Our Tamariki making Kawakawa Balm.
We hope this post finds you well. We wanted to share what our lovely tamariki at Little Steps Montessori made for our special mums for Mother’s Day. They've been learning about the traditional uses of native plants, and one of the projects they've been working on is making kawakawa balm.
Kawakawa, as you might know, is a powerful medicinal plant native to Aotearoa/New Zealand. It has been used for centuries by Māori for its healing properties. Making kawakawa balm with our tamariki is not only a fun and educational activity, but it also comes with a host of benefits:
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Kawakawa is renowned for its skin-soothing properties. The balm can be used to calm and heal various skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, and insect bites.
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Kawakawa contains compounds that help reduce inflammation. Applying the balm can provide relief from muscle soreness, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
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he antibacterial and antifungal properties of kawakawa make it an effective natural remedy for minor cuts, scrapes, and infections.
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The aroma of kawakawa balm has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It's a wonderful addition to our daily self-care routines.
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Engaging with traditional plants like kawakawa helps our tamariki develop a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for indigenous knowledge and practices.
At Little Steps Montessori, our curriculum is designed to foster a deep connection with nature right from the earliest stages of education. In our endeavour to cultivate environmental awareness and appreciation among our students, we enjoy embarking on journeys exploring the rich biodiversity of our local community.
For example, our exploration and study of native and local plants. Through hands-on experiences and interactive learning activities, our children delve into the wonders of the flora that surrounds us. Guided by their innate curiosity, they discover the diverse array of plants thriving in our ecosystem and learn about their unique characteristics and roles within the environment.
Recently our students had the opportunity to delve into the world of kawakawa, a native plant with remarkable healing properties.
In a delightful blend of science and creativity we have learnt the key to crafting our very own kawakawa balm. With careful guidance, they learned about the preparation process, from selecting and harvesting the leaves to extracting the beneficial compounds. Through this hands-on activity, they not only honed their practical skills but also deepened their understanding of the connection between nature and human well-being.
Through such experiences, we aim not only to instill a love for nature but also to empower our students with the knowledge and skills to become stewards of the environment. By nurturing this connection with the natural world, we hope to inspire a lifelong commitment to sustainability and holistic well-being in each and every one of our young learners.
By encouraging our tamariki to explore and create with natural ingredients like kawakawa, we're not only fostering their creativity and curiosity but also empowering them with valuable life skills and knowledge about the environment around them.
Kawakawa & Lavender Balm Recipe
Kawakawa & Lavender and Tea Tree Balm: A Versatile Essential for Summer Adventures
This nourishing Kawakawa-infused balm is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of uses. Keep it handy to soothe cuts, scrapes, and burns, as well as for relieving itchy skin and bee stings. It's a must-have essential in your home.
Makes approximately 7 small 30ml containers
Ingredients:
1 cup olive oil or coconut oil
Handful of freshly picked Kawakawa leaves
3 tbsp grated beeswax
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
Add the Kawakawa leaves to a thermos. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat for about one minute, just until it starts to steam, but not too hot.
Pour the heated oil over the Kawakawa leaves in the thermos and screw the lid on tightly. Let it infuse for at least 1 day. Once the infusion is complete and the oil has cooled, remove the Kawakawa leaves.
In a double boiler, combine the infused oil and grated beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is completely melted. Then, stir in the lavender and tea tree essential oils.
Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool and solidify. Now, you have a versatile, soothing balm ready for all your summer needs.
*Note: If using coconut oil, ensure the mixture remains fluid and doesn't harden.
