What is Noni?
The noni fruit plant grows in tropical regions, an evergreen tree that tops out at about 10 feet and is seen in the Pacific Islands, Tahiti and other tropical climes, from Asia and Australia to Caribbean nations. The scientific name is Morinda citrifolia.
The fruit produced by the noni is potato-sized greenish at first and ripens into a yellow or whitish color. Over the years, noni fruit has gained nearly mythical acclaim for the effect the juice has treating and staving off all sorts of diseases. From cancer and heart disease to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, noni fruit believers are certain the fruit from the plant is virtually a miraculous medical agent.
The plant was introduced to the South Pacific and Hawaii by Polynesians. Noni Fruit was noted in writings left behind by explorer Captain James Cook, who noticed its popularity during his travels. During World War II, noni fruit was introduced to soldiers stationed in Hawaii.
Virtually every part of the fruit and plant are used, from the leaves that become a wrapping for wounds to the bark, which is used to treat infections or inflammation. The juice is believed to cure virtually everything that ails you. The leaves are used to make a tea to heal mouth sores or to remedy muscle or joint pain.
Perhaps the best-known claim related to the noni fruit is that it can treat cancer,
and while the Cancer Society has said some promising results have been noted in trial studies with animals, there is no solid link to humans and ads declaring noni juice as a cancer cure have been ordered removed by the Federal Drug Administration.
That hasn’t affected use of the noni as one of the most popular herbal healers, with noni described as a stress reliever and important as a supplement in everyday diets.
There are many scientists and medical experts who agree the plant has medicinal value, though. The fruit contains antioxidants and can therefore provide some protection against diseases like colds and flu. The noni fruit has a great deal of potassium, which is beneficial for the system, particularly as it relates to degenerative conditions.
Noni fruit is quite resilient, as it can grow in many different types of soils and weather conditions. The noni can grow in forests with little direct sunlight, on sandy shores and even withstand extended periods of drought. The plant matures in about 18 months and produces about 10 to 20 pounds of fruit every month, all year round. The plant can be reproduced either from its seeds or from cuttings from the plant. Stem cuttings can take hold in soil in less than two months, while the germination process takes up to a year.
|
