A few dried leaves are briefly infused in hot water. The preparation, with a very pungent flavor, was consumed in moderation by traditional healers. Professional advice is recommended before any regular internal use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Fresh or dried leaves are macerated for several weeks in a vegetable oil, away from light, before being filtered. The resulting oil was traditionally applied locally to irritated skin areas, in small quantities, after a prior tolerance test. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Fresh leaves are bruised or lightly crushed then applied directly to the affected area, for a short duration. This traditional practice requires caution due to the irritant nature of the plant. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Horopito grows wild in humid forests and undergrowth of New Zealand; in France, it is mainly found in the form of dried leaves or extracts from a few herbalist shops specializing in plants from Oceania.