Kawakawa and Kūmarahou: The Māori Pair for Modern Health

These two native plants work together to balance breathing and digestion

Māori Botanicals Have Lasting Power

While health fads rise and fall, native plants from Aotearoa have stayed strong for hundreds of years. Kawakawa and Kūmarahou shine among them — two holy plants that Rongoā Māori (old Māori healing) praises for how they balance the breathing and digesting systems.

Today, Atutahi brings back this age-old knowledge through brewed low-sugar drinks that respect both taste and purpose. Each gulp combines old wisdom and current wellness — made right here in New Zealand.

Have you ever thought about how to help your gut clear your chest, or just feel more connected to nature? These two native plants might be the gentle yet strong solution you’ve been looking for.

The Tale of Kawakawa and Kūmarahou

Kawakawa – The Calming Healer

Called the “pharmacy of the bush,” Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) stands out as one of Aotearoa’s most common native herbs. Māori healers in the past used Kawakawa leaves to soothe digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation. Its subtle peppery flavor points to its strength — a natural remedy that helps the body regain its balance from the inside.

Atutahi’s Kawakawa Lemon & Lime Drink blends this famous plant with tangy citrus resulting in a drink that’s both cool and comforting — perfect for people who want taste without the sugar high.

Kūmarahou – The Mild Cleanser

If Kawakawa comforts the body, Kūmarahou (Pomaderris kumeraho) has a cleansing effect on it. Māori call this golden-flowered shrub the “gum digger’s soap.” People brewed it to boost lung health and clean the blood. For a long time, it has helped as a breathing aid clearing congestion and making it easier to breathe.

Atutahi’s Kūmarahou Lemon & Lime Drink follows this tradition — blending the herb’s earthy floral flavors with a zesty citrus kick. The outcome? A refreshing light beverage that boosts your body’s natural cleansing processes and gives you a lift.

The Teamwork of Kawakawa and Kūmarahou

Each plant packs a punch on its own, but the real wonder comes from their teamwork. Combined, Kawakawa and Kūmarahou strike a natural balance — mirroring how body systems work together in traditional Māori healing practices.

• To Aid the Gut: Kawakawa calms and tones the digestive system, cutting down on bloating and helping digestion run more .
• To Help the Lungs: Kūmarahou backs clear breathing and eases irritation in the airways.
• To Boost Energy and Balance: Together, they cleanse and reset your body’s inner clock — giving you daily pep without needing caffeine or extra sugar.

Atutahi’s mixes take this bond and turn it into something you can enjoy every day — a health routine in a bottle. They brew each drink and to keep the leaves’ goodness using low sugar natural stuff, and no added preservatives.

Whether you’re ditching sugary sodas seeking a better option than energy drinks, or diving into traditional Māori health practices, Atutahi gives you a cool way to get back to basics.

Add Māori Wellness to Your Daily Routine

Atutahi shines not just in its taste but in its mission — to keep Māori plant wisdom thriving and easy to access. When you pick Atutahi, you’re not just sipping a drink; you’re backing local farmers, responsible harvesting, and cultural authenticity.

Check out the complete selection of Atutahi drinks and chutneys — ranging from Kawakawa Lemon & Lime to Horopito Blackcurrant Boysenberry. Each flavor showcases native botanicals at their tastiest.

For those who want to give wellness as a gift, take a look at Atutahi’s Gift Packs. These make great presents for friends and family who value unique meaningful items made right here in Aotearoa.

Feeling inspired? Now’s the time to add this Māori pair to your daily routine. 👉 Check out Atutahi at atutahi.nz and see how Kawakawa and Kūmarahou can improve your breathing, enhance your digestion, and create a natural balance in your life.

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