The noni or Indian mulberry is actually a member of the coffee family. This plant was brought to the islands during the early migrations and is an important plant in traditional Hawaiian medicines. Xeroxine is the alkaloid in noni that is thought to have medicinal effects.

Noni was used externally for kidney problems, skin infections, bruises, boils, sores, and wounds. One method of preparation invovled holding a leaf over fire or a heat source. When the leaf softened, it was placed on the body where needed. A mixture of unripe fruit pounded with salt was put on deep cuts and broken bones. Half-ripe fruit was put on boils to bring them to a head.

When taken internally, noni is believed to be helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, kidney problems, cancer, menstrual cramps, arthritis, gastric ulcers, and poor digestion. The following is a recipe for noni juice.

NONI JUICE

Clean and sanitize a glass jar. Fill with ripe noni fruit. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly and place outdoors where it will get lots of sun. You may leave it outside for 6 weeks to a year. Strain the liquid and keep refrigerated. Recommended intake is one tablespoon of noni juice three times a day. Treatments differ between various healers.

Please seek the guidance of your physician or traditional healing specialist before beginning treatment of any kind. Also, please remember that Hawaiian herbal remedies are always used in conjunction with spiritual cleansing and pule (prayer).