Harness Nature’s Healing for Sensitive Skin, Eczema, and Dryness
🧪 Why Kawakawa Balm Is a Skincare Essential
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is one of New Zealand’s most beloved native healing plants. Traditionally used by Māori for its soothing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s ideal for calming eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, and dry, irritated skin.
What makes kawakawa balm even more powerful? Pairing it with other soothing herbs like chickweed and calendula — and infusing the oils slowly and intentionally.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- ✅ How to harvest, dry, and infuse kawakawa
- ✅ The best oils for infusion
- ✅ How to make a nourishing kawakawa balm at home
- ✅ When and why to add essential oils like karanja
- ✅ Pros and cons of making your own vs. buying ready-made balms
🌿 1. Harvesting Kawakawa – When, Where & How
Kawakawa grows best in warm, sheltered bush areas. Look for:
- Leaves with symmetrical holes (caused by the kawakawa looper caterpillar – a sign of high medicinal potency).
- Dry weather (avoid harvesting after rain).
- Mid to late morning for the best oil content.
🌱 TIP: Don’t strip a single plant – take a few leaves from many.
Once harvested, rinse and pat dry gently. Lay them flat in a warm, airy place out of direct sun for a few days until leathery.
🛢️ 2. Infusing Oils: Why It Matters & What to Use
Herbal oil infusions are the base of any quality balm. They allow you to extract the healing compounds gently without damaging the plant or the oil.
✅ Oils to Use:
- Olive Oil – rich, nourishing, long-lasting
- Sunflower Oil – lightweight and gentle for sensitive skin
- Sweet Almond Oil – deeply moisturising, great for dry skin
You can do a cold infusion (3–6 weeks in a jar on a sunny windowsill) or a warm infusion (double boiler on the lowest heat for 2–4 hours).
For best results, try combining:
- Kawakawa – anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
- Chickweed – cooling, relieves itch
- Calendula – accelerates skin healing, antimicrobial
🧴 3. DIY Kawakawa Balm Recipe (Beginner-Friendly)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup kawakawa-infused oil
- 2 tbsp calendula-infused oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp chickweed-infused oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp shea butter (optional, adds richness)
- 2 tbsp beeswax pellets (adjust for firmness)
- 10 drops karanja oil or lavender essential oil (optional)
METHOD:
- Gently melt beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler.
- Add infused oils and stir slowly until fully blended.
- Remove from heat and stir in essential oils.
- Pour into sterilised jars or tins and allow to cool before sealing.
💡 4. Essential Oils for Targeted Skin Support
Essential oils can take your balm to the next level — but use sparingly (1–2% max of the total formula).
🌿 Karanja Oil
- Antifungal, antibacterial
- Supports eczema-prone or inflamed skin
- Pairs well with kawakawa for barrier repair
🌼 Lavender
- Calms irritation, gentle on most skin types
- Great for sleep-support balms too
🍊 Sweet Orange or Frankincense
- Brightens and supports healing
- Helps in balm blends for scars or dry skin
🧪 5. Why Chickweed & Calendula Are Perfect Additions
Both of these herbs add complementary benefits that boost kawakawa’s potency:
Chickweed (Stellaria media):
Soothes rashes, bites, and itching — perfect for children and pets too.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis):
Speeds up healing of cuts, grazes, and acne. Also protects the skin barrier.
Infusing these herbs separately and combining their oils in your balm gives you a full-spectrum herbal salve that supports nearly every common skin concern.
🧼 6. Pros of Making Your Own Balm
- ✔️ Customizable: Use the exact herbs and oils your skin loves
- ✔️ Freshness: No fillers, preservatives, or unknown ingredients
- ✔️ Cost-effective: High-quality balms are expensive – DIY saves long-term
- ✔️ Empowering: Learn to work with plants, tune into nature’s rhythms
⚠️ 7. Cons of DIY Balms (Be Prepared)
- ❌ Time-consuming: Infusions can take weeks
- ❌ Shelf-life: Without preservatives, use within 6–12 months
- ❌ Trial & Error: Consistency and effectiveness may vary
- ❌ Tools Needed: Jars, wax, oils, scale, labels, double boiler setup
🛒 8. When to Buy a Ready-Made Kawakawa Balm
If you’re time-poor or just want to try before making your own, ready-made kawakawa balms are a great option.
Look for:
- Full ingredients list (avoid paraffin or petroleum fillers)
- Mention of infusion (not just extract or fragrance)
- Added therapeutic herbs like chickweed, calendula, or karanja
What to Avoid:
- 🚫 Artificial fragrance
- 🚫 High water content (makes balm less stable)
- 🚫 Long ingredient lists full of unrecognizable names
📅 9. Seasonal Tip: When to Harvest + Make
The best time to harvest kawakawa is late summer to early autumn, when the leaves are mature but not yet brittle. This also gives you time to:
- → Dry the leaves
- → Infuse for 4–6 weeks (cold method)
- → Make your balm before winter hits
You can also freeze fresh kawakawa in small batches if you want to make balm later in the year.
🧘♀️ 10. Final Thoughts: Slow Skincare = Deep Care
Making your own kawakawa balm is more than a recipe. It’s a return to the roots — of your skin and of the land. When you infuse herbs like kawakawa, calendula, and chickweed into oils with care, you’re creating something truly alive with healing energy.
Whether you buy your first balm or start wildcrafting your own ingredients, kawakawa is a plant that offers deep nourishment for the skin and the soul. We make a serum for dry skin with infused kawakawa leaves.
Note: Patch test first. This content is general information and not medical advice.
