Lāʻau Lapaʻau: A Study Of Treatments For Anaphylaxis

Abstract

What is the Hawaiian understanding of anaphylaxis and what is used to treat it? Anaphylaxis is a generalized allergic reaction that at times is so severe it may result in death. The Hawaiian understanding of a life-threatening kind of severe allergic reaction has a spiritual component. Some anaphylactic reactions that are not life-threatening, however, are recognized more simply as asthma or generalized swelling. Our traditional healing practices have had thousands of years of experimentation to determine which treatment will be most effective for certain conditions. If we rely solely on the knowledge that a particular plant or treatment works best for a certain ailment, we will lose the part of our practice that involves traditional understanding of pathophysiology and various therapies. This study looks into the Hawaiian pathophysiology, therapies, and pharmacology of anaphylaxis by using qualitative data such as Hawaiian literature, interviews, and first-hand experiences.