For centuries, it grew quietly along New Zealand’s riverbanks and forest edges, its small flowers largely unnoticed by anyone except early Māori healers. Today, scientists are looking at this humble native plant with fresh eyes — and the results could be a dream come true for anyone struggling with restless nights.
From traditional remedy to modern curiosity
The plant, known locally as pōhutukawa kawakawa blend in some herbal traditions, was once a common ingredient in infusions prepared to calm the mind before rest. Māori rongoā (traditional medicine) practitioners valued it for its relaxing aroma and its ability to “settle the wairua” — the spirit — after a long day.
But as imported remedies and pharmaceuticals became more widespread, the practice of using this plant faded. For decades, it was little more than a piece of botanical history.
That changed when researchers at a New Zealand university began studying native plants for their potential role in managing stress and sleep disorders. One species quickly stood out.
“It contains naturally occurring compounds that interact with the body’s sleep–wake cycle,” explains Dr. Lisa Kearns, a plant biochemist involved in the research. “It’s not a sedative in the traditional sense — instead, it seems to encourage the body to enter a restful state more easily.”
How it works
While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, early findings suggest that the plant’s leaves and flowers contain flavonoids and terpenes that may help regulate melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep.
When prepared as a tea or low-heat infusion, the active compounds are released in small amounts — enough to have a calming effect without causing grogginess the next day.
Comparing natural sleep aids
| Sleep aid | How it works | Risk of dependency | Morning grogginess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical sleeping pills | Sedative effect | High | High |
| Chamomile tea | Mild relaxation | Low | Low |
| NZ native plant infusion | Supports melatonin cycle | Low | Very low |
The modern revival
Small-scale growers in the North Island have begun cultivating the plant again, selling dried leaves and blends through specialist herbal shops. Some cafés in Wellington and Auckland even offer evening “sleep teas” featuring the herb, served in candlelit settings to help customers wind down before bed.
For locals, it’s more than a wellness trend — it’s a cultural reconnection.
“My grandmother used to pick the leaves for my father when he had trouble sleeping,” says Mere, a grower from Northland. “Bringing it back feels like honouring her knowledge and sharing it with the next generation.”
A word of caution
While early results are promising, health experts emphasise that this plant is not a cure for chronic insomnia. Poor sleep can be caused by many factors, from stress to underlying health conditions, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
That said, incorporating a mild herbal infusion into an evening routine — alongside habits like dimming lights, avoiding screens, and keeping a regular bedtime — could make a real difference.
How to try it
If you’re curious, here’s how enthusiasts suggest preparing the plant for a calming evening drink:
- Use dried leaves from a trusted source.
- Add 1 teaspoon per cup of freshly boiled water.
- Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes.
- Sip slowly, preferably in a quiet setting.
Some even combine it with a small amount of honey or lemon balm for extra relaxation.
The bigger picture
Interest in native plants like this one is growing worldwide as people seek gentler, more sustainable ways to manage their wellbeing. For New Zealand, it’s also a chance to preserve and celebrate traditional knowledge that risked being forgotten.
As research continues, this unassuming riverside plant may yet find its place alongside chamomile, lavender, and valerian in the global toolkit for better sleep — and remind Kiwis that some of the most powerful remedies have been here all along.
And the name of the plant actually is what??