The History of Noni
Ancient peoples of what is now known as French Polynesia, colonized islands throughout the South Pacific. As they made their voyages from island to island in the ocean-going canoes, they brought with them sacred plants from their home islands. These plants contained the basic foods, construction materials, and medicines used by the Polynesian colonizers. Perhaps the most important of these plants is known as Morinda Citrifolia. Ancient manuscripts handed down from generation to generation, describe many uses for this plant.
This plant is known among the people of the tropics world-wide. In Malaysia, it is know as Mengkudu. In Southeast Asia, it is known as Nhau. In the islands of the South Pacific the plant is known as Nonu. It is known as Nono in Raratonga and Tahiti and as Noni in the Marquesas Islands and Hawaii. Here it has become an integral part of the Polynesian culture. The fruit of the Morinda Citrifolia tree has been used as an important food source for centuries. Early Polynesians recognized its pure value and consumed it in times of famine.
During World War II, soldiers based on tropic Polynesian islands were taught by the native Polynesian people to eat the noni fruit to sustain their strength. The noni fruit became a staple food choice for people of Raratonga, Samoa, and Fiji who ate the noni fruit raw and cooked. Australian Aborigines were fond of the noni and consumed it raw with salt. Seeds, leaves, bark, and root were also consumed by people familiar with the qualities of this unusual plant. We believe that we have much to learn from the traditional use of the amazing plant. The wonderful thing about the Morinda Citrifolia plant is that every part is valued and used. |
