5 plant Infusions for a healthy New Year
Written by Jana Soli
As the new year rolls around many of us are searching for ways to incorporate healthy habits into our daily routines. Food can be one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to introduce wellness into our lives. For those who love cooking with local ingredients, it is quite easy to find locally produced goods that are nutrient-rich, and delicious on top of that!
You might already know this, but Hawaiʻi is home to the botanical equivalent of a well-stocked medicine cabinet. The islands are home to endemic plant species whose uses date back hundreds of years, like māmaki. Polynesians also brought over canoe plants like ʻōlena (Hawaiian turmeric) on their voyages to the islands.
If the topic of wellness is on your radar, we invite you to browse this curated list and learn about the health benefits of some of Hawaii’s most beloved plants.
As a bonus, we’ve shared links to locally grown and crafted products that feature the different plants, infusions, and extractions mentioned. What better way to kick off a new year of health and wellness, than armed with immune-boosting products straight from our local farmers?
1. Māmaki
Often touted for its health benefits and antioxidants, māmaki is an endemic Hawaiian plant. It is rich in potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. The leaves of the plant are commonly used as a tonic, as māmaki is high in both antioxidants and nutrients. Revered by Native Hawaiians for hundreds of years, māmaki has a long history of use for medicinal, ceremonial, and healing purposes. One of the most common ways māmaki leaves are prepared is tea. The māmaki plant is also a vital part of the ecosystem for Hawaii’s native butterfly and state insect, the Kamehameha butterfly or Pulelehua.
Health Benefits
Here are some of the health benefits that have been attributed to māmaki tea:
Rich in zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper
High in antioxidants
Aids in relaxation
Stimulates brain activity
Caffeine-free
Recommendations for Use
Brew a soothing cup of Polipoli Farms’ Hawaiian Herbal Māmaki Tea (Ulu + Māmaki) or Waimea Herb Company’s Māmaki Lemongrass Tea. Enjoy the nourishing feel of Rebels Roost Māmaki Lemongrass Goat Milk Soap.
2. ʻŌlena
ʻŌlena, or Hawaiian turmeric, is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. The nutrient curcumin that is found in ʻōlena offers a host of science-backed health benefits. This vibrant root plant ranges in color from golden to bright orange. It is a canoe plant grown across the Hawaiian Islands, originally brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians. The plant is used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.
Health Benefits
ʻŌlena boasts the following health benefits:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-infective
Immune boosting
Boosts brain function
Helps lower the risk of heart disease
Recommendations for Use
A spoonful of Hoʻōla Honey’s raw ʻōlena Honey or Manoa Honey & Mead’s ʻōlena Propolis Honey a day can do wonders!
3. ʻAwa
ʻAwa, or kava as it is commonly known on the islands, is a root plant commonly mixed with water for ceremonial, medicinal, and relaxation purposes. The substance kavapyrone in kava produces relaxation and a feeling of calm. The plant is also used to relieve pain and relax muscles.
Health Benefits
Kava can be consumed in small doses for maximum benefit:
Promotes sleep
Promotes relaxation and calm
Stimulates dopamine
Reduces stress and anxiety
Recommendations for Use
You may have tried kava as a relaxing drink, but have you tried it in Paauilo Chocolate’s Rich Dark Chocolate? Another take on this traditional drink is kava in honey – simply stir a spoonful of Hoʻōla Honey’s Soothing Kava Honey into an herbal tea and enjoy.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant originating in Southeastern Asia and beloved across the islands for both cooking and medicine. The plant packs powerful health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which help in reducing free radicals in the body. Ginger is also used to combat nausea, the flu, and the common cold. Gingerol, one of the main compounds in Ginger, is responsible for many medicinal benefits found in the plant.
Health Benefits
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant-rich
May aid in weight loss
Aids digestion
Aids in menstrual pain
Combats harmful bacteria and viruses
Recommendations for Use
Add Rebels Roost Ginger Infused Honey to tea or toast and celebrate your good health.
5. Cinnamon
Did you know cinnamon is derived from a tree? This sweet and distinct spice has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The spice itself, as well as the oil in the plant that contains cinnamaldehyde, boasts a high number of health benefits. In one study, the level of antioxidant-rich polyphenols in cinnamon was found to be more powerful than that of garlic and 26 other superfoods.
Health Benefits
Antioxidant-rich
Linked to reduced risk of heart disease
Lowers blood sugar, creating a strong anti-diabetic effect
Reduces heart disease risk
Recommendations for Use
Try Rebels Roost Cinnamon Creamed Honey stirred into your morning mug of coffee or spread on apples. Make a cuppa with Buddha’s Cup Hibiscus Tea with Cinnamon to sip your cares away.
Images courtesy of Waimea Herb Co., Polipoli Farms, Hoʻōla Honey, Rebels’ Roost, Buddha’s Cup, Manoa Honey & Mead & Paʻauilo K-Farm.
