1867: Validity of Native Hawaiian medicine is defended

The Ahahui L?‘au Lapa‘au of Wailuku (an association of Native healers known as kahuna) issues a report on Native Hawaiian health. “Must We Wait in Despair” challenges the efforts of King Kamehameha IV to restrict the practice of Native Hawaiian medicine by kahunas. It asserts the benefits of the traditional plants and medicinal practices in treating diseases such as smallpox. Its publication leads to the licensing of traditional healers.

“If native medicines are to be banned then surely our people will quickly disappear.” —“Must We Wait in Despair,” the report of the Ahahui L?‘au Lapa‘au

Theme

Medicine Ways

Region

Hawai‘i