Maori Medicinal Plants of New Zealand, 'Harakake' Flax. Many know the usage of Flax Seeds, but the Maori have used this plant For centuries, its used as nectar from the flowers for medicinal purposes and as a general sweetener, as a poultice. The Juice as a disinfectant, as dressings to bullet, bayonet or other wounds. The gum-like sap produced by harakeke contains enzymes that give it blood clotting and antiseptic qualities to help healing processes. Harakeke is used as bandages and can secure broken bones much as plaster