Herb of the Month, Tumeric!

Why we LOVE it!

Tumeric does so much more than just making your mustard yellow.  Considered one of the World’s Healthiest Foods, this magical multitasker has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from Arthritis and other forms of inflammation, to cancer and heart disease. 
The Hawaiian word for Tumeric is, ‘Olena.  Grown everywhere from India to Haiti, this root thrives in sub-tropical environments much like our own.  I’ve used ‘Olena for years as an anti-inflammatory treatment for bruising and pain, both topically and internally as a tea.  Keep reading to get my recipe for 'Olena and Mamaki tea.

The best way to grow 'Olena is to soak it's root in water until it sprouts, and plant it in shallow earth either in a pot, or in the earth.  The best growing season is during the summer months as it tends to hibernate during winter.  Start planting in mid spring, and you'll have a great harvest that lasts during the off months.  Store fresh 'Olena in the freezer, or put it into a food dehydrator to keep it indefinitely.

Friends with Health Benefits

Tumeric has been used for centuries to treat everything from Alzheimers and cancer, to heart disease.  The anti-inflammatory effects of Tumeric have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents like Motrin.  As a holistic wellness solution, we believe this greatly reduces the toxic effects of chemical drugs, and has the added benefit of boosting the immune system and helping cellular recovery.  We could go on forever about the hundreds of uses for Tumeric.  Click here, to take you to one of the best resources we've found.

Learn More

Let's get Metaphysical

We use ‘Olena in our NOW intention candle to energize and clear stagnant energy, help manifest your intentions quicker, and because it provides a beautiful golden orange color connected to the sacral chakra and the energy of passion and creation.  Similar to ginseng or ginger in appearance, this miracle root has a long history of being used not only medically and metaphysically, but as a traditional textile dye.  Hawaiians would use a mixture of this root and water to dye traditional Kapa cloth.

In traditional Hawaiian belief, 'Olena was represented by the Goddess Haumea, and the first light of the morning which was symbolic of the energy of the rising sun.  This is the energy of renewal, possibilities, and creation.  In fact, Tumeric was believed to be even more sacred than Pa'a Kai(Hawaiian salt), and Ti, when used in ceremonies that would consecrate sacred spaces.  These sacred rites could not be performed without its presence.  Because of it's association with the sun, and fire energy, Hawaiians believed that ingesting the root would fill the body with the fire of life, and thus purify a person of sickness both physically and spiritually.  

Today, Tumeric is still used to cleanse a person or place of deep seated negativity, clear the chakras and energy channels in the body, and connect them to the power of feminine divinity.

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Make It!

Keoki's 'Olena and Mamaki Tea

1 tsp Tumeric (powdered)
2 tbs Mamaki leaf (dried)
1 tbs Ginger (powdered)
2 tbs Lehua Honey *to taste
4 Cups Purified Water

Add all ingredients except the honey to a small non-reactive pot and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and cover.  Let everything steep for a MINIMUM of 10 minutes.  Strain into a mug and add honey to taste.  **If using fresh herbs, double all quantities.