Katikati Herb Society is helping to promote the healing and health powers of herbs during their national awareness month.

Herb Awareness Month in New Zealand is an annual initiative which promotes the educational and health benefits of herbs. This year the focus is on chamomile, karamu, greater celandine and globe artichoke.

The International Herb Association selects a herb of the year and theirs is chamomile matricaria chamomilla. The Herb Federation of New Zealand then selects the other three.

The local herb group recently had a meeting to shine a light on these herbs.

Chamomile:

Chamomile is a well-known aid for restful sleeping and calming qualities.

The chamomile flower has a good reputation as a sleep aid.

From the daisy family, it boasts other benefits related to the nervous system including digestive health. Katikati Herb Society president Jenny Ager-Pratt calls it a “good gut herb” for the nervous system in reducing stress. Other uses of chamomile are for the common cold and to soothe respiratory disorders.

Karamu:

A native shrub traditionally used by early Māori for its medicinal and spiritual significance. It is believed by some to have properties to help inflammation, bladder and kidney problems and stomach upsets.

Greater celandine:

The herb is praised for its liver-cleansing properties, aiding digestive problems such as gastroenteritis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and liver and gallbladder disorders.

Globe artichoke:

Also has potential digestive benefits. It is thought to help with liver and gall bladder function and blood cholesterol levels.

A globe artichoke.

(Note: Herbs and supplements are seen as natural remedies and are sometimes used alongside prescribed medications. Supplements can, however, interact with conventional medicines, be harmful or have strong effects. Talk to your doctor about supplements before taking them.)

Katikati Herb Society

Katikati Herb Society has seen a jump in their membership since 2020.

They now have more than 60 members.

Ager-Pratt attributed this rise to the growing public interest in natural health remedies, as well as the desire to grow food and medicine at home with the rising cost of living.

“People are becoming more aware of the power of herbs in supporting their health,” she said. “They’re thinking what they can do naturally and in a healthier way for themselves, people are taking more responsibility for their own health.”

With the cost of groceries, many are also turning to growing herbs and vegetables themselves, Ager-Pratt said.

Katikati Herb Society meets every second Wednesday of the month to talk about the identification, cultivation and use of herbs in culinary, nutritional, health, first aid, home remedies and crafts.

They have guest speakers, garden tips, demonstrations and workshops at their meetings which are at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church lounge at 7pm. Meetings are open to the public.