The New Zealand native plant Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) Pepper Tree possesses anti-fungal properties that are today well-documented by scientific research. The main biologically active chemical constituent of Horopito is the sesquiterpene dialdehyde polygodial 1. This Polygodial has been shown to exhibit fungicidal activity against yeasts and filamentous fungi by damaging the membrane of the fungal cell walls. Horopito is most well known for its action against Candida albicans.
With their great knowledge of New Zealand's native flora Maori traditionally utilised the leaves of Horopito to treat skin problems, skin diseases and oral thrush. The leaves were bruised and steeped in water and this lotion was used on ringworm, wounds, chaffed skin, and even venereal disease. A Horopito decoction was created for sick babies. The leaves were steeped in water and this juice was given to babies to treat Candida alibicans (oral thrush) which was a major cause of infant mortality at that time.
Early European settlers named Horopito the Bushman's Pain Killer and chewed the leaves and seeped them for tea to treat diarrhoea and stomach illnesses. In the 19th Century the French Nun, Mother Suzanne Aubert lived with Maori by the Wanganui River and studied Maori herbal knowledge. She cared for orphans and unwed mothers and supported them with the sale of her natural remedies based on Maori herbal lore. She believed that Horopito was a stronger remedy than Quinine (Quinquina) for chronic stomach illnesses although Quinine was the treatment of the day. Her remedy, Karana, contained Horopito and was successfully used throughout New Zealand in the 19th Century.
Today the Herbal Bush Company, Self Heal, reproduce Karana as a natural remedy for stomach upsets and for those with allergies who are susceptible to sprays and environmental toxins.
This is the link to Karana: http://www.purecurenz.com/
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- McCallion RF, Cole
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