Morinda Citrifolia, a deciduous creeping vine with twining stems and white flowers is native to Malaysia, Australia, and Polynesia. It is gaining popularity in the west due to it's apparently wide ranging health benefits. Part of the Madder family, Morinda's thick and intertwined purple roots are harvested in the spring and fall for use in herbal medicine and in making the increasingly popular noni juice.
The Polynesian culture has long used Morinda to treat a wide variety of health problems ranging from respiratory problems, poor digestion, and high blood pressure to menstrual problems and immune deficiency. Rich in vitamin C, noni juice also contains amino acids, as well as naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, beneficial alkaloids, co-factors and plant sterols.
Health benefits of noni juice:
Depression - Morinda contains antidepressant compounds in the form of two sugars, inulin and nystose, as well as succinic acid, a compound which is created from simple sugars. It also contains xeronine, which brings about a feeling of well-being by opening brain receptor sites to receive more endorphin hormone.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - There is a promising evidence that Morinda helps reduce inflammatory conditions while strengthening bones and ligaments. Those people with rheumatoid arthritis reported relief from pain and swelling as well as an increase in mobility.
Menstrual Problems - Traditional Chinese medicine has prescribed Morinda for centuries to treat irregular menstrual cycles in women, especially if accompanied by pain in the lower back or pelvic area.
Other Benefits - The studies show that noni stimulates the immune system, regulating cell function and cellular regeneration of damaged cells. Noni is also been shown to increase stamina and endurance and is thought to be beneficial in treating impotence and infertility.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
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