Totara: Nature’s answer to modern challenges

 

Posted: November 2024
Author: Hannah Leech, Naturopath | Medical Herbalist  | BNat, mNMHNZ

Tōtara: Nature’s answer to modern challenges

In the lush forests of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the tōtara tree (Podocarpus totara) has long stood as a symbol of resilience.  For centuries, Māori have recognised its strength, using its durable wood for canoes and tools, and its medicinal properties to treat a range of ailments ⁽¹⁾.  In the context of common health challenges, from acne and inflammatory skin disorders to the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections, the tōtara tree offers an ideal natural solution.

The hidden power of the tōtara tree

Before the invention of antibiotics, Māori traditional medicine (rongoā Māori) relied on New Zealand’s rich ecosystem.  New Zealand’s ecosystem was unique in the world as it had developed in isolation for so long.  Part of the outcome was that many of the trees and fauna  are only found here.  Among its many medicinal plants, the tōtara tree stood out for its healing properties.  Its bark and leaves contain potent diterpene compounds, like totarol, which possess powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties ⁽²⁾. These compounds contribute to tōtara’s ability to combat harmful microorganisms and promote overall wellness.

Topical tōtara: Harnessing nature for acne management

Acne, once predominantly a condition of adolescence, is increasingly common in adults.  The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) thrive in clogged pores, causing inflammation and the painful breakouts typical of acne ⁽³⁾.  One of tōtara's key compounds, totarol, has demonstrated impressive antimicrobial activity, specifically targeting acne-causing bacteria and reducing the inflammation associated with breakouts.  This makes it an ideal ingredient for acne management ⁽²⁾.

A tōtara acne spot treatment

This simple, effective topical spot treatment blends the antibacterial properties of tōtara tincture with the soothing, hydrating effects of cream, while harnessing the astringent and anti-inflammatory benefits of witch hazel ⁽⁴⁾.  Providing a well-rounded treatment helping to heal lesions and prevent clogged pores.

Ingredients:

• 5-10 drops of Phytomed Tōtara tincture
• 1 Tbsp Phytomed Easy Blend base cream
• 1 tsp Witch hazel (optional)
• Glass bottle and whisk (sterilised)

Instructions:

1. Mix totara tincture with the base cream.
2. Add Witch hazel if desired.
3. Apply directly to acne spots using a cotton swab.

Usage: Apply 1-2 times daily to affected areas.

 

Harnessing tōtara for effective fever relief

The tōtara tree has also been used in traditional medicine to reduce fever and support the body during illness.  The bark of the tōtara tree, rich in podocarpic acid and totarol, is known to help regulate inflammation, making it an effective natural remedy for fever reduction ⁽¹⁾.

Tōtara fever-relief tea tincture-

Create your own tincture blend to give to clients, allowing them to prepare their own fever-relief tea at home.  This tincture can be used as a concentrated herbal remedy for clients to easily brew a soothing and effective tea whenever needed.

Tincture

 70 mL of Phytomed Tōtara tincture

 30 mL Phytomed Ginger glycetract

100 mL

The resulting tincture should last a week if the client is having two cups a day.

Tea tincture

This soothing tea combines the fever-reducing benefits of tōtara with other healing ingredients including ginger and lemon, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.  A perfect remedy for people when  feeling unwell.

Ingredients:

• 7.5 mL ofTōtara Ginger tincture
• 1 cup of hot water
• Juice of half a lemon
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil water and pour it over the measured tincture in a cup.
2. Add 1-2 drops of tōtara tincture to the hot water.
3. Stir in lemon juice and honey if desired.
4. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes, strain the ginger, and enjoy.

Usage: Drink whenever you need a soothing, immune-boosting beverage.

Antibiotic resistance breakthrough

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global health crisis.  The World Health Organization (2023) reports rising resistance rates in over 70 countries, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VREF) posing particularly significant challenges.  Amidst this growing crisis, the tōtara tree presents a promising solution.

Totarol, derived from tōtara, has demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against MRSA and other resistant pathogens.  Studies show that totarol is effective at low concentrations, inhibiting bacterial growth and disrupting biofilm formation, a key factor in bacterial resistance to treatment ⁽⁵⁾.  While further clinical research is needed to establish its therapeutic potential in real-world settings, the early findings suggest that tōtara could play a crucial role in addressing multidrug-resistant infections ⁽⁶⁾.

Tōtara handwash recipe

With its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, totara can help fight harmful germs while keeping your hands soft and nourished.  Lavender essential oil adds a calming fragrance.

Ingredients:

• 10 mL Phytomed Tōtara tincture
• 1/2 cup Castile soap
• 1/4 cup distilled water (or rose water for added skin benefits)
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil ( jojoba or almond)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• A pump bottle

Instructions:

1. In a clean bowl, mix castile soap and distilled water (or rose water).  Stir gently to combine.
2. Add the Totara tincture to the mixture.
3. Add the carrier oil.  This will moisturise your hands and prevent dryness from frequent washing.
4. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil for a calming scent.
5. Stir the mixture well, then pour it into your pump bottle.
6. Label the bottle and store in a cool, dry place.  Shake gently before each use.

Usage: Shake the bottle, pump a small amount onto your hands, lather, and wash thoroughly.

A modern return to ancient wisdom

In our modern world, it’s easy to overlook the wisdom passed down through generations.  The tōtara tree, with its remarkable medicinal properties, offers a natural solution to many of the health struggles we face today.  By incorporating tōtara tincture into your wellness routine, you're not just embracing a modern health trend, you're reconnecting with traditional remedies that have sustained generations of Māori.

Nature has always had our back.  It’s time we listened.
 

References:

1. 1. Herb Federation of New Zealand (2024). Totara: Traditional uses and benefits. Retrieved from https://herbs.org.nz/totara
2. 2. Kim, M. B., O'Brien, T. E., Moore, J. T., Anderson, D. E., Foss, M. H., Weibel, D. L., Ames, J. B., & Shaw, J. T. (2012). The synthesis and antimicrobial activity of heterocyclic derivatives of totarol. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 3(10), 818–82 https://doi.org/10.1021/ml3001775
3. 3. Oakley, A., Ngan, V., & Morrison, C. (2014, April). Bacteria in acne. DermNet NZ. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/bacteria-in-acne
4. 4. Piazza, S., Martinelli, G., Vrhovsek, U., Masuero, D., Fumagalli, M., Magnavacca, A., Pozzoli, C., Canilli, L., Terno, M., Angarano, M., Dell'Agli, M., & Sangiovanni, E. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(6), 1119. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061119
5. 5. Hyeon, G. E., & Eom, Y. B. (2024). Totarol exhibits antibacterial effects through antibiofilm and combined interaction against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. Canadian journal of microbiology, 70(10), 426–432. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2024-0014
6. 6. Evans, G. B., & Furneaux, R. H. (2000). The synthesis and antibacterial activity of totarol derivatives. Part 2: Modifications at C-12 and O-13. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 8(7), 1653-1662. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-0896(00)00095-X
7. 7. World Health Organization. (2023, February 27). Antimicrobial resistance. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance