The Tiare Flower
For centuries Polynesian people in the pacific islands have used the extremely fragrant blooms in their flower necklaces, which are called “Ei” in the Cook Islands, “Hei” in Tahiti or “Lei” in Hawai’i.In some Pacific island traditions, wearing a flower indicates relationship status. A flower worn on the left ear means the person is taken and on the right ear means available.
The plant is believed to have medicinal properties to treat several ailments. In traditional Tonga medicine a bark infusion is dripped into the nose, eyes and mouth to treat “ghost sickness”.
In ancient Samoa parts of the plant were used to treat inflammation
(via poly--nesian)
