The early Polynesians brought this plant to Hawaii. They used it to relax people and to make them go to sleep, especially when they had a fever; it is important to sleep a lot when you have a fever. It was also used as a tonic when people felt weak, 10 prepare the `awa, the root was dried in the sun, then washed clean and chopped into small pieces. It was then chewed; mouthfuls were mixed with 1&1/2 quarts of water and strained through fibers of makaloa. The liquid was then heated by putting it in a calabash with water and red-hot stones. When it was cool it was drunk until the person fell asleep.

To make young feverish or restless children go to sleep, the leaf buds were first chewed by the mother and given to the child, mornings and evenings.

It was also drunk (made with coconut milk instead of water) after hard work. This made the sore muscles go away, and made one feel strong again.

A drink of `awa was used for other troubles, too -- when it was difficult to pass urine; for bad headaches; for lung troubles; and for displacement of the womb.