Kumarahou

Maori name: Kumarahou,

Common name: Gumdigger’s soap, poverty weed.

Botanical name: Pomaderris kumeraho

Origin and general information:
Kumarahou is an attractive ornamental shrub that grows extensively on the gumfields of the North Island and in the scrub on the edges of roads. When the yellow head of the flower is crushed in the hands and mixed with water it produces a soapy lather, accounting for the name “gumdigger’s soap”. It is also known as poverty weed as the plant has a liking for poor, clay-like soils. The leaves have good curative properties which are widely known and authenticated.

Rongoa:
Respiratory complaints: The liquid extract obtained by steeping the leaves in water was used for the relief of chest complaints1. The liquid was also taken internally for colds and asthma, and in particular for bronchitis. Extracts of kumarahou were also drunk to treat tuberculosis.

Wounds and bruising:
The outer surface of kumarahou leaves can be easily rubbed off and boiled. The liquid obtained can be used as a soothing agent that can be applied to wounds2.

Blood purifier:
It was used as a blood purifier3.

Dermatological complaints:
The liquid obtained from steeping the leaves in boiling water was used with good effect as a bath for skin disorders, especially for children4.

Kidney problems:
A bath full of kumarahou leaves was given to people suffering from kidney problems4.

Alternative uses:
The bitter taste of kumarahou as a medicine has led to its use by the Maori in paikaka (homebrew)5.

REFERENCES CITED:

1 - Christina Macdonald. Medicines of the Maori. Jan 1974. Collin; Auckland.

2 - Cowan, J. The Maori Yesterday and Today. 1930. Whitcombe & Tombs.

3 - Poverty Bay Cooking Calendar. 1930. Federation of Women’s Institutes, Spec. Maori section, several issues.

4 - Mcdonlad, C. Medicines of the Maori. 1974. Collins; Auckland.

5 - Gluckman, L.K. 1976. Tangiurai – A Medical History of New Zealand Prior To 1860. Publ. by author.