Noni - The Medicinal Fruit of Tahiti Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) is one of the most important medicinal herbs of the South Pacific where it has been used by indigenous people for centuries. I have been interested in Noni for many years since I was first introduced to the plant by a Japanese gardener on the Big Island of Hawai'i in 1997. He told me that Noni originally came from Tahiti and was carried to Hawai'i many centuries ago by the early Tahitians who carried live Noni plants on their long voyage. According to master herbalist Michael Tierra, O.M.D., the medicinal properties of Noni include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, alterative, tonic, digestive, antioxidant, antihypertensive and antiparasitic. On a more fundamental level, Noni is said to promote the production of xeronine, an essential component of our cellular membranes. Xeronine helps to maintain the integrity of the cellular structures and assists proteins in their work throughout the body. In a number of ways, xeronine helps each cell to function better. Unfortunately, xeronine is not stored in our bodies, and it needs to be replenished on a daily basis. It also decreases with age and is used up more rapidly by the body in times of stress and with exposure to toxins. Noni contains key nutrients that are necessary for the body to make xeronine and is believed to facilitate in its production. Because Noni has such a profound effect on a cellular level, it has been used to treat a wide range of disorders. Muscular / skeletal pain or tightness, inflammation, fatigue, bronchitis, sore throat, sinusitis, asthma, indigestion, intestinal inflammation, skin or gum lesions, bladder or kidney infections, hypertension, diabetes and depression are just a few of the conditions that reportedly respond well to Noni. In my own personal experience, I have found that Noni is great for painful joints. In addition, it elevates the mood and provides an energy boost without the nervousness which often accompanies stimulants such as caffeine. Also, it has a mild laxative effect. Perhaps the most remarkable benefits of Noni are when it is used externally. Noni is excellent for sore joints or muscles or skin lesions such as warts, fungus, rashes, acne, etc. Also, Noni can be used with excellent results on dry, itchy scalp or used as a gargle or mouth wash for lesions of the mouth and gums. Is Noni for everyone? Absolutely not. It is an important rule to keep in mind that every body is different and likewise, every body responds differently to foods and herbs which are ingested. In particular, Noni is warming and can create too much heat in the liver for people who have a tendency in that direction. In Ayurvedic terms, Noni is Vata pacifying and is good for older people or anyone suffering from conditions where cold or dampness plays a key role. Even if Noni is right for you, it is very important to begin slowly with a small dose and increase gradually over a two week period. Although Noni is non-toxic, it is nonetheless a powerful medicinal plant. And when taking Noni, it is especially important to stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of pure water between meals. A small percentage of people experience some unpleasant side effects when first taking the Noni. Common detox reactions are headache or diarrhea. This can be attributed to a cleansing reaction or simply the body getting adjusted to the introduction of a medicinal food. Or it could simply mean that Noni is not the right medicinal herb for you. If you experience any unpleasant reaction during the first two weeks, reduce the dosage and consult with your health care professional. I made an interesting discovery while visiting Kaua'i earlier this year. At that time, I had the pleasure to meet Steve Frailey, owner of Hawaiian Health Ohana. Steve has a Noni plantation and has developed a new way to produce Noni with 100% of the medicinal qualities in tact and at about 1/3 the cost of commercially bottled Noni juice. Noni Fruit Leather is 100% Noni fruit which has been dried below 115 degrees in order to preserve all the enzymes and precious medicinal properties. Noni Fruit Leather is dehydrated and concentrated skin, pulp and juice of the whole Noni fruit and comes in 2 oz. packages (2 to 4 weeks supply, depending on your daily dose). In my opinion, Noni Fruit Leather is more effective (and considerably less expensive) than commercially manufactured Noni juice. Also, it is completely self preserved and the shelf life is 2 years. For more information about Noni Fruit Leather, visit www.nonifruitleather.net Please note that I have no personal or business connection with Steve Frailey or his company. I just happen to think that Noni Fruit Leather is a much better value than commercially manufactured Noni juice. |
