Ancient Wisdom + Modern Science
For generations, our Native Hawaiian ancestors turned to māmaki for strength, cleansing, and balance.
This healing plant has a deep history within lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian plant medicine) and even today it's synonymous with good health.
Modern wellness experts echo what our kūpuna (ancestors) already knew: Māmaki is powerful plant medicine.
Here at Polipoli Farms, we grow plenty of māmaki and share it with our community by packaging it in an easy, ready-to-brew form.
Every time we harvest this plant, we’re reminded of its strength, its gentleness, and the way it naturally supports the body. We drink it daily, we serve it to our ʻohana, and we’re proud to share it with you.
So, what exactly does māmaki tea do to your body?
Let’s break it down . . .
Māmaki Health Study
In 2006, Henny Kartika at the University of Hawaiʻi conducted one of the most detailed analyses of māmaki leaves. When I first came across that study, it felt like opening a doorway: academic language putting numbers to the things our ʻohana already felt in our bodies.
The study revealed one big truth in all caps: ANTIOXIDANTS. So many antioxidants.
Specifically, māmaki contains three powerful polyphenols that each play a role in supporting health and cellular function.
You might be wondering . . . “Um, what's a polyphenol?”
In short, polyphenols are compounds that are naturally found in plant foods. They’re packed with antioxidants that offer a laundry list of health benefits.
According to Kartika’s research, māmaki leaves contain high levels of these three polyphenols:
1. CATECHINS
(Also found in green tea, but studies show māmaki contains even more.)
Catechins are linked to:
- Healthy blood pressure
- Improved brain function
- Weight management
- Cellular protection
Takeaway: They're like tiny bodyguards for your cells.
2. CHLOROGENIC ACID
(Common in green coffee beans, blueberries, and apples)
Chlorogenic acid is known for supporting:
- Healthy blood sugar levels
- Detoxification
- Metabolism
- Reduced inflammation
Takeaway: This is one of the reasons many people feel māmaki gives them a “clean energy” feeling, without caffeine.
3. RUTIN
(Found in buckwheat and black/green/white teas)
Rutin helps:
- Strengthen blood vessels
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Support heart health
- Lower risk of blood clots
Takeaway: This aligns beautifully with māmaki’s ancestral role in restoring balance to the circulatory system.
Māmaki FAQ
How does māmaki compare to other teas?
The UH study found that māmaki leaves contain more catechins and rutin than many well-known wellness teas, including:
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Gyokuro green tea
-
Chinese oolong
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Kenyan black tea
I mean, not that it’s a competition but . . . MĀMAKI FOR THE WIN.
Also, Indigenous intelligence for the win!
Our ancestors didn’t need a peer-reviewed paper. Instead, they trusted ʻāina and observation. Science is just finally catching up.
Is māmaki tea okay to drink daily?
Yes, māmaki is naturally caffeine-free, gentle, and can be consumed daily to support circulation, mental clarify, and overall wellness.
If you’re curious about the real power of this plant, we invite you to give our farm-fresh māmaki + ‘ulu tea a try.
Take a moment, sip, and feel the connection to something that’s been trusted for centuries.
What does māmaki tea taste like?
Māmaki tea has a smooth herbal and slightly sweet flavor with no bitterness, even with long steep times.
We blend our māmaki tea with ʻulu (breadfruit) for a robust and nutty flavor that resembles a black tea, without the caffeine.
Ready to upgrade your wellness routine?
SHOP OUR HEALING HAWAIIAN TEAS
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