Edited by CEP, Solabia Group, 29, rue Delizy, 93698 Pantin Cedex Tel.: (+33) 1 48 10 19 40 - Fax: (+33) 1 48 91 18 77 Publication Manager: Jean François Molina Editorial committee: Patricia Houy and Carine Lebeau Photo credits NC

- Reproduction prohibited - - M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e b lue Age ra tum o f th e Marquesas Is l ands

Nowadays, hyperurbanisation and the lack-lustre appearance of modernconstructions leave very little room for Mother Nature and her rainbow ofcolours which are both stimulating and soothing. However, for thousands of years, the American Indians, Egyptians and aborigines have known how to use the therapeutic effects of colours and today, chromatherapy as it is called, enables us to take good care of ourselves … Whether in the form of emitters of light rays, beauty salons with carefully chosen decorative colours or cosmetic creams, the shades of which are in total harmony with their beneficial properties, colour therapy is everywhere! But what can these colours do for us? What do they signify? In the strict sense of the word, chromatherapy is based on Chinese energy: each wavelength transmitted can trigger a reaction within the body. This reaction will stimulate or calm an energy – it’s a physiological process. Nowadays, however, chromatherapy also refers to the colours associated with symbols, sensations or perceptions – it’s a mental process that occurs in the individual mind. Blue – the symbol of peace and well being It is surprising to note that each civilisation and each religion has attributed similar virtues to blue. In the sacred language of the Egyptians, for instance, blue symbolised immortality whereas in Greece, the Chronos priests, those masters of time, were clothed in this colour. For the Romans, blue was one of the attributes of Jupiter and Junon – the god and goddess of the heavens. Blue is a dominating colour in Christian religion. The first christians chose blue to symbolise God the Father and it is nowadays also used for the Virgin Mary, who is very often portrayed dressed in blue. The colour of the sea and sky, blue is synonymous with escape and tranquillity. Pale blue represents the pathway to dreams. Darker shades of blue, which are in keeping with its natural tendencies, symbolise dreams. A positive symbol for many populations, overall, blue represents loyalty, wisdom, the imagination and intelligence. The image of passing time, purity, escape and relaxation, there could be no better colour than blue to portray the qualities of the ageratum!

S c i ence s e r v i ng Na tu r e

ow let’s take a closer look at the properties of this plant,

which was so widely used in traditional pharmacopoeias. The stems and leaves of the ageratum possess bactericidal (particularly against Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal activity, hence its use in the management of certain skin diseases. These properties have also been put to good use in a certain number of countries with poor economic resources where the plant was used as a pesticide (to combat insects and parasite nematodes). Ageratum also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and studies have confirmed its pain-relieving, analgesic effects following oral administration. Although it is difficult to attribute these curative elements to just one element of the plant, and since its diversity and complementary physico-chemical properties often provide the key to its activity, the blue ageratum is of particular interest for its essential oil and flavonoids. The essential oil, “Maire vaihi” in Polynesian, contains a wealth of terpenes, chromenes (conyzogorum) and coumarine derivatives that confer antibacterial properties. As regards flavonoids (flavones, kaempferol and quercetine), a study has shown that these substances are largely responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant. Blue ageratum also contains tannins and sterols. Let’s end with a short lesson on etymology: Conyzoides comes from “kónyz”, the Greek name for Inula helenium

because the two flowers look like each other. The origin of the term, Ageratum, is perhaps even more interesting. It comes from the Greek word “ageras”, which means anti-ageing, both flower and plant having a significant life-span. It’s hardly surprising then to learn that the ageratum may, no doubt, be useful in anti-ageing products – a firm favourite with cosmetologists….

nown as “Te henua Enana” or the Land of Man, the Marquesas Islands could

quite easily have been called the Land of Traditional Man since the lifestyle of its inhabitants is based almost exclusively on ancestral knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation, and which has survived even to this day. In fact, still wild and relatively removed from the modern world and its innovations, the Marquesas Islands are, first and foremost, a haven of tradition where Pacific rites are perpetuated. Modernism has not yet invaded this unspoilt landscape, which is home to steep mountains and lush vegetation. It should, however, be noted that, remembering one’s roots and flouting modernism in favour of ancestral skills does not, however, mean that the inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands are recluses who are hostile to any form of progress. About 4 hours from Tahiti by plane or several days by schooner, the Marquesas Islands are isolated.

