'Awapuhi Ginger/ Zingiber zerumbet
‘Awapuhi Ginger
Zingiber zerumbet
I just love the scientific name of this plant! It just rolls off the tongue.
'Awapuhi or Shampoo Ginger is a beautiful, ornamental addition to any garden. Hawaiians have been using it in their hair care for years. It provides a shine to hair and has many benefits.
Common Name(s): Shampoo Ginger
Parts used:
The shoots, rhizomes and inflorescence liquid are all consumable
This plant is very carefree. Plant it, let it grow and watch the flowers emerge. This plant will thrive in heavy shade and waterlogged soils. In other words, it can be planted in places where most plants will not live.
Practitioners’ Advice:
Gently grab the stem of the flower and tilt the flower towards you and upside down. Over a bowl or jar, take your hand from the bottom of the flower and squeeze up so that the juice of the flower flows into the bowl or jar. You can do this over and over again to get the inflorescence. Each flower can hold up to 8 ounces of inflorescence!
Uses:
The rhizome has traditionally been used in medicinal applications as an anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, de-wormer, and for various types of pain management. The liquid from the inflorescence is drinkable. Perhaps the most well known use for ‘awapuhi is the inflorescence liquid as shampoo or conditioner for the hair and skin, as it provides a soothing, shiny and smoothing effect
Dosage:
NA
Contraindications
Contraindications have not been identified.
Pregnancy/Lactation
None documented. Similar precautions to Ginger
Interactions
None well documented.