Aloha,
My name is Levon Ohai and I am a native Hawaiian herbal practitioner. As a child, I spent countless hours with my Grandfather, Ben Ohai, on his farm. Always at his side, I watched as he helped many people with various health problems. At the age of seven, my Tutu-man began to share his knowledge of herbal medicine with me. I became aware of the plants I helped to gather with Tutu-man during our visits to the mountains; popolo, olena, hi'aloa and many others were very powerful herbs. I watched and listened intently as he used these herbs to heal the sick.
Tutu-man was a true man of the land. Born in 1900, in a hut in Kealia, Kauai, he wore the traditional malo and learned to speak English by reading the Lord's Book five times. He learned the art of healing from his mother who in turn learned from her mother and so forth for several generations. Tutu-man's knowledge was unique due to his continual study of the herbs. Such depth of understanding allowed him to address the needs of each individual he helped.
As a child, I never consider that I would one day use the knowledge my grandfather shared with me. However, in 1993, I was moved by the spirit to share what I had learned for the benefit of others. Like my Tutu, I explored in depth cures with Hawaiian and hanai herbs. I began teaching herbal classes through the adult education system. I was able to help people who, failed by traditional medicine, were healed with the powerful herbs of my ancestors.
Today, I am an instructor at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. I teach several different classes in Hawaiian medicine and culture. Just as my ancestors, pule (prayer) and fasting are as vital to healing as the herbs. I am grateful for the knowledge that tutu shared with me as a child and for the knowledge that Akua continues to reveal as I strive to help teach and heal the sick and afflicted in our islands and throughout the world.
Me Ke Aloha,
Ohai
Hawaii Center for Natural Medicine
PO Box 846 Kapaa, HI 96746
hawaiianmed@yahoo.com
808-230-7664
