Issue 19: `Olena

Ka manu ka`upu halo `ale o ka moana.
The ka`upu, the bird that observes the ocean.
Said of a careful observer.

After a semester-long hiatus, I'm back and re-energized!  Sort of.  But I do have a new book that I'm excited to use!  Mary Kawena Pukui's compilation of olelo no`eau! 

Organism of the Week: `Olena, curcuma domestica

This is the `olena plant, a member of the ginger family and commonly known as turmeric around the world.  This is a plant brought over by ancient Polynesians when they voyaged to Hawai`i.  The plant is small and produces leafy clusters as you can see here instead of a stem exactly. 
`Olena grows in moist, forested valleys up to altitudes of 3000ft, but is now rarely found in nature these days. 
Hawaiians used `olena medicinally - the juice from the roots would ease earaches and clear sinuses when mixed with water.  When lightly cooked and eaten, `olena was useful for colds, asthma, consumption and other illnesses of the like.  It can be taken as a diuretic or applied topically will clear up acne or stop bleeding.  It also serves as an antibacterial. 
`Olena was also used for ceremonial purposes, like purification of mana or to bless a new home. 
Source: Here.