible herbs are. After leaving a funeral for very special young woman I went to the beach to say my farewells to her. As I walked down I managed to impale a large splinter into my foot. My mum would ask where am I feeling guilt or self attack about the direction I’m moving forward (metaphysicals of feet & pain)!? Which was worth pondering.

I managed to dig out the wood using a needle but 3 days better it still wasn’t healing, it was reddened & inflamed & suppurating.

As I sat out in the garden I pondered a plant with drawing ability. Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) popped to mind so I folded one grandparent leaf underside upwards (the underside draws) into a parcel. Then using a cup smashed it a few times to open the cellulose wall. Then put it over the infected area of my foot with a new plaster.

In the morning I found a large splinter poking out of the hole which was easily extracted & all suppuration & inflammation gone!

Kawakawa has an ability to draw out foreign material or pus & is also antimicrobial for infection.

My symbolism was further reinforced when I remembered learned at the funeral that Kawakawa was her favourite plant. It felt just like the spirit of this magnificent women to be still assisting in my growth & healing.

Another case study

Imagine this…a painful boil on your labia majora? Ouch much?

This woman suddenly had a painful, inflamed, swollen boil appear in this location. It already had a pus head & she could feel the deep core of pus within it.

For 6 hours she applied antibacterial cream from the pharmacy (commonly it’s a bacteria) & a antimicrobial golden seal based natural cream. And if anything it seemed to feed the infection.

I suggested the drawing power of Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum). Using the underside of the leaf folded into a small parcel she placed it over the boil. Instantly she noticed the pain went (Kawakawa is an analgesic/anaesthetic, this also works on teeth pain). Then within an hour the swelling started reducing (anti inflammatory, antimicrobial). She changed the poultice twice and overnight the core of pus was drawn out & the swelling gone. The boil was healed within 2 days completely. How amazing is this plant! I have so much respect for Kawakawa.

Our plants are such herbal allies!

Shine bright, Nic