Koromiko

Hebe Salicifolia, H.Stricta, H. Ellipitica

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Maori names

Koromiko, Korohiko, Korokio, Kokomuka

Botanical Notes

Originally identified as the species “Veronica”. They are now placed in a separate genus “hebe”. Most North Island shrubs known as Hebe salicifolia are now grouped in Hebe stricta. Grows in both islands.

Parts Used

Unopened young leaf tips.

Active Consituents

Tannnins, Alkanes, Mannitol (wood), phenolic acid.

Actions

• Astringent
• Bitter
• Styptic
• Tonic

Main Uses

Internal: Stimulates appetite. Facilitates east labour. Dysentery, diarrhoea. Piles, varicose veins, headaches, kidney and bladder troubles. Promotes bile flow. Haemorrhaging, teething babies with loosened bowels. Stomach ache.

Topically: Ulcers, rheumatism, haemorrhage.

Combines Well With

Karamu, Pukatea, Kawakwa, Rate, Tanekaha, Cranesbill, Meadowseed, Bayberry, Agrimony, Bistort, Plaintain, Lady’s Mantle, Oak Bark, Bethroot (Trillium erectum)

Dose

Fresh leaf tips (dried has little effect) given in proportion to age eg. 6 tips to a 6 year old, 12 tips to a 12 year old or adult. Steep in water.

Tincture: 10ml – 30ml per week or 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. Alternatively Potentise to 1x or 20-60 drops per 100mls.

Historical Uses

Sister Susanne Aubert (1835 – 1926) who worked extensively with the Maori people used koromiko in two of her remedied; Natanata medicine containing a combination of Koromiko, Pukatea, Rata, Tanekaha for stomach ache, diarrhoea and vomiting (all ages). Hapete ointmentl Koromiko, Karamu, Pukatea for sores, lumps, tumours, scrofula, boils, abscesses, septic infections, piles, babies chafe. The leaves can also be bruised and applied as a poultice for an ulcer or a boil.

Home Remedies

Today Koromiko as a cure for diarrhoea and dysentery is still widely used by both Maori and Pakeha.

Related Pharmacology

Veronica officinalis or common speedwell used for coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, dysentery, promotes menstruation and as an ointment for skin disease. A veronica species was one of the ingredients in a lotion reputed to be made by witches in the middle ages.

References

Notes by Angela Chadwick – selfheal, www.selfheal.co.nz

Maori Healing & Herbal – Murdoch Riley

Prepared by Irene MacCulloch for The Herb Federation of New Zealand’s Herb Awareness Week 11th – 18th March 2007