J Ethnopharmacol. 1985 Jul; 13(3): 239-80.

Traditional and herbal medicine in the Cook Islands.

Whistler WA.

The modern day health care system in the Cook Islands is a combination of neo-traditional ways and Western medicine. The practice of "Maori medicine" is widespread in the Cook Islands, with native healers using a variety of herbal medicines and traditional practices to treat many of the common ailments affecting the people. After a historical review, the current methods of preparing and administering herbal medicines are discussed, followed by a discussion of what is commonly called "ghost sickness (maki tupapaku) in the islands. Included is a list of the 49 plants most commonly used in native cures, with information on how often and for what they are used. Also included is a glossary of Maori terms for the various ailments with which the healers are familiar.