Let's start by talking about the māmaki plant itself. Māmaki is endemic to Hawaii, meaning that it was growing on the islands far before humans arrived. As such, it has been a part of native Hawaiian culture for many generations.

The māmaki tree belongs to the same family (Urticaceae) as olona, another useful nettle plant that is endemic to Hawaii. However, unlike other members of the nettle family, it does not have a painful, irritating sting. It grows at pretty much all elevations but thrives in wet forests where it can find shade.

Native Hawaiians have used the māmaki plant for its medicinal properties for centuries. It's a staple of lā'au lapa'au, a traditional Hawaiian medical practice. Thousands of years ago, Hawaiians believed the māmaki was a sacred plant, and used nearly every part of it for one purpose or another.

For instance, its berries have long since been used to treat open wounds because of their reported anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, while its bark can be used to make kapa, a type of Hawaiian cloth. Its roots can even be used to make dyes.

However, the leaves are one of the most treasured parts of the plant, because of the number of health benefits of drinking māmaki tea. Read more about Mamaki Tea