Hidden within these tales and legends are the ancient healing secrets of the plants and herbs of Hawai'i. It is believed the altruistic destiny of healing plants and herbs are to give up their life essence to save others. Kahuna Lā au lapa'au, the barefoot doctors of Hawai'i, would roam the native forests seeking out potential healing plants and herbs by calling out the name of the inflicted and their inflictions. In response, specific healing plants made their presence known by quivering brilliantly in the sunlight, catching the eye of the astute healer. All herbalists and barefoot doctors agree, "you do not pick the plant the plant picks you!" In return, Kahuna Lā au lapa'au honored these herbs by orally composing legendary stories that not only preserved their healing capabilities but historical events in which they were the true heroes. These stories of healing plants and herbs is an attempt to acknowledge, perpetuate and preserve the ancient oral art of recording historical events and healing native traditions in written form.