Olaʻs island grown ingredients
Ola has always used Hawaiian grown and sourced ingredients and over the last few months we have been working on a series of emails to explain each ingredient and the intention behind using it in our products.
'Uhaloa
Considered an indigenous plant deeply embedded in Native Hawaiian healing traditions. ‘Uhaloa thrives in open, sunny, low-elevation environments. It is typically wildcrafted or grown in traditional medicinal gardens by practitioners of lāʻau lapaʻau, the Hawaiian system of herbal medicine.
Hawaiian healers use the roots, leaves, flowers, and buds to concoct medicine for both internal and topical antidotes for inflammation and pain. Revitalization efforts by Hawaiian ethnobotanists and programs at the University of Hawaiʻi have begun to document and scientifically validate these traditional uses, contributing to a growing body of preclinical research.
Based on the growing evidence that ‘Uhaloa is an effective ingredient in plant medicine, Ola Tropical Apothecary, under the guidance of Kumu Dane Silva, created a pain relief balm centered on this powerful indigenous plant.
Combined with other known Hawaiian anti-inflammatory plants like ‘Awa, Olena/ Turmeric, Ginger, Hawaiian Chili pepper, Noni fruit, Aloe Vera and healing tropical oils we formulated Hawaiian relief plant synergy: Lomi Balm.
Mamaki
Mamaki is endemic to Hawaii and considered Hawaiian green tea because it is high in antioxidants, it is anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and energizing.
Traditionally it was used as internal medicine for high blood pressure, digestive issues, bladder infections, menstrual pain, diabetes, fatigue, blood and liver cleansing as well as useful for psychological issues such as depression and irritability. It was also used in the making of Kapa.
The seeds or fruit provide food for native birds as well as can be used as a laxative. The leaves are also a favorite of Hawaiian butterflies.
Being high in antioxidants, soothing and anti-inflammatory makes it an ideal ingredient for natural skin care products. At Ola Tropical Apothecary it is one of our favorite ingredients and we infuse it into most of our products.
Noni Fruit or Morinda Citrifolia is a superfood in the coffee family that has been used in
traditional medicine in Polynesia for thousands of years. It was one of the original
canoe plants brought to Hawaiʻi because of its powerful health benefits. Noni has been a
staple in Hawaiian food and medicine since the early voyagers came and grows
prolifically around the islands. The Noni tree grows at low elevations and seems to
prefer volcanic conditions.
All parts of the Noni plant have health benefits. Leaves, roots and fruit can be used for
medicinal purposes. Being high in antioxidants, the Noni plant is packed with essential
vitamins and minerals that aid in a variety of physical ailments including digestive
issues, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
It is also very beneficial and an available food for pollinators that keep our ‘Aina thriving.
Noni fruit is extremely hydrating and repairing for the skin and hair. It is rich in and anti-
inflammatory, moisturizing and repairing properties which makes it a perfect ingredient
for skin products.
Ola Tropical Apothecary infuses this powerful medicinal plant in the form of a hydrosol
and an extract into most of our products to increase their skin healing benefits.
KALO (TARO)
Kalo is sacred in Hawaiian culture with deep spiritual significance. Kalo represents survival, offering life sustaining, essential nutrients as food for the body as well as the soul.
Ola Tropical Apothecary has been infusing Kalo into our skin care products for over twenty years, creating synergistic food for the skin by combining traditional medicinal plants into every product.
Kalo is a generous root that has so much to offer. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes, Kalo addresses the total health of the skin.
Kalo is antioxidant rich, high in Vitamin E that protects against free radicals, Vitamin C that supports collagen production, Vitamin B that helps with cellular regeneration and hyperpigmentation. It is rich in minerals that are essential to optimal skin function, exfoliating the skin and evening skin tone. Being high in starch content makes it moisture binding and hydrating for the skin.
Recent studies of using Kalo for the skin supports the idea that regular use of Kalo on the skin will improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and promote radiant skin.
Diving deeper into the ingredients used in Ola Tropical Apothecary skin care products you will find Kalo in almost every product working synergistically with other Hawaiian medicinal plants, flowers and fruit to promote the healthy longevity of your skin.
Ginger
Ginger Root / Zingaber Officinale is the standard ginger used in medicine and cooking. Grown on our farm, we use this ginger in all of our products for it's anti-inflammatory, warming, purifying and stimulating properties. Traditionally Hawaiians pounded the roots to treat external injuries as well as indigestion.
ʻAwapuhi Ginger
ʻAwapuhi Ginger / Zingaber Zerumbet is used in our shampoo and conditioner. Ola captures the liquid held inside the enclosed cone flower that is a wonderful natural cleanser, moisturizer and hair softener.
‘Ōlena (Tumeric)
What differentiates Ola Tropical Apothecary from other brands is our roots! We are rooted in Hawaiian culture, infusing every product with island synergy that maximizes the benefits of each product.
We use many different roots in our products that have deeply nourishing skin benefits!
Hawaiian ‘Ōlena/ Turmeric. Used in Ayurvedic medicine and in spices around the world, turmeric is a power antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient in foods.
Used topically it has been clinically proven to calm and soothe the skin which makes it an ideal treatment for acne or other skin inflammation. In addition it appears to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, increase skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging/ mature skin.
Ola Tropical Apothecary is committed to featuring healing Hawaiian plants in all of our products which is why we infuse organic ‘Ōlena into almost every product to increase synergy and skin nourishing beneifts.
The botanicals we use target a variety of skin needs, providing essential vitamins and minerals, proteins, enzymes, moisture, hydration, conditioning, cleansing, pain relief, purification, soothing, calming and balancing elements.