Devoid of tourism due to the lack of hotels, the islands in fact have few

resources. Apart from the lime, which is considered by far the best in Polynesia, or the nono from which a juice possessing stimulating and toning properties is made in the USA, the Marquesians have very few resources to develop their economy. And yet… they are not lacking in plant resources! For all these reasons we wanted to continue the Petit Botaniste® assignments in these untamed islands. However, in order to accomplish this objective, we had to be able to count on the local support of a partner in order to devise solutions for on-going development. As you know, this is what encouraged us to forge links several months ago with the company, Pacifique Sud, which has just set up a base in the Marquesas Islands. After the nono, the leaves of which have been enhanced with regenerating properties and

the Kau Pe (pronounced "Kao Pé"), a flower with a sophisticated, bewitching scent, it’s the turn of the blue Ageratum to reveal its secrets. Before leaving you to discover the virtues of this plant for yourselves, the Petit Botaniste®, which, as you all know, likes to carry out relevant

research, looked up the term in the large dictionary of the

Language of Plants and Flowers. Believe it or not - the ageratum

symbolises confidence. Why? Perhaps because of the blue colour of its flowers? It’s true that blue is not only the colour of dreams and escape but also symbolises a return to calmness and serenity. Wishing you an excellent time in our company,

N

K

E t h n o b o t a n i c a l j o u r n a l e d i t e d b y t h e S o l a b i a G r o u p – N ° 4 2 – M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3

Editorial

The land of Man, A land of tradition

Inula helenium

- M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3 -

- M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e b lue Age ra tum o f th e Marquesas Is l ands L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e b lue Age ra tum o f th e Marquesas Is l ands

Blue ageratum – magic and superstition…

Ageratum is shrouded in mystery and magic as is often the case for plants possessing medicinal properties.

On the Ivory Coast, the flower is said to have magic properties against snake bites. In Eastern Nigeria, the strong aromatic odour of the plant supposedly soothes the mind of witches and combats black magic. In the Congo, leaf sap is applied to the hands of card players to bring them good luck. According to popular belief, if, during a trial, the sap isapplied to the accused and he/she is subsequently pricked with a needle and experiences no pain, then he/she is deemed to be innocent.

Hiva Oa and Fatu Iva in pictures …

Taaoa

Atuona

e told you in the last issue of Petit Botaniste® that the Marquesas Islands still

concealed many treasures … particularly the Islands of Hiva Oa and Fatu Iva, where we will stop off for a moment or two … I s l a nd s a t t he end o f t he wor l d The island of Hiva Oa (see map below) is the administrative capital of the Marquesas Islands.

It boasts several interesting archaeological centres and the largest archaeological site in Polynesia in particular, located in the Taaoa Valley. The largest Polynesian tiki, the “Takai’i“ tiki, measuring 2.40m high, is also found here. These ancestral sites clearly depict the Maori lifestyle. Hiva Oa was also the place where two celebrities, Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, chose to spend the last years of their life. They have both been laid to rest in the town of Atuona.

"Veux-tu que je te dise, gémir n’est pas de mise… Aux îles Marquises"

The Marquesas Islands – J. Brel

("Do you want me to tell you, there’s no moaning On the Marquesas Islands")

Fatu Iva is the most isolated of the Marquesas Islands but possibly also the most beautiful as it is the wildest of all. Only schooners come here to bring fresh supplies. Its very few inhabitants specialise in the preparation of Umuhei and in the production of tapas (Saffron of Oceania - Petit Botaniste No. 37), coconut sculpture and precious woods. Despite their distance, these two islands are linked by a common denominator, a "plant link" that you are invited to discover.

B lue Age r a tum, a p l an t t h a t i n sp i r e s con f i dence… A small herbaceous plant with a stem covered in hairs and leaves rough to the touch is found growing in abundance on both these islands. One glance at the multitude of violet blue flowers, similar to pompons, and you’ll soon forget the initial, less inviting encounter!

All the more so since the Marquesians, loyal followers of nature, have established how to extract the rather special attributes of this plant …

lue ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides), or Pùtara

(pronounced "poutara") in the traditional Marquesian language, has more than one asset hidden in its leaves! The Marquesians use the leaves in their morning cleansing routine to wash their faces, the presence of these "plant lashes" probably being associated in their minds with a purifying action. Slightly aggressive treatment would you say? Don’t be mistaken – as always Mother Nature thinks of everything! As the plant is passed over the face, it releases a sap possessing anti-inflammatory properties to ease any irritation and soothe the most delicate of skin. The Marquesians have therefore long since been able to trust the ageratum. It’s hardly surprising then that this plant symbolises confidence in the language of flowers…

