ʻOlena is known to be one of the 12 canoe plants brought over to Hawaiʻi by early Polynesians in their voyaging canoes.
If that’s the case, then ‘Olena must be really important.
‘Olena’s scientific botanical name is Curcuma domestica and known around the world as Turmeric.
This root is known to pack a bunch of health benefits from improving your brain function and helping you recover from your workouts. Many experts have deemed ‘olena as one of the most effective nutritional supplements in existence.
Since our ancestors made sure they had this plant with them as they voyaged across the pacific ocean, we are sure there was a reason for that.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Curcumin, one of the compounds found in Turmeric, is known to be an anti-inflammatory that fights off radical invaders and helps repair the damage.
Short-term inflammation can be beneficial but can be a major problem when the inflammation becomes chronic and attacks your body’s tissue and immune system. Scientists found chronic inflammation over a long period of time plays a role in heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative diseases.
So anything that can help keep chronic inflammation away plays an important role in preventing and even treating these diseases.
Boost Brain Function and Lower Risks of Brain Diseases
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a hormone that helps maintain and create neural connections in the brain.
Many brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease have been linked to the decreased level of this hormone. Studies around Curcumin have shown the compound to increase BDNF in the brain.
This gives the notion of BDNF being an effective way to delaying or reverse brain diseases and a decrease in brain function
Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Hawaii, especially amongst Native Hawaiians.
Curcumin improves the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels. This plays a role in heart disease because the endothelium regulates blood pressure and blood clotting.
A study of 121 people, who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, one group had a placebo while the other had 4 grams of curcumin per day, a few days before and after the surgery.
They found the curcumin group had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital.
‘Olena in Hawaiian Culture
‘Olena, turmeric, was used for various reasons during ancient Hawaii. The root is thick and orange or yellow-colored on the inside, which is the reason why Curry that uses turmeric spice gets its yellow color.
Ancient Hawaii used the dyes from these roots to color tapa cloth. They steamed the younger roots for a light yellow dye while the older roots provided a golden and deep orange color.
Traditionally, ‘Olena was used as a medicine for various reasons. The extracted juice mixed with water helped with earaches and cleared the sinuses through the nasal pathways. Its uses also aided with strengthening the immune system by purifying the blood and decrease inflammation which is often considered to contribute to many diseases.
‘Olena was utilized in ceremonies for purification and to increase mana, spiritual power, of a person or place.
They took pieces of the crushed root and mixed them with seawater. The mixture was sprinkled to remove negative influences from places, persons, and things. To sprinkle, a ti leaf is dipped into a calabash or bowl containing the `Olena and seawater. The sprinkling is accompanied by prayers.
This sort of ceremony took place when someone was ill, or when a place is newly occupied and needs blessing.
Photography: @marissaphilipsphotography
