Medicinal Properties In Koromiko

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 291, 7 September 1942, Page 4

Medicinal Properties In Koromiko

Sir, —In Friday’s issue of “The Dominion” appeared an article extolling the curative properties of the well known native plant, the koromiko, the most common variety of the veronicas. I can vouch for the medicinal virtues of this plant, and have effected cures on many occasions. The first time I heard of it was when a relative of mine, many years ago, had a young child suffering acutely from an attack of dysentery. Being acquainted 'with a Maori' Member of Parliament at the time the parent happened to mention the fact that the child was lying very ill. The Maori Member obtained a few buds of koromiko and told the father to give these to the child, to chew. Satisfactory results were almost immediate.

In the early days the koromiko was used by settlers and bushmen. It is a very astringent plant and is thought to contain tannin. The Maoris, before the advent of the pakeha, were conversant with the properties of this and other plants of medicinal worth and were able to treat many illnesses that flesh was heir to. There are two plants that furnish “bush painkiller,” the kawa kawa and the horopito. The leaves have a very hot taste not unlike resin. The manuka or tea plant is said to be a cure for dropsy by infusing a handful in a quart of water and drinking it freely. The Maoris used the pulp of the bruised root of flax tied tightly over wounds to stop bleeding, while the gum secreted in the folds of the leaf near the root was put into water and applied to burns or scalds.

These are only a few of the examples of the medicinal properties of New Zealand plants. I have always felt sure investigation in this direction has not been as thoroughly carried out as it should have been.—l am, etc., G. S. W. Hawera, September 5.