An a roma t i c p l an t , an i n g r ed i en t o f Umuhe i Ageratum was also traditionally used to “wash” the most intimate parts of the body and beneath the armpits in particular. This was undoubtedly due to its anti-bacterial properties. However, pùtara was also used in Marquesian skin care because of its fragrance. Its aromatic properties are also put to good use in the preparation of Umuhei (The Kau Pe of the Marquesas Islands - Petit Botaniste No. 41) – an herbal fragrance worn by Marquesian women to arouse male sensuality. B lue a ge r a tum Wor ldw ide The ageratum is also highly prized in another part of the Pacific Ocean, further to the south, on the islands of Hawaii. The various parts of the plant are used in numerous applications in local herbal remedies: to disinfect wounds, to treat intestinal pain (decoctions) and to treat conjunctivitis and ophthalmia (leaf sap). The plant is even considered to be a depurative and analgesic when administered via the oral route. It is also used to prepare baths for patients presenting with scars and bruises, mainly after a fall. The powdered leaves combined with warm oil are applied to the skin to promote healing whilst the root decoction is an excellent herbal tea for reducing temperature and combating dysentery.

Many other pharmacopoeias use the virtues of Ageratum conyzoides, a plant that is widely grown in eastern South Africa and in some parts of Asia and South America. In Guyana, for instance, the Creoles used the wealth of leaf mucilage to produce small chews. The juice obtained soothes sore throat. A highly concentrated decoction of leaves soothes raging toothache whilst the aerial parts, prepared in an herbal tea, possess potent diuretic and anti-diarrhoeal properties. In Guatemala, the aerial parts of the “mejorana” are used to treat spots (in the bath) and whooping cough. These parts of the plant are also recommended in the treatment of conjunctivitis, wounds and pneumonia.

In South Africa, ageratum is used to treat mental disorders, infectious diseases, headaches, dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), fever and intestinal pains (enteralgia). Analgesic properties are also attributed to the plant.

In Madagascar, its name means “perfume of the water carriers” because its fragrance pervades all the paths around the villages. Its leaves and stems are used in fomentation (application of a hot topical treatment) to treat certain skin rashes and leprosy in particular. The leaves are used in the management of cirrhosis. The decoction made from the aerial parts of the plant soothes coughs. The root concoction combats fever and dysentery. Used in a cold lotion, it helps to treat ophthalmia.

WB

Making tapa Sculpting coconuts “Takai’i” tiki Hanavave Bays - Fatu Hiva

- M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3 -

- M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e b lue Age ra tum o f th e Marquesas Is l ands L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e b lue Age ra tum o f th e Marquesas Is l ands

Blue ageratum – magic and superstition…

Ageratum is shrouded in mystery and magic as is often the case for plants possessing medicinal properties.

On the Ivory Coast, the flower is said to have magic properties against snake bites. In Eastern Nigeria, the strong aromatic odour of the plant supposedly soothes the mind of witches and combats black magic. In the Congo, leaf sap is applied to the hands of card players to bring them good luck. According to popular belief, if, during a trial, the sap isapplied to the accused and he/she is subsequently pricked with a needle and experiences no pain, then he/she is deemed to be innocent.

Hiva Oa and Fatu Iva in pictures …

Taaoa

Atuona

e told you in the last issue of Petit Botaniste® that the Marquesas Islands still

concealed many treasures … particularly the Islands of Hiva Oa and Fatu Iva, where we will stop off for a moment or two … I s l a nd s a t t he end o f t he wor l d The island of Hiva Oa (see map below) is the administrative capital of the Marquesas Islands.

It boasts several interesting archaeological centres and the largest archaeological site in Polynesia in particular, located in the Taaoa Valley. The largest Polynesian tiki, the “Takai’i“ tiki, measuring 2.40m high, is also found here. These ancestral sites clearly depict the Maori lifestyle. Hiva Oa was also the place where two celebrities, Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, chose to spend the last years of their life. They have both been laid to rest in the town of Atuona.

"Veux-tu que je te dise, gémir n’est pas de mise… Aux îles Marquises"

The Marquesas Islands – J. Brel

("Do you want me to tell you, there’s no moaning On the Marquesas Islands")

Fatu Iva is the most isolated of the Marquesas Islands but possibly also the most beautiful as it is the wildest of all. Only schooners come here to bring fresh supplies. Its very few inhabitants specialise in the preparation of Umuhei and in the production of tapas (Saffron of Oceania - Petit Botaniste No. 37), coconut sculpture and precious woods. Despite their distance, these two islands are linked by a common denominator, a "plant link" that you are invited to discover.

B lue Age r a tum, a p l an t t h a t i n sp i r e s con f i dence… A small herbaceous plant with a stem covered in hairs and leaves rough to the touch is found growing in abundance on both these islands. One glance at the multitude of violet blue flowers, similar to pompons, and you’ll soon forget the initial, less inviting encounter!

