The early Polynesians did not bring this plant with them, and they did not find it growing here when they came. It was brought in later, and the Hawaiians soon began to use it for a medicine.

It was used, mixed with other plants, for deep cuts, sprains, and other injuries people get in accidents. The leaf buds were pounded together with other plants, and the juice squeezed right onto the injured part.

The young leaf buds were chewed and swallowed to cure diarrhea. For babies, the mother chewed the leaves first. Sometimes, the Hawaiians added pia, Polynesian arrowroot starch, to the buds,

Guava roots were mixed with other plants, pounded, and heated with water. The strained liquid was drunk to stop bleeding in the bowels.