Noni is an evergreen tree that can grow in a variety of environments, including sandy or rocky shores and shady forests. It takes about a year and a half before the plant reaches maturity, and then it produces between eight and 17 pounds of fruit per month. The leaves are large and dark green in color, with deep veins. Flowers bloom throughout the year, and are small and clustered. The fruit is a yellow-white color as it ripens, with a lot of seeds, bitter taste, and pungent odor. Other common names for noni include beach mulberry, cheese fruit, Indian mulberry, and great morinda.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Native to Australia and Southeast Asia, and grown in tropical areas worldwide
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Hypotensive, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypotensive, febrifuge, antispasmodic, antidepressant, sedative. Treats PMS, vaginal discharge after childbirth, sore muscles, arthritis, infection, sores, burns, wounds, migraine, constipation, cancer, cataracts, smallpox, spleen conditions, colic, asthma, gastric ulcers, cough, liver disease, cataracts, AIDS, sprains, poor digestion, circulation problems, atherosclerosis, nausea, difficult childbirth, memory loss, drug addiction.
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
The fruit can be eaten, or it can be turned into
a powder or juice. Medicinal remedies can be created from most parts of the plant, including the roots, bark, stems, flowers, leaves, and fruit. Most often, people use Noni extract that is taken orally. The bark has historically been used to aid childbirth. The leaves are often used as a poultice to relieve arthritic pain and swelling. When used as a juice or tea, it is usually combined with other ingredients to improve the taste. Two ounces of juice is recommended per day. For all conditions, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried noni leaf. Strain before drinking. Consume up to four cups per day.
