Kīpuka Farmacy is the program’s center for education, research, and community wellness. Through classes, demonstrations, and practical guidance, it helps individuals and families learn safe and culturally grounded approaches to self-care.
The organically raised gardens provide traditional Hawaiian medicinal plants (lāʻau) used for personal, ʻohana and community care. Many of these plants have been traditionally used to support conditions associated with chronic inflammation (pehupehu) and long-term illness (maʻi maʻi), and a growing body of contemporary research is examining these uses. The Kīpuka māla lāʻau—the medicinal plant garden—is the foundation of Kīpuka Farmacy and serves as both a source of plants and a place of learning.
Participants are taught practical ways to prepare and use lāʻau at home, including teas, topical applications, and other simple preparations. Education also includes healthy lifestyle practices such as nutrition, movement, and daily habits that support strength and resilience.
Kīpuka Farmacy emphasizes health literacy, cultural knowledge, and ongoing community support. Trained navigators and coaches provide guidance for participants and their ʻohana, helping them apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Together with the Kīpuka Garden and the Kūpuna Strong! program, this work forms the community wellness component of the future Kīpuka Center for Health & Wellness and the Puna Community Medical Center campus. The goal is to strengthen prevention, self-care, and family support alongside clinical medical care.
The organically raised gardens provide traditional Hawaiian medicinal plants (lāʻau) used for personal, ʻohana and community care. Many of these plants have been traditionally used to support conditions associated with chronic inflammation (pehupehu) and long-term illness (maʻi maʻi), and a growing body of contemporary research is examining these uses. The Kīpuka māla lāʻau—the medicinal plant garden—is the foundation of Kīpuka Farmacy and serves as both a source of plants and a place of learning.
Participants are taught practical ways to prepare and use lāʻau at home, including teas, topical applications, and other simple preparations. Education also includes healthy lifestyle practices such as nutrition, movement, and daily habits that support strength and resilience.
Kīpuka Farmacy emphasizes health literacy, cultural knowledge, and ongoing community support. Trained navigators and coaches provide guidance for participants and their ʻohana, helping them apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Together with the Kīpuka Garden and the Kūpuna Strong! program, this work forms the community wellness component of the future Kīpuka Center for Health & Wellness and the Puna Community Medical Center campus. The goal is to strengthen prevention, self-care, and family support alongside clinical medical care.
PUNA COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION
ESTABLISHED 2018
[email protected]
PCMC Foundation at P.O. Box 1082, Pahoa, HI 96778
ESTABLISHED 2018
[email protected]
PCMC Foundation at P.O. Box 1082, Pahoa, HI 96778