![]() ![]() The root is ground up and strained into a juice, which is consumed for its relaxing effect. Another variety, Hiwa, was offered to hula deities in return for knowledge and inspiration.ĭifferent parts of the ʻawa plant can be used to treat a myriad of ailments, although it is the root which makes it well known. Some of the most popular strains are Mahakea and Mo’i, which were considered so sacred in pre-colonial times that no one but royalty, or Aliʻi, could ever experiece them. There are approximately 13 unique varieties now found in Hawaiʻi. It was brought to Hawaiʻi by Polynesian voyagers, and kava drinking has been part of prestigious ceremonial occasions since ancient times throughout the South Pacific. An inflicted person would lie on a cool bed of ti leaves, which are said to draw out the heat.Īlso known as kava or kava-kava, the ʻawa plant is part of the pepper family. ![]() While parts of the root and shoots can be turned into a tea to drink, the leaves itself are used to alleviate fever. The plant itself is believed to ward off spirits, and was traditionally used in ceremonies. Kī is also used for a number of medicinal and spiritual purposes. Its leaves were used for utilitarian purposes to make skirts, thatch roofs, and to wrap and store food. This hardy plant was brought over via canoe for its multitude of handy uses. Ti leaf is one of the most prosperous plants growing on Hawaiʻi Island-almost everyone has at least one or two growing in their yard. Noni has been used for millennia as a tonic for gastrointestinal ailments and it is also claimed to alleviate arthritic joint pain, improve skin quality, prevent cancer, reduce stress, boost immunity, and treat fever.Īlso known as ti leaf, in the world of medicinal Hawaiian plants, this is the “good luck” plant. ![]() Despite the odor, this was a very important medicinal plant for Hawaiians, who brought this plant on their voyage from the South Pacific. It’s potato-sized, off-white, oblong, and its foremost feature is its incredibly strong smell that many liken to the fragrance of strong cheese or rot. Noni is known for its fruit, which are produced year round-the noni berry. Known as Indian mulberry, beach mulberry, and cheese fruit, the noni plant is a fruit-bearing tree that is hardy enough to survive near beaches, on lava rock, and through drought, which makes it perfectly at home in the many different climates of the Big Island. As far as medicinal Hawaiian plants go, this one is iconic. ![]()
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