A WONDER DRUG WITH MANY REMEDIES
Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) or Indian mulberry is an important medicinal plant used in India and worldwide. It is a small evergreen tree or shrub 3 to 10 m in height which grows in wide variety of habitats like shady forests as well as on sandy shores or open rocky plains. Noni is being cultivated for more than 1000 years in countries like Polynesian where it is used as a coloring agent, medicine and food. The fruit which has a pungent odour when ripening, is known as cheese fruit or vomit fruit which is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and various amino acids. Noni fruit powder is high in carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Noni juice is most popular for its nutraceuticals and high therapeutic values around the globe. Noni juice has been recently established in European Union as a novel food. It has been reported that Noni has a wide range of therapeutic uses in ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, burns, headache, wounds, and skin infections.
Noni, which is also called as Great morinda, Beach mulberry, Tahitian noni has been used in many countries for its potent antioxidant activity and proven health benefits. Traditionally, it is used as a therapeutic remedy for various diseases as an antihelminthic, analgesic, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant. Hawaiians and Tahitians use this as medicines for the treatment of ailments like cough, cold, pain and liver diseases, hypertension, blood pressure, tuberculosis, malaria, intestinal worms, diabetes, loss of appetite, hernias, urinary tract infection, menstrual disorder, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis etc. Seeds and its oil applied topically on the scalp as insecticide and used for the treatment of arthritis. In insect stings, flowers can be applied. In Hawaii, Noni has been reported for topical use in conditions such as swellings, sprains, bruises and wounds. Lowering of glucose levels under fasting and postprandial conditions were reported when type-2 diabetes patients habitually consumed Noni juice. The benefits of noni juice may be related to lowering blood sugar levels.
Noni nicknamed as “The Tree for Headaches” or “The Painkiller Tree” for its Analgesic properties effectively reduces arthritic and other joint pains. Noni acts as an Immune system booster, strengthening the immune system and is found to be good as antibacterial agents. Noni also acts as Antidepressant drug and is given as a sedative. Noni is useful on skin and scalp conditions, such as ringworm and eczema; also rubbed on scalp for lustrous hair; and keeps the skin young. Just rub Noni juice on affected skin/scalp, leave on for 15 minutes, rinse off. Ingestion of juice may help our nails to grow stronger. Noni acts as Anti-tumor/anti- cancer reducing the tumour growth and helps the body to fight against the replication of cancerous cells. This wonder drug acts in controlling hypertension and cholesterol. Noni is high in phytonutrients, selenium, and vitamin C, which fight with free radical. It boosts memory, sustain our brain to stay healthier, and prevent plaque to build up in the arteries feeding the brain, keeping it properly oxygenated. Noni is a high soluble fiber, which helps to strain on our intestines and softens stool. Noni is also rich in vitamins and minerals which are necessary for keeping our intestines healthy. So, growing this wonder drug in your premises can yield you a healthy body & soul.