Polynesian Medicine encompasses the healing traditions of the Polynesian peoples — from Aotearoa (New Zealand) to Hawai'i to Rapa Nui. It integrates herbal medicine with spiritual and social healing practices. Polynesian voyagers carried medicinal plants across the Pacific, while also adapting to the unique flora of each island group.
Ask about this tradition12
Conditions
9
Treatments
38
Evidence Records
9
Sources Used
Knowledge transmitted through chant, story, and apprenticeship. Each island group developed distinct adaptations to local flora.
Comprehensive documentation of Rongoā Māori (Māori medicinal plants) with traditional preparation methods
Documentation of Hawaiian traditional herbal medicine (La'au Lapa'au) with 317 medicinal plant uses
Tohunga/Kahuna assesses the patient's spiritual state — whether illness is Mate Māori (spiritual origin) or physical. Dreams, visions, and karakia (prayers) guide diagnosis.
Assessment of symptoms within the Hauora framework — all four dimensions evaluated: physical health, mental state, family relationships, and spiritual well-being.
Family conference and conflict resolution as both diagnostic and therapeutic tool — identifies relational and spiritual causes of illness through structured family dialogue.