Hawaiian Plants That Have Medical Uses

The ancient Hawaiians believed that life and health were one and the same, with the word "ola" reflecting this concept. The body, mind and spirit were equally important to a person's health, with the earth itself providing the healing medicines to promote this unified approach to harmonious living. The abundant plant life in the Hawaiian Islands still provides the resources for a natural approach to healing illnesses.

Kalo (Taro)

• The kalo plant, also known as taro, is considered by many to be the most important plant in traditional Hawaiian culture. In addition to its use as nourishment, the medicinal applications are numerous, beginning with the leaves being used to treat asthma. When ground and mixed with sugar cane juice, the taro root is believed to aid in indigestion and constipation. In its raw form, the root is often used to stop bleeding when rubbed directly onto a wound, and the raw petiole portion can relieve the pain and swelling of insect bites.

`Uala (Sweet Potato)

• The `uala plant, a variety of sweet potato, has been used in Hawaii for generations to aid in curing illnesses. Most commonly, the raw meat of the `uala is used as both a laxative and to induce vomiting. It is often combined with niu water (coconut based) and ki leaves, then strained and swallowed. To encourage sleep, `uala is mixed with forms of kalo and bark and consumed as a drink. Ancient folklore also calls for hanging the vines of this plant around the neck of a nursing mother to induce the flow of milk.

Noni (Indian Mulberry)

• The noni (Indian mulberry) plant has multiple applications, utilizing all its components. The fruit of the plant, before it matures, can be used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure, or mixed with salt and applied to cuts. The ripened fruit is often used as a poultice for various types of infected wounds or boils. The bark of this plant, as well as the leaves, can be useful in the treatment of muscle and joint pain.

Ko (Sugar Cane)

• The sugar cane plant, known by natives as ko, was once a prolific crop on the Hawaiian islands. Though the sugar cane fields have gradually diminished, the remaining plants are still used among islanders for their medicinal value. The shoots can be peeled and crushed to treat cuts and wounds, often being mixed with salt. Many of the other island plants that are used orally to treat illnesses benefit from using the natural juice of the ko canes to sweeten and soften the often bitter-tasting concoctions.

`Awa (Kava)

• Perhaps the most controversial of medicinal plants on the islands, the `awa (kava) root is often associated with the drink made from it. It has traditionally been used as an alternative for alcohol,and produces a sense of euphoria or relaxation. It is also used to treat insomnia, muscle and back pain and various lung problems. It has additionally been touted as an herbal aphrodisiac.