KOROMIKO for Women's Health

Posted: October 2022

Author: Phil Rasmussen | M.Pharm., M.P.S., Dip. Herb. Med.; M.N.I.M.H.(UK), F.N.Z.A.M.H.
 

The leaves and young stems of koromiko (Hebe salicifolia and Hebe stricta) are best known to most of us for their application in dysentery and diarrhoea. The plant also gained an international reputation following its use by New Zealand soldiers in the Middle East during World War 2. However, there are many other possible uses and while not well known, these include gynaecological conditions and women’s health

While menstrual complaints were said to be relatively rare in Māori women prior to European colonisation, medicinal steam baths were used for painful and difficult menstruation.^{(1, 2)} Use of koromiko in this way and as a post- partum astringent to help stem bleeding after childbirth, was recorded in early literature.^{(3, 4)} This sometimes included intravaginal application of koromiko preparations, complemented by other post-partum treatments such as drinking puha broth to assist with maternal recovery.

Some early authors also described its use to facilitate blood flow during menstruation, as an abortifacient when mixed with other plants, or to facilitate rapid and easy childbirth.(^{5, 6}) This suggests possible activity as an emmenagogue, although as with all uses of koromiko, different effects may be seen depending on the dosage used. The use of fresh rather than dried leaf preparations is also said to be more efficacious.

Various early records describe koromiko’s use to treat venereal disease.(^{7, 8}) While I’m not aware of any research undertaken into this possible application, and obviously we shouldn’t rely upon it for such infections in Aotearoa New Zealand today, the presence of pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, is highly likely.

References:
1. Brooker SG, Cambie RC, Cooper RC. New Zealand Medicinal Plants. Heinemann Publishers, Auckland, 1981.
2. Riley M., “Māori Healing and Herbal: New Zealand Ethnobotanical Sourcebook”, Viking Sevenseas, Paraparaumu, N.Z., 1994.
3. Bell TW. Medical Notes on New Zealand. NZ Medical Journal, 1890, Vol 3.
4. Buck P. The Coming of the Māori. Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd, Christchurch, 1949.
5. Kahu ET, Ngā Rongoā Māori, in ‘Ti Pipiwharauora’. March issue, No 84:10/11.
6. Rout EA. Native Diet with Numerous Practical Recipes, Heinemann, London, 1926.
7. White, J. Māori Pharmocopoeia, MS Papers 75 B35/11, Alexander Turnbull Library, NLNZ, Wellington, 1883.
8. Taylor R., "A Leaf From The Natural History of N.Z.", N.Z. Spectator & Cook's Strait Guardian, Wellington, 1848.