Wild Ferns New Zealand Flowers Skincare Collection

Flower Extract Benefits

Manuka

This is a small tree which grows abundatly throughout New Zealand.  The delicate white and pink flowers can cover the tree such that it appears to have snowed.  Various parts of the Manuka tree have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years – treating ailments such as head colds, inflammation, and rheumatic joints.  It was also given as a sedative to a person in pain or to promote sleep.

Typical properties include: Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, anti-wrinkle, astringent and healing.

Pohutukawa

The pohutukawa is also known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree due to the abundance of striking red flowers that bloom in December.  The pohutukawa flower is one of the more easily recognised native New Zealand flowers.

Not as commonly used in natural medicine as Manuka, but also has astringent and antiseptic qualities.

Harakeke (NZ Flax)

This is one of the most versatile native New Zealand plants.  Not only are the leaves used traditionally by Maori for weaving mats, clothing, bags and bowls, different parts of the plant were used as an external treatment for wounds, burns, toothache and eczema, others act as a disinfectant for wounds.

Harakeke typically contains effective antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, skin softening and healing properties.

Kowahi

The drooping bright yellow flower of the Kowhai tree is also one of the more easily recognised native flowers in New Zealand.  Not only popular with the native Tui, all parts of the Kowhai tree can be used in traditional medicine – from treating cuts, bruises and swelling to assisting in healing colds, sore throats and skin infections.

Properties include: Antimicrobial (eg. penicillin), antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Puriri

Puriri is one of the few native flowers trees in New Zealand with large colourful flowers – commonly a rose pink compared to the white or green flowers which are more common on native trees.  The flower itself is similar in appearance to the snapdragon flowers.

Used in traditional medicine to treat ulcers, sore throats and for bathing sore muscles, backache and sprains.

Properties include: Antimicrobial and acts aa a relaxant