Plant – ʻŌlena

ʻŌlena

Description: Brush like, with big, long leaves that extend upward.

ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):

Inoa(Name):

  • Scientific – Curcuma longa
  • Hawaiian – ʻŌlena
  • English – Turmeric

ʻOhana: Part of Zingiberaceae family

Kūlana olakino(Status): Polynesian Introduction

Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):

  •  Treatment for nasal ailments include rhizomes mixed with rhizomes, flowers, and flowering heads of the ‘awapuhi, ko kea, and mature niu water (coconut water).
    • The liquid is gargled and the kapa is inhaled.
  • Most of ‘olena treatment is taken internally by liquid.
  • Other treatment from ‘olena can help with purifying the blood and ear-aches.

Ways it was Used:

  • The rhizomes of this plant were a favorite source of yellow dye for kapa.

Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None