Limu

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In Hawaiian mythology, Limu is a god of the dead.

Limu is also the Hawaiian word for algae. Limu played an important part in the ancient Hawaiian diet. It was used to add flavor to an otherwise particularly bland diet of kalo (taro), 'uala (sweet potato), and 'ulu (breadfruit). Limu, together with sea salt and mashed kukui nuts were the ingredients of 'inamona, a seasoning mixture much enjoyed by early Hawaiians. 'Inamona was used to season many dishes. It was the responsibility of women to gather limu in the tidepools while men would gather those kinds of limu that grew in areas of rough surf in the outer reefs. Limu is still enjoyed by Modern Hawaiians but has become increasingly difficult to find because of over-picking, pollution, and construction in watersheds. Many important kinds of limu grow best in brackish water where fresh water empties into the ocean. Another threat to native Limu in Hawaii is the increasing spread of marine alien invasive species.

Limu, which is rich in calcium and magnesium, is marketed as a nutritional supplement with alleged health benefits. It has been used traditionally in Hawaii as a food additive and condiment.

[edit] Information sources

This information is cultural and common knowledge among those of Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian ancestry.
An excellent source of literature on Hawaiian plants and Hawaiian culture is Lā'au Hawai'i-Traditional Hawaiian uses of plants by Isabella Aiona Abbott.
Other suggested reading: Plants in Hawaiian Culture by Beatrice H. Krauss.
Beware of those swindlers peddling limu like snake-oil. These people are charlatans who take advantage of sick people by claiming limu has miraculous properties, none of which can be proven. Its the same as if I were to travel to Siberia and market Mexican salsa as a cure for athlete's foot, halitosis, and stomach cancer.