Plants and Food
(If you wish to act on any of the information on this website, you must consult with a healthcare professional. Do not try to be your own doctor.)
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Ageratum conyzoides
Plant Name: Ageratum conyzoides
Hawaiian Name: MAILE HOHONO
English Name: Ageratum
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
Status in Hawai'i: Alien. Low to moderate pest factor.
Where it grows in Hawai'i: Wet and Upcountry areas
Part Used: Flowering tops
Uses:
* The name "Maile hohono" is somewhat of a misnomer, as this lovely little weed is more aromatic than stinky.
* Its main uses in Hawai'i are topical for fungal infections of the skin ("haole rot"). It is juiced and then the patient sunbathes to let the medicine work. Its' use for skin conditions is confirmed by traditional medicines in China, Nepal, and Martinique.
* The steam is used as a topical treatment for hemorrhoids. (Be careful...)
* In China, Polynesia, South America and Africa Maile hohono is steeped as a tea to for colds and flus. It and combines well with Hala (Pandanus tectorius) and Wäpine (Cymbopogon spp.) at the first sign of a respiratory infection. For deeper infections it can be combined with Kïnehi (Bidens pilosa), Youngia japonica, or Stachytarpheta spp.
* It is also drunk as a tea for diabetes, and juiced for topical use in ear infections.
Caution: As pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in Ageratum, it can be presumed to be dangerous if taken internally in large doses. Do not use in pregnancy or with liver disease.
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Much of this information is through the grace oand kindness of my
Hawaiian and Chinese teachers and my gratitude goes out to
them. Any errors are mine alone.
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