Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 7, 1 Iulai 2022 — Back to Our Roots: 'Awa [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Back to Our Roots: 'Awa

V MALAMA I KOU ICINO V ^ CARE FOR YOUR BODY "

By Jodi Leslie Matsuo, DrPH My first experience with 'awa was at a gathering on Kaho'olawe. On our last evening, 'awa root was prepared and bowls passed around. It had an earthy yet slightly medicinal taste and numbed my tongue for hours afterwards. I didn't know then about the many heahh benefits of 'awa other than what I felt and how this experience seemed to bond our group closer than before. Today, 'awa is most commonly used to help ealm and relax the body and mind. It is medically recognized as a treatment for anxiety. Researchers suggest it is a better alternative to anti-anxiety medications, as it is effective in treating mild to moderate anxiety without the addictions commonly seen with western medications. Insomnia and other sleep disorders may also be improved by consuming 'awa. Another eommon use of 'awa is to sooth aches and pains of the muscles, tissues, and joints. It has the ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body - even gum disease - and ean aid in tissue repair and recovery. I prepare 'awa oil for our patients to provide relief ffom rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Studies on 'awa suggest great potential in preventing and treating cancer. 'Awa contains powerful chemicals that ean fight cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, eolon, bladder, stomach, and bones. It has been shown to improve memory and support brain heahh, and is being studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

There are possible side effects related to 'awa. It is not recommended to use 'awa before driving or operating machinery and it ean increase the effects of aleohol. Liver damage may occur if eonsumed in high doses for a long period of time. 'Awa should be avoided altogether for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding or afflicted with Parkinson's disease. Certain medications may interact with 'awa, such as sedatives, anti-psychotics, and those used to treat Parkinson's disease. And if you are scheduled to have surgery, stop using 'awa two weeks prior, as it ean increase the effects of anesthesia. 'Awa is reportedly safer to take as a prepared drink, instead of as a supplement. To make your own 'awa drink, soak fresh or dried roots in water overnight. Do not use the stems or leaves, as it ean increase toxic risk. Next, pound the root - using a stone mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or even a elean hammer - to break down the root fibers until soft. Plaee the pounded root into a bowl with water, alternating brief soaking and squeezing of the root in the same bowl. Repeat about 15-20 minutes before drinking. If using ground 'awa root powder, put some of the powder in a strainer bag. Plaee the bag in a bowl with water and squeeze the bag every so often. Do this for 5-10 minutes. Stir the 'awa mixture eaeh time before serving. Start by drinking one eup per day; it is safe to drink up to four cups a day. Alternatively, and with even fewer risky (yet effective) results, you ean apply 'awa oils or salves on the affected areas of your body. ■ Born and raised in Kona, Hawai'i, Dr. Jodi Leslie Matsuo is a Native Hawaiian Registered Dietician and certified diabetes educator, with training in Integrative and Eunetional Nutrition. Follow her on Eaeehook (@DrJodiLeslieMatsuo), Instagram (@drlesliematsuo) and on Twitter (@DrLeslieMatsuo).