Boil good 2 handfuls of fresh Kumarahou leaves in water (from the cold tap) for 20-30 minutes.
Strain and filter into clean container.
Take 1 cup of fresh or frozen blackberries and cover with the strained kumarahou water (decoction) bring to the boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and filter into another another clean container.
Place 1 cup of strained blackberry and kumarahou liquid into a pot with 2 cups of cold water and bring to the boil. Add 3 cups of sugar and simmer gently until sugar has completely dissolved.
Pour into bottles and store in the refrigerator – I use this as I would a cough syrup and with the same respect. In my experience it will last about 2-3 months. While it might be alcohol free and tastes a little more pleasant than the kumarahou I endured as a child remember its loaded with sugar.
Don’t forget to return your plant material to the bush.
Could manuka honey be substituted for the sugar?
Yes you can, this is called a Mel. I originally made this with Manuka Honey as my personal preference and it was fine. You need to play around with the quantities. You need less honey than sugar.
Just be mindful that the current plunket recommendation is that children under 1 year should not be given bee products as they are more suseptable to potential and allergic reactions. And of course it adds to the cost of the rongoa considerably.
Thanks for the question!
I simmer the kumarahou leaves, strain and keep the juice in the refrigerator. When needed, I drink small quantities, either neat, or add a little warm water. I prefer all medicines in the raw state. If sweetening is needed, a little honey rather than sugar, would be he preference. Sugar is the scourge of our society.
Thankyou
Kia ora Erika – your suggestion is a great one. I couldn’t agree more that often the best and most effective way to use our medicines is as our tupuna in decoction form. Syrups or oxymels merely add a preservative quality to them for convenience and for some taste. We loose the benefits of a bitter when we sweeten them. Nga mihi Donna
Hi. Is there a market for kumerahou as where I live there is an abundance..
Kia ora,
I make kumarahou tonic , love it and always seem to harvest enough for the purpose for which it is gathered.
I also infuse it into oil and use it for eczema ,either in the oil form or in a cram base……………..very beneficial for our skin
Tika to korero Haami, nga mihi Donna
Kia ora I have used kumarahou for many years and found it great for headaches and when you are feeling rundown.I dry leaves in brown paper bags in sun first.Then I bring leaves to the boil and turn of heat and let cool.The liquid should be clear brown colour.Drying the leaves first before boiling keeps liquid from going off quick and slimey.It has been a great medicine for depression I have found with some who have used it.I only use a tablespoon in warm water every morning for about three months of the year.Its an awesome medicine.I am 69 years now and am healthy,am not on any other medicines or supplements of any kind.
Thank you for your input Gale it is very much appreciated.