The Hawaiian Noni plant, Morinda citrifolia, is of the family Rubiaceae and class of Magnoliopsida. It originates from Southeast Asia, possibly from India where it is still a very prolific plant. In fact, one of the other names for Hawaiian Noni is the Indian Mulberry. It is now grown in many parts of the world including in much of Polynesia and other tropical and subtropical countries. The Hawaiian Noni is a tree that can reach 9 meters in height. It grows in virtually all climates and soil types. However, the best yields of fruit are obtained when the plant is in a cool and shaded place.
The Hawaiian Noni has large leaves which are widely used as a traditional medicine component across most of Southeast Asia and Polynesia. The dark green and bright leaves of the Hawaiian Noni are known to the tribal societies of these regions as potent cure for many little ailments of daily life. They have been using the Hawaiian Noni for thousands of years with very good results.
The flower of the Hawaiian Noni plant is white and very small. The fruit however grows to be quite larger. It has an irregular shape and contains numerous seeds. Its color is green when unripe and yellow when ripe. The Hawaiian Noni seeds contain oil which is also used in traditional medicine. The ripe fruit has a pungent smell and taste which make it very unpalatable. It is however known to be consumed raw or in vegetables by local populations.
Hawaiian Noni has numerous applications in the modern age. It is used in the manufacture of talcum powder, soap and body lotions. However, it has recently come into the limelight for its numerous purported health benefits. The Hawaiian Noni juice has therefore become very popular as a supplement.
The constituents of the Hawaiian Noni juice include numerous vitamins and minerals. Several other chemicals exist and which have moderate impacts on the health of human beings. Some of these constituents are:
~ Hexanol—an antiseptic.
~ Acetic acid—a known bactericide and fungicide.
~ Asperuloside—an anti-inflammatory agent and laxative.
~ Anthraquinones—which have important purgative properties and help the body to eliminate toxins.
Hawaiian Noni juice is known to stimulate digestion and increase bowel movement. The effect of Hawaiian Noni juice is in stimulating peristalsis of the colon.
In addition, the Hawaiian Noni contains numerous nutrients that are beneficial to human health. Hawaiian Noni is a rich source of potassium-comparable to orange juice or tomato juice. It also contains many vitamins including a high proportion of Vitamin C.
Besides the juice form, Hawaiian Noni fruit can be eaten raw with salt (if one can bear the smell). Hawaiian Noni fruit is also cooked as curry by many of the tribal populations of Southeast Asia, Polynesia and Australia. The seeds of the Hawaiian Noni fruit can be roasted and eaten. The young leaves of the Hawaiian Noni, which are quite rich in protein, are also sometimes eaten as vegetable. Hawaiian Noni is also used as feed for livestock.