shampoo ginger or awapuhi, ‘awapuhi kuahiwi, ōpuni

Zingiber zerumbet

Description:

http://173.201.252.229/ethnobotanydb/eth...

Habitat:

Grows all over the garden. From Hawaii.

Notes:

Medicines: ‘Awapuhi is used as a compress to apply to sore spots, bruises and cuts; also for headaches, toothache, ringworm/other skin disease, achy joints/sprains, stomach-ache (it is said to have anti-inflammatory properties). Underground stems were mashed with salt and rubbed on the head to treat headaches Non Medicinal Uses: Sometimes used on kuahu (hula altars) -Fragrant, sudsy fluid squeezed out of plant for use as shampoo, the powdered rhizome for scenting kapa, and leaves used to flavor meat