Lepolo‘i or maku‘u is the black mud of taro patches that have been cultivated for a long time. This mud lies under the top layer of the soft mud. The lepo lo‘i together with the waikōloa, the small reeds that grow in the taro patches, are used to treat bad sores or openings at the bottom of the feet, under the armpit or on the chest.

To prepare:
Wash sores with Momella (Tanzania) tea and let dry. Half of a handful of the waikōloa reeds is rubbed into the sores and covered with the mud. Wrap a piece of cloth around the wound; apply twice a day for five days.

It is recommended that the patient keep his system clean by consuming only water and taking a good dose of a laxative on the fourth day.

Please seek the guidance of your physician or traditional healing specialist before beginning treatment of any kind. Also, please remember that Hawaiian herbal remedies are always used in conjunction with spiritual cleansing and pule (prayer).