All the more so since the Marquesians, loyal followers of nature, have established how to extract the rather special attributes of this plant …

lue ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides), or Pùtara

(pronounced "poutara") in the traditional Marquesian language, has more than one asset hidden in its leaves! The Marquesians use the leaves in their morning cleansing routine to wash their faces, the presence of these "plant lashes" probably being associated in their minds with a purifying action. Slightly aggressive treatment would you say? Don’t be mistaken – as always Mother Nature thinks of everything! As the plant is passed over the face, it releases a sap possessing anti-inflammatory properties to ease any irritation and soothe the most delicate of skin. The Marquesians have therefore long since been able to trust the ageratum. It’s hardly surprising then that this plant symbolises confidence in the language of flowers…

An a roma t i c p l an t , an i n g r ed i en t o f Umuhe i Ageratum was also traditionally used to “wash” the most intimate parts of the body and beneath the armpits in particular. This was undoubtedly due to its anti-bacterial properties. However, pùtara was also used in Marquesian skin care because of its fragrance. Its aromatic properties are also put to good use in the preparation of Umuhei (The Kau Pe of the Marquesas Islands - Petit Botaniste No. 41) – an herbal fragrance worn by Marquesian women to arouse male sensuality. B lue a ge r a tum Wor ldw ide The ageratum is also highly prized in another part of the Pacific Ocean, further to the south, on the islands of Hawaii. The various parts of the plant are used in numerous applications in local herbal remedies: to disinfect wounds, to treat intestinal pain (decoctions) and to treat conjunctivitis and ophthalmia (leaf sap). The plant is even considered to be a depurative and analgesic when administered via the oral route. It is also used to prepare baths for patients presenting with scars and bruises, mainly after a fall. The powdered leaves combined with warm oil are applied to the skin to promote healing whilst the root decoction is an excellent herbal tea for reducing temperature and combating dysentery.

Many other pharmacopoeias use the virtues of Ageratum conyzoides, a plant that is widely grown in eastern South Africa and in some parts of Asia and South America. In Guyana, for instance, the Creoles used the wealth of leaf mucilage to produce small chews. The juice obtained soothes sore throat. A highly concentrated decoction of leaves soothes raging toothache whilst the aerial parts, prepared in an herbal tea, possess potent diuretic and anti-diarrhoeal properties. In Guatemala, the aerial parts of the “mejorana” are used to treat spots (in the bath) and whooping cough. These parts of the plant are also recommended in the treatment of conjunctivitis, wounds and pneumonia.

In South Africa, ageratum is used to treat mental disorders, infectious diseases, headaches, dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), fever and intestinal pains (enteralgia). Analgesic properties are also attributed to the plant.

In Madagascar, its name means “perfume of the water carriers” because its fragrance pervades all the paths around the villages. Its leaves and stems are used in fomentation (application of a hot topical treatment) to treat certain skin rashes and leprosy in particular. The leaves are used in the management of cirrhosis. The decoction made from the aerial parts of the plant soothes coughs. The root concoction combats fever and dysentery. Used in a cold lotion, it helps to treat ophthalmia.

WB

Making tapa Sculpting coconuts “Takai’i” tiki Hanavave Bays - Fatu Hiva

Edited by CEP, Solabia Group, 29, rue Delizy, 93698 Pantin Cedex Tel.: (+33) 1 48 10 19 40 - Fax: (+33) 1 48 91 18 77 Publication Manager: Jean François Molina Editorial committee: Patricia Houy and Carine Lebeau Photo credits NC

- Reproduction prohibited - - M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e b lue Age ra tum o f th e Marquesas Is l ands

