Tūpākihi (also known as Coriaria arborea) is a native New Zealand shrub traditionally used by Māori for its powerful medicinal properties. Its leaves and bark were commonly used in mirimiri (healing massage) to support joint, muscle, and nerve health. Tūpākihi is known for its warming, penetrating effects that help ease tension, stiffness, and pain. However, the plant is also toxic if ingested, especially its berries and seeds, and must be prepared with expert knowledge. Today, Tūpākihi continues to be valued in traditional healing practices, particularly in external applications such as therapeutic oils and poultices under trained supervision.
He rākau nō Aotearoa a Tūpākihi (Coriaria arborea), e mōhiotia whānuitia ana e te Māori mō ōna painga rongoā. I whakamahia ngā rau me te kiri rākau i te mirimiri hei āwhina i te oranga o ngā io, ngā uaua me ngā hononga. He rongoā kaha, he whakamahana, he āwhiowhio hoki te pānga o Tūpākihi ki te tinana. Heoi anō, he paitini tēnei tipu ina kainga, otirā ko ngā hua me ngā kākano. Me tino mōhio te kai whakarite. I ēnei rā, ka whakamahia tonutia a Tūpākihi i te ao rongoā tuku iho, inā koa i ngā hinu mirimiri.
Tūpākihi Mirimiri Oil - Tūpākihi Oil is deeply therapeutic due to its powerful warming and penetrating properties. It supports healthy circulation, relaxes tight muscles, eases nerve discomfort, and helps release deep-seated tension. Used in mirimiri, it brings relief to stubborn aches and pains. Do not ingest - for external use only.
He tino rongoā a te hinu Tūpākihi nā runga i tōna kaha whakamahana, ā, ka kapi hōhonu ki te kiko. Ka āwhina i te rere o te toto, ka whakangāwari i te uaua māmā, ka whakangū i te mamae o ngā io, ā, ka whakamāmā i te pāwera hohonu. Ka whakamahia i te mirimiri hei whakaora i ngā mamae pakari. He kaha rawa tēnei hinu, nō reira me whakarite tika, ā, me whakamahi ki waho anake, i raro i te arataki a te ringa mātau. Kaua e kai - mō te whakamahinga ā waho anake.
Actions of this product -
- Warming and Circulation Stimulating - Tūpākihi creates a deep internal warmth, improving blood flow to muscles and joints. This warming effect helps loosen stiffness and enhances tissue oxygenation.
- Analgesic (Pain Relieving) - Applied externally, it helps reduce pain in sore muscles, joints, and nerves. Particularly effective for deep, persistent or "locked-in" pain.
- Anti-inflammatory - Reduces swelling and inflammation associated with injuries, arthritis, and repetitive strain. Soothes hot, puffy, or tender areas when used appropriately.
- Antispasmodic and Muscle Relaxant - Relieves tight, cramping, or spasming muscles, making it useful in mirimiri for chronic tension. Encourages relaxation of both superficial and deep tissue layers.
- Nerve Soothing - Can calm irritated on inflamed nerves (e.g. sciatica or neuralgia). Its penetrating nature allows it to reach nerve pathways through topical used.
- Note: While highly effective topically, Tūpākihi is toxic if ingested - especially the berries and seeds - and must only be used externally.
Benefits that may be experienced -
- Pain relief - Can provide significant relief from chronic pain, especially in muscles, joints, and nerves. It works be stimulation circulation and reducing muscle stiffness.
- Muscle relaxation - Its warming effect helps to relax tight or cramping muscles, easing discomfort in both superficial and deeper tissue layers.
- Improved circulation - The deep, penetrating heat of tūpākihi promotes better blood flow to areas of discomfort, reducing stagnation and encouraging tissue healing.
- Reduced inflammation - Can help reduce swelling and inflammation, making it useful for conditions such as arthritis, sprains, and strains. Its soothing properties are beneficial for irritated or inflamed areas.
- Calming nerves - May help alleviate nerve pain, such as sciatica, neuralgia, or other nerve-related discomforts. Its stimulating effect soothe nerve endings, easing pain caused by irritation or injury.
- Stress & tension relief - Often used in mirimiri (traditional Māori massage) to relieve tension, helping to relax both the body and mind. It can be particularly effective for those who experience stress or tightness due to physical or emotional factors.
- Deep tissue relief - Its ability to penetrate deeply into the tissues can be especially beneficial for treating stubborn, long-standing pain or muscle tightness, providing relief from deep seated discomfort.
- Detoxification - Through increase circulation and the stimulation of sweat glands, tūpākihi oil may support the body's natural detoxification processes by helping the body expel waste through the skin.
- Support for mobility - Regular use of tūpākihi can improve flexibility and mobility in areas that are stiff, tight, or suffering from overuse or injury. This can help people regain a fuller range of motion over time.
Ailments that may benefit -
Arthritis (osteoarthritis & rheumatoid, muscle strains and sprains, tendonitis and bursitis, sciatic (nerve pain), back pain, neck and shoulder tension, fibromyalgia, muscle cramps, chronic pain (general, ongoing pain conditions such as chronic muscle pain or joint pain, rheumatism, poor circulation, headaches and migraines, sore feet (plantar fasciitis or heel pain), carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder.
its not magic, its nature® - ehara i te mahi tūmatarau, ko te ao tuturu
DISCLAIMER -
Natures Therapeutics Limited™ incorporate hemp seed oil and/or botanicals traditionally used successfully by Māori to treat ailments and conditions and/or simply aid overall better health and well-being. Our product range has been developed allowing both tradition and science to merge and provide a modern delivery of ancient well-being applications and techniques. Natures Therapeutics Limited™ make no claim that our products can heal/cure any condition or ailment.
Product manufactured, bottled and/or packaged by Medicorp New Zealand Limited™ under licence from Natures Therapeutics Limited.