Radio Botanical is at it again!
Join Miranda and Lucas as they explore the history, geography, traditional knowledge, current medical research on medicinal plants from around the world AND discuss how you can harness the power of plant medicines in your own life. This time we’re standing in awe of the wonderous (and STRONG SMELLING) Polynesian marvel – the Noni Fruit.
Aerial View of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. 1946.
Just think, Hawaii wasn’t even a state yet.
The Noni fruit may have originated in Southern Asia, but when Polynesian navigators brought it to Hawaii about 2000 years ago, they adopted it as both a medicine and a complex cultural icon.
Today we are discussing Morinda Citrifolia, or Noni, a plant in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). It’s also known as Beach Mulberry, Vomit Fruit, and Cheese Fruit. Is it a mulberry? Is it a cheese? Will it make you sick?
Well, if you disguise the taste in a quality botanical formula or learn to love the juice (ask your local Hawaiian kupunawahine or grandmother to tell you how to make this happen), you may find yourself healthier than you’ve ever been.
Tune in to find out:
- What is a “canoe plant” and why was Noni perfect for the job?
- How is Noni traditionally used by indigenous Hawaiians?
- How could Noni compounds possibly be an antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-tumor, analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic all at the same time?
- What does “Kahuna” really mean & what does it have to do with noni fruit?
- Why is Noni grown at Hindu temples in India?
- Is “iridoid” is just another word for “annoying” and if not, WHAT IS IT?
Plus, find out what we know about Noni fruit’s (Morinda citrifolia) benefits from the latest and greatest scientific research studies!
Warning, we sing. Briefly. We apologize.
Hawaiians with Outriggers on Beach c. 1922.
Ingenious technology that helped the Polynesians become the most brilliant navigators of all time.
Listen to Episode 4!
so how can you harness the benefits of Noni?
Noni is a key ingredient in both Paracleanse and B-Cleanse, two of the most important botanical formulas in our Gut Wellness Program. If you are dealing with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and want to follow our Gut Wellness Program under the supervision of your practitioner, no worries! Our program handbook will be published on our site within the next 2-3 weeks. You (or your practitioner) can purchase Paracleanse here and B-Cleanse here.
I also recommended Dentalcidin broad spectrum botanical toothpaste – which contains Noni as one of the primary ingredients. It “can assist in removing biofilms and plaque, and is an excellent way to promote and maintain healthy teeth and gums.” It also contains other powerful antimicrobials and analgesics such as Bilberry extract, Milk Thistle, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Shiitake, White Willow, Garlic, Grapeseed extract, Black Walnut Raspberry, Gentian, Tea Tree oil, Galbanum oil, Lavender oil, and Oregano oil. I use it every day obsessively! You can buy Dentalcidin here.
Remember, when you purchase through our affiliate links, you are supporting the educational mission of the Global Wellness Lab (and taking advantage of years of our personal experience with specific formulas and nutraceutical companies).
Chain of Craters Road, Volcano, Hawaii County, HI. 1998.
Can’t see any Noni growing here in this new lava field, but as we discussed, it could if it wanted to!
Check out some examples of noni growing out of lava cracks via the University of Hawaii. ⇒
Learn more about the Polynesian Navigation techniques we discussed!
Miranda’s science-y resources:
Ali M, et al. Health Benefits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review. Phcogj. 2016;8(4):321-334. doi:10.5530/pj.2016.4.4
Almeida ÉS, et al. Properties and Applications of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2019;18(4):883-909. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12456
Barreto RSS, et al. A Systematic Review of the Wound-Healing Effects of Monoterpenes and Iridoid Derivatives. Molecules. 2014;19(1):846-862. doi:10.3390/molecules19010846
Chiang L-C, et al. Immunomodulatory Activities of Flavonoids, Monoterpenoids, Triterpenoids, Iridoid Glycosides and Phenolic Compounds of Plantago Species. Planta medica. 2003;69:600-604. doi:10.1055/s-2003-41113
Coutinho de Sousa B, et al. Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Juice Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines Expression and Contributes to the Maintenance of Intestinal Mucosal Integrity in DSS Experimental Colitis. Mediators of Inflammation. 2017;2017:1-10. doi:10.1155/2017/6567432
Dixon AR, et al. Ferment This: The Transformation of Noni, a Traditional Polynesian Medicine (Morinda citrifolia, Rubiaceae). Economic Botany. 1999;53(1):51-68.
Selvam P, et al. Antimicrobial Activity of Fruit Extracts of Morinda citrifolia. :4.
West B, et al. The Potential Health Benefits of Noni Juice: A Review of Human Intervention Studies. Foods. 2018;7(4):58. doi:10.3390/foods7040058
京子石黒, et al. Studies on Iridoid-Related Compounds. IV. : Antitumor Activity of Iridoid Aglycones. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1986;34(6):2375-2379. doi:10.1248/cpb.34.2375