Nowadays, hyperurbanisation and the lack-lustre appearance of modernconstructions leave very little room for Mother Nature and her rainbow ofcolours which are both stimulating and soothing. However, for thousands of years, the American Indians, Egyptians and aborigines have known how to use the therapeutic effects of colours and today, chromatherapy as it is called, enables us to take good care of ourselves … Whether in the form of emitters of light rays, beauty salons with carefully chosen decorative colours or cosmetic creams, the shades of which are in total harmony with their beneficial properties, colour therapy is everywhere! But what can these colours do for us? What do they signify? In the strict sense of the word, chromatherapy is based on Chinese energy: each wavelength transmitted can trigger a reaction within the body. This reaction will stimulate or calm an energy – it’s a physiological process. Nowadays, however, chromatherapy also refers to the colours associated with symbols, sensations or perceptions – it’s a mental process that occurs in the individual mind. Blue – the symbol of peace and well being It is surprising to note that each civilisation and each religion has attributed similar virtues to blue. In the sacred language of the Egyptians, for instance, blue symbolised immortality whereas in Greece, the Chronos priests, those masters of time, were clothed in this colour. For the Romans, blue was one of the attributes of Jupiter and Junon – the god and goddess of the heavens. Blue is a dominating colour in Christian religion. The first christians chose blue to symbolise God the Father and it is nowadays also used for the Virgin Mary, who is very often portrayed dressed in blue. The colour of the sea and sky, blue is synonymous with escape and tranquillity. Pale blue represents the pathway to dreams. Darker shades of blue, which are in keeping with its natural tendencies, symbolise dreams. A positive symbol for many populations, overall, blue represents loyalty, wisdom, the imagination and intelligence. The image of passing time, purity, escape and relaxation, there could be no better colour than blue to portray the qualities of the ageratum!

S c i ence s e r v i ng Na tu r e

ow let’s take a closer look at the properties of this plant,

which was so widely used in traditional pharmacopoeias. The stems and leaves of the ageratum possess bactericidal (particularly against Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal activity, hence its use in the management of certain skin diseases. These properties have also been put to good use in a certain number of countries with poor economic resources where the plant was used as a pesticide (to combat insects and parasite nematodes). Ageratum also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and studies have confirmed its pain-relieving, analgesic effects following oral administration. Although it is difficult to attribute these curative elements to just one element of the plant, and since its diversity and complementary physico-chemical properties often provide the key to its activity, the blue ageratum is of particular interest for its essential oil and flavonoids. The essential oil, “Maire vaihi” in Polynesian, contains a wealth of terpenes, chromenes (conyzogorum) and coumarine derivatives that confer antibacterial properties. As regards flavonoids (flavones, kaempferol and quercetine), a study has shown that these substances are largely responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant. Blue ageratum also contains tannins and sterols. Let’s end with a short lesson on etymology: Conyzoides comes from “kónyz”, the Greek name for Inula helenium

because the two flowers look like each other. The origin of the term, Ageratum, is perhaps even more interesting. It comes from the Greek word “ageras”, which means anti-ageing, both flower and plant having a significant life-span. It’s hardly surprising then to learn that the ageratum may, no doubt, be useful in anti-ageing products – a firm favourite with cosmetologists….

nown as “Te henua Enana” or the Land of Man, the Marquesas Islands could

quite easily have been called the Land of Traditional Man since the lifestyle of its inhabitants is based almost exclusively on ancestral knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation, and which has survived even to this day. In fact, still wild and relatively removed from the modern world and its innovations, the Marquesas Islands are, first and foremost, a haven of tradition where Pacific rites are perpetuated. Modernism has not yet invaded this unspoilt landscape, which is home to steep mountains and lush vegetation. It should, however, be noted that, remembering one’s roots and flouting modernism in favour of ancestral skills does not, however, mean that the inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands are recluses who are hostile to any form of progress. About 4 hours from Tahiti by plane or several days by schooner, the Marquesas Islands are isolated.

Devoid of tourism due to the lack of hotels, the islands in fact have few

resources. Apart from the lime, which is considered by far the best in Polynesia, or the nono from which a juice possessing stimulating and toning properties is made in the USA, the Marquesians have very few resources to develop their economy. And yet… they are not lacking in plant resources! For all these reasons we wanted to continue the Petit Botaniste® assignments in these untamed islands. However, in order to accomplish this objective, we had to be able to count on the local support of a partner in order to devise solutions for on-going development. As you know, this is what encouraged us to forge links several months ago with the company, Pacifique Sud, which has just set up a base in the Marquesas Islands. After the nono, the leaves of which have been enhanced with regenerating properties and

the Kau Pe (pronounced "Kao Pé"), a flower with a sophisticated, bewitching scent, it’s the turn of the blue Ageratum to reveal its secrets. Before leaving you to discover the virtues of this plant for yourselves, the Petit Botaniste®, which, as you all know, likes to carry out relevant

research, looked up the term in the large dictionary of the

Language of Plants and Flowers. Believe it or not - the ageratum

symbolises confidence. Why? Perhaps because of the blue colour of its flowers? It’s true that blue is not only the colour of dreams and escape but also symbolises a return to calmness and serenity. Wishing you an excellent time in our company,

N

K

E t h n o b o t a n i c a l j o u r n a l e d i t e d b y t h e S o l a b i a G r o u p – N ° 4 2 – M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 3

Editorial

The land of Man, A land of tradition

Inula helenium