Hawaiian Herbs - Mamaki

Mamaki is an ancient plant that evolved in the Hawaiian Islands long before people arrived on its beaches, and is native to no other place in the world. It is a tree or shrub with green leaves which have prominent red veins, and edible white berries growing along its branches. A member of the nettle family but it doesn't the stinging hairs that other family members have. It grows in moist wet forests at elevations ranging from almost sea level to 6,000 feet and is the food for the larvae of the pulelehua the rare Hawaiian kamemameha butterfly. Designated the official insect of Hawaii State the Kamemameha is one of only two butterflies native to Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiians drank Mamaki tea believing it to cleanse impurities of the spirit as well the physical body, and it was used in love potions and sang of in chants. Traditionally the fruit were used as a laxative, as well as a treatment for thrush in children and nursing mothers. The leaves and the berries were known as a remedy to relax tense muscles prior to giving birth. Today mamaki is known as a refreshing herbal tea with cleansing, expectorant, astringent and diuretic properties. It is used to help people with stomach problems, colon problems, liver troubles, bladder problems and troubles with bowels as well as helping some individuals to keep their diabetes in check. Mamaki tea is naturally cholesterol and caffeine free and the natural soothing taste can be be enjoyed as a hot tea or for those hot summer days a refreshing iced sun tea.