Thought to be native to India and widespread in Southeast Asia, the shampoo ginger, or 'awapuhi kuahiwi, was introduced to Hawai'i by early Polynesians. They found many other uses for the versatile plant. Dried and powdered rhizomes were put between kapa, or bark cloth, for storage. Leaves were used as flavoring for foods.
Squeeze the bulbous flowering heads and out gushes a gingery-fragrant, watery sap. The slightly slippery liquid has long been used by Polynesians as a natural shampoo. It also was used as a refreshing drink.
Rhizomes and leaves also were used medicinally to treat cuts and sores, toothaches and headaches, and upset stomachs. Fresh rhizomes were ground, placed in cloth and tied to a sprained limb to give relief.