In the misty, green forests of Aotearoa (New Zealand) grow a small heart-shaped leaf that holds a big secret: healing. This sacred plant, called Kawakawa, has been treasured by the Māori people for centuries, not just for its powerful medicinal qualities, but for its role in rituals, renewal, and everyday life.
According to Māori tradition, Kawakawa is a plant of protection and purification, often used by tohunga (healers) to treat wounds, soothe irritated skin, and ease the body before important events. There’s even a belief that the most potent leaves are the ones already nibbled by insects — a sign the plant has released more of its healing oils in response. Nature’s way of giving back.
At Faith & Sage, we took this wisdom to heart.
As a pharmacist and mother of three, I was desperate for a safe, natural remedy to calm my children’s eczema without using harsh steroids or synthetic chemicals. That journey led me back to Kawakawa — and today, it’s the hero ingredient in our eczema cream for babies and toddlers.
But don’t just take our word for it. Modern science is beginning to confirm what traditional healers have known all along.
The Science Behind Kawakawa’s Soothing Power
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) contains bioactive compounds that make it ideal for calming inflamed, irritated skin. Researchers from the University of Auckland’s Liggins Institute have identified over 60 bioactive compounds in Kawakawa leaves — including yangambin, pellitorine, and myristicin — that show strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These compounds may help soothe eczema-prone skin by calming the body’s immune response and reducing itchiness and redness.
Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence, has also conducted research and validated the Māori tradition of using Kawakawa for skin healing, detoxification, and internal inflammation. Their ongoing studies explore how Kawakawa extract shows antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, confirming its legitimacy as a medicinal plant with therapeutic potential.
In addition, a registered clinical trial published on Research Square studied the effects of Kawakawa tea on inflammatory markers in adults. The findings showed a notable reduction in inflammation, particularly with markers like IL-6 and IL-8, which are often elevated during eczema flare-ups. While this study focused on tea, it strongly supports the plant’s systemic anti-inflammatory potential, helpful both inside and out.
Safe, Natural Support for Eczema Relief
Unlike synthetic creams or prescription steroids, Kawakawa delivers these anti-inflammatory benefits naturally, without disrupting the skin barrier or posing long-term side effects, making it especially ideal for babies and toddlers with sensitive skin.
By blending Kawakawa with other skin-loving botanicals like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera, our Faith & Sage eczema cream offers gentle, evidence-backed support for families who want real results from real ingredients.
Why It’s Perfect for Baby and Toddler Eczema
Most parents are cautious when it comes to what touches their baby's skin — and for good reason. Many "eczema-friendly" products still contain preservatives, fragrances, or ingredients that may dry out or irritate sensitive skin.
Here’s why Faith & Sage's Kawakawa empowered products are different:
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Naturally steroid-free
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Safe for delicate infant skin
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Gentle enough for daily use
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Helps manage both flare-ups and long-term moisture
Ready to Try Kawakawa for Your Little One?
Our eczema cream was created for moms like you — parents who care about what goes into every jar, who read labels, and who want both purity and performance.
Whether you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked, or you’re simply ready for something cleaner and calmer, we invite you to try Faith & Sage's Eczema Cream and experience the Kawakawa difference.
What About Sunscreen?
Did you know that many baby sunscreens trigger eczema due to harsh UV filters and preservatives? That’s why we’re developing an eczema-friendly SPF that blends zinc-based protection with soothing Kawakawa — perfect for sensitive little faces and bodies.
Closing Thoughts
Kawakawa is more than a trending plant — it’s a time-honored remedy with real science and soul behind it. Whether you’re looking for a natural remedy for eczema, an alternative to steroid creams, or simply a brand that reflects your values, Faith & Sage is here to support your family's journey to comfort and care.
Let this leaf from New Zealand’s forests bring your baby the peace their skin deserves.