Mahalo ʻĀwapuhi: Healing from the Garden to the Shower

🌿Grateful for ʻĀwapuhi: Beauty, Healing, and a Moment of Connection

Today I’m feeling especially grateful for the flourishing blooms of ʻāwapuhi (Zingiber zerumbet) growing beside my outdoor shower. Their lush green leaves and vibrant cones have come to life with the rhythm of our regular rains, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude every time I reach for them.

Also known as shampoo ginger, ʻāwapuhi holds a special place in Hawaiian plant medicine and daily life. Ancient Hawaiians used the fragrant liquid squeezed from the cones as:

• A natural shampoo and conditioner

• A scalp and hair treatment

• A gentle body cleanser after fishing, farming, or hula practice

Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties make it a true healing ally. Today, we know that ʻāwapuhi can:

• Soothe dry or irritated scalps

• Reduce dandruff

• Encourage healthy hair growth

• Add shine and moisture to damaged hair

• Act as a gentle, natural alternative to chemical-laden products

As I pour the cool gel from a blooming cone into my hand and smooth it through my hair, I feel more than clean — I feel connected.

Connected to the plants I grow.Connected to the traditions of those who came before me.Connected to the earth, the rain, and this moment of peace.

Mahalo nui loa, ʻāwapuhi, for your gifts.

💧 Nature Tip:

Want to try it? Wait until the cone is plump and red. Gently squeeze to release the fragrant liquid. Use it immediately on hair or skin — or mix it into your homemade shampoos or rinses.

Do you have a favorite plant you use in your self-care?I’d love to hear how you bring nature into your daily rhythms in the comments below 🌿

With aloha, Hilary Hāna Lōkahi Farms HanaLokahi.com