About Us

My name is Jan and I live in Pahiatua, NZ. For 48 years I worked as a registered nurse. Health has always been a passion of mine. I am also an avid gardener. By creating Kawakawa products I get to combine those two passions.

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I began making Kawakawa products because during lockdown in 2020 I developed cellulitis from an insect bite. I required IV antibiotics in hospital for three days as a result. I continued with oral antibiotics once home, but the infection did not go away. I saw an advertisement for some Kawakawa balm so purchased some to try, because I had heard it can be good for healing. I was amazed as it cleared the infection quickly. I then purchased a Kawakawa plant so I could grow and create my own balm for personal use, as I am immunocompromised. The plant thrived and after doing some research I made my own Kawakawa balm. I wanted to share the benefits of Kawakawa with family and friends, so I made balm as gifts, and it has expanded from there!

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Kawakawa is native to New Zealand. It is an amazing plant which has been used for centuries by Māori as rongoā (Māori medicine), due to its healing properties. I am continuing to experiment with new ways to use it. So far family and friends have used it for cracked heels, dry skin, athletes foot, muscle aches, arthritis, sunburn, skin infections, and it has been used on insect bites and stings. I make everything myself at home, and not only make Kawakawa balm but also serum, muscle rubs, and lip balm.