Tradition Fiji Medicine at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Both wellness and indigenous tourism are making a splash in the travel industry these days, and Fiji’s Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is combining the two with its Fijian medicine walk. The 5-star, eco resort is located on Vanua Levu and is perfect for travelers seeking a natural, authentic experience.

Johnny Singh, the resort’s on-staff marine biologist, leads the traditional medicine walk to teach guests about Fiji’s healing touch. Just one of the many offerings at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, the guided tour provides information on the surrounding plants and their positive effects on the body. The complimentary tour includes 24 specimens of flora containing natural cures.

Here’s a sampling:

Totodro

Also known as pennywort, these leaves are pounded into tea used to ease coughing.

Moli

Chew on these lemon leaves for sore throats; scrape the bark for asthma; or use the leaves for tea. The root is also good for asthma.

Qiqilawa

As part of the olive family, when the leaves are crushed and mixed with water, qiqilawa can be used to treat exhaustion in young mothers.

Layalaya

The wild ginger, incorporated into tea or chewed, cures sore throats.

Batimadramadra

Referred to as cobbler’s peg, the leaves are pounded and mixed with water to remedy stomach aches, bee stings, burns and sea lice.

Voivoi

Voivoi, or pandanus, roots are crushed to create a juice that combats fish poisoning.