Nā LĀʻau
The Plants
Nā LĀʻau (plants)
Let’s take a look at some of the many plants students learn about in this course.
What do they learn? They learn how and when to respectfully harvest the plant, what the healing properties of the plant are, how to use and prepare the it and so much more.
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ʻAʻaliʻi – Use the leaves for itchy skin, rash. Burn the leaves for smoke for clarity of mind and spirit, meditation, relaxation, depression, insomnia.
Noni – pulp or juice can be used for longevity, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and to strengthen the immune system. Heat the leaf and place on the affected part of the body for skin infection or injury.
Pāniniʻawaʻawa – Internal use of the aloe gel helps with gout, arthritis, joint pain, inflammation, digestive problems, high blood pressure and cancer. External use aids in skin cell regeneration, healing, soothing for burns.
Kalo – Apply the sap to small cuts to aid in healing.
Naupaka Kahakai – Use as a sunblock, goggle wiper, rashes, cuts, bruises, fractures, stings, don’t injest. Use the leaf and fruit.
Māmaki – The leaf is made into a tea, used for general debility, cleansing, calming, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and for anxiety.
ʻIlima – Female reproductive system: fertility, regulation of menses, strengthens uterus, alleviates cramps. Laxative for babies and thrush.
Kīhāpai – blood cleanser, regenerative properties, cancer, use the leaf and flower.
Pōpolo – leaf and berry is used to strengthen the respiratory system pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema. Also used for skin eruptions, cuts, wounds, sore muscles and joints.
ʻĀkulikuli – Crush leaves and apply externally to wounds as an antibacterial and internally for general debility.
Pōhinahina helps with skin problems: itchy skin, eczema.
Comfrey -Bone knitting qualities, fractures, sprains and open wounds.
‘Ihi’ihi –Wood sorrels (Oxalis, all species), perennial weedy herbs, creeping or not, and bearing cloverlike leaves and yellow, white, red, or pink bell-shaped flowers. The plants have a pleasantly sour taste due to oxalic acid. (Neal 473–4.) Known to some as Portulaca spp.
ʻŌlena – – Rhizome is used for medicine, as a plant dye and for spiritual protection. Strengthens all body systems, holding anti-inflammatory qualities. Used for sinus and ear infections, allergies, eye problems.
ʻŌhiʻa ʻAi – Sore throat, strep throat, respiratory/throat problems, use the fruit, bark, leaf, soft stem, root, seed, oil, flower.
Pili – Support circulatory system and reduce inflammation.
Kī Nehe / Kī Nehi- has been used as a substitute for koʻokoʻolau to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, strengthens weak kidneys and the pancreas, low insulin, diabetes, and general debility. Used as a blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, colds and flu.
Pōhuehue – Cell regeneration and a laxative, use the leaf, stems and flower.
Hala –Fruit flesh is crushed and strained to extract the juice, an antibacterial.
Haʻūowī Ōwī – Cell regeneration for lacerations, deep cuts, and puncture wounds, use leaf and flower.
ʻAwa – Used for general muscle tension, muscle relaxation, and generalized anxiety. ʻAwa can be used internally and externally.
Nīoi – is an excellent medicinal herb for the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is used as a blood thinner, increasing circulation, relieving headaches and preventing capillaries from restricting. May be used to stop bleeding in an open wound.
Lauaʻe – Improve back pain related to muscle tension.
Mīkana – Used to alleviate muscle cramps.
ʻUala – The leaf and tubers are a valuable food source filled with vitamins and minerals. Some varieties were used as a tonic during pregnancy and to induce lactation.
Kokiʻo Kea – Flowers are used internally and externally for their high nutritive values, reduce fevers and inflammation in the body.
Palapalai –Used for headaches/migraines, use the leaf (steep the leaf for tea)
Malunkai / Malnugai – Whole tree is used for diabetes, fevers, flu, cancer, wound healing, rashes, detoxification of body systems.
ʻAwapuhi –Internally used for stomach problems, inflammation, improve circulation, and thermogenesis.
ʻĀkia Flower –Internally used for stomach problems, inflammation, improve circulation, and thermogenesis.
Hilahila – Aid in reversing liver poisoning, support cleansing of the blood, coagulation, and reduce inflammation.
Pohe kula – Stimulates and helps remember dreams, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonÿs disease, Narcolepsy, Dementia, asthma, hypertension. Use the leaf, eat fresh and dry for teas.
ʻŌliwa Kū –Used for bruised flesh, broken bones, wounds, liver support, and as an antibacterial.
Lilikoʻi – Aid in sleep and insomnia.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua – Support circulatory system.
Vervain – Anxiety (phobias), depression, insomnia, stabilizing effect, nerve damage. Use the blue/ purple pua, leaves.
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Laukahi – Holds antibacterial properties, used for boils, sores, bug bites, cuts, wana spine, wounds and balances blood pressure.
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