Kawakawa for Baby Skincare – Why We Import This NZ Super Herb for Our Bum Balm

How a Family Tradition Became a Must-Have Ingredient in Our Bum Balm

Some ingredients don’t just find their way into a product — they become part of your family story. For Botanic Balance, that’s exactly what happened with Kawakawa.

Years before I started my natural skincare business, my mother-in-law — a qualified Naturopath in New Zealand — introduced us to Kawakawa balm. She would lovingly make healing balms infused with Kawakawa to use on our family’s nappy rashes, cuts, grazes, and everyday owies.

The results were incredible. Whether it was a nasty nappy rash, a scraped knee, or a mystery skin flare-up, her Kawakawa balm quickly became our family’s go-to all-purpose skin healer.

That’s why, when I began formulating skincare, I knew I couldn’t leave this wonder herb out. And now, with the growing scientific evidence behind Kawakawa’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, we have the research to back up what my family has experienced firsthand for years.

What is Kawakawa?

Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is a native plant of New Zealand, used for generations in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine). Known for its heart-shaped leaves and peppery bite, Kawakawa is prized for soothing inflamed skin, speeding up wound healing, and fighting infection.

It’s a gentle yet powerful herb, making it perfect for delicate baby skin — particularly when dealing with nappy rash, heat rash, or irritated skin folds.

Why We Import Our Kawakawa Oil

Because of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws, we cannot import fresh kawakawa leaves to infuse our own oil. Instead, we source high-quality kawakawa-infused sweet almond oil directly from trusted New Zealand suppliers.

This way, we ensure every jar of Bum Balm delivers the full benefit of fresh Kawakawa, infused using traditional herbal methods — just like my mother-in-law used to make, but with the confidence of working with professional, ethical suppliers.

Why Kawakawa Belongs in Bum Balm

When combined with Calendula and Chamomile, Kawakawa completes the perfect herbal trio to care for delicate baby skin.

Together, they:
✅ Soothe redness & inflammation
✅ Provide antimicrobial protection
✅ Support faster healing
✅ Deliver gentle relief — even for very sensitive skin

It’s this powerful combination that makes Bum Balm so much more than just a barrier cream — it’s healing care in every jar.

Kawakawa Across Our Range

Once we saw just how effective Kawakawa is, we knew it deserved a place in more than just Bum Balm. You’ll also find this amazing herb in:

🌿 Owie Balm – Our all-purpose first-aid balm for cuts, bites, scratches, and minor wounds.
🌿 Whipped Tallow Face Cream – Combining Kawakawa with nutrient-rich tallow to soothe inflamed or sensitive skin on your face.

🌿 Whipped Tallow Face Cream+ - Whipped tallow face cream with zinc for sun protection.

By weaving this hero ingredient into multiple products, we’re helping every family member — from babies to grown-ups — benefit from Kawakawa’s gentle, healing touch.

From Family Wisdom to Scientific Evidence

What’s even more exciting is that modern research is now catching up with what traditional Māori healers and my own family have known for generations.

Studies show that Kawakawa contains powerful compounds, including:
🔬 Myristicin – Reduces inflammation and helps calm irritated skin
🔬 Pellitorine – Offers a natural numbing effect, easing discomfort
🔬 Diayangambin – Supports antimicrobial defence, protecting against infections

This blend of anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antimicrobial actions makes kawakawa ideal for nappy rash, but also for eczema, insect bites, and skin infections — making it a true all-rounder for family skincare.

The Best of Both Worlds – Tradition Meets Science

At Botanic Balance, we love blending the wisdom of traditional herbal medicine with modern naturopathic evidence. Our use of Kawakawa is the perfect example — taking a time-honoured healing herb, sourcing it ethically, and incorporating it into products that are backed by both science and lived experience.

Try Bum Balm Today – With Free Samples Available

✨ Available in:

• Sample size – Try before you buy
• 45g jar – Perfect for your nappy station
• 200g family size – Ideal for bulk nappy changes or families with multiple little ones