Story: Plant extracts

Medicinal properties of kōkōmuka (koromiko)

Māori knew that many plants had medicinal properties. Hohepa Kereopa, a tohunga (priest) from the Ngāi Tūhoe tribe, explains how kōkōmuka (koromiko) is useful for curing constipation. Eating the young leaves will bring about more regular bowel movements.

Using this item

TVNZ Television New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Nigel Perry, Plant extracts – Unique plants and chemicals, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/14460/medicinal-properties-of-kokomuka-koromiko (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nigel Perry, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

fay M Brorens
09 July 2024

Really? Is the translation correct. So surprised to hear this but also concerned. Koromiko is dangerous for pregnancy. Also I have used it to stop bowels.