Читать книгу Flora of Hawaiian Islands. Photo Album 2020 - Romans Arzjancevs - Страница 6

– Kava kava is a much-branched shrub growing up to 4 metres tall. The plant produces several stems 1 – 3cm in diameter from a large, thick, woody rhizome The plant is a herb with major ritual and cultural significance in the Pacific Islands where it is widely used in social ceremonies and as a means of communicating with the Gods Often harvested from the wild, it is also cultivated, especially in home gardens in the Pacific. The plant is commonly sold in local markets, and is also exported to Europe, America etc where it is used medicinally.

– The roots and stems are the source of a stimulating alkaloidal beverage called kawa that is widely consumed in some Polynesian Islands. It has a calming effect whilst also promoting mental clarity. The roots can weigh up to 7 kilos. To prepare the beverage, the plant parts are pulverized by grinding or mastication, suspended in water and then sieved to remove the residue. The resulting milky-brown liquid is the beverage.

– In Fiji, convulsions and stiffness in children are treated with liquid pressed from the leaves. The leaves are chewed as a treatment for bronchitis. Externally, the leaves are rubbed onto centipede bites, insect stings and stings from poisonous fish. The branches are used in a remedy for sore throats. An infusion of the leaves is spread onto a certain type of inflammation and is used to treat watery vaginal discharges.