As in the case of Tea and China, in the legends of Polynesia a story is found that men involved in medicine were hunting for plants that would have properties of relieving or curing diseases and keeping the best health. One of them, called Morinda Citrifolia, was found among these plants.

   Polinesian Noni fruit, known botanically as Morinda Citrifolia, is a native of the lush and unspoiled islands of French Polynesia, islands colonized throughout the South Pacific. Ancient manuscripts handed down from generation to generation, show many uses for this plant. For over 20 centuries, the island people have used Noni to promote their health and to treat a wide variety of health conditions.

   It has become and integral part of the Polynesian culture. An important source of food, the noni fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree has been used for centuries as a food source. Early Polynesians recognized its pure value and consumed it in times of famine. It became so popular among Polynesians that they've decided to introduce the noni plant to Hawaii. Since then it can be found in many tropical parts of the world but it seems that the best place for Noni to grow are French Polynesian Islands on Pacific Ocean.

   During World War II, soldiers stationed in the South Pacific ate the fruit for added sustenance. Noni fruit helped them to sustain their strength. Over the past few years, juice from the noni plant has become available in health food stores around the world. Noni capsules, powders, and supplements are also sold.

   Noni fruit from the Morinda Citrifolia tree is a true nutraceutical food, with a colorful history. Thanks to its nutritive and curative properties Noni is quickly becoming one of the most powerful nutritional drinks known.

   In order to protect Noni fruit’s nutrients, it must be harvested in a very specific way. “Noni’s nutritional value is best when picked ripe, which results in the highest level of polysaccharides, fatty acids, and proteins-compounds possibly responsible for the therapeutic biological activity of the fruit,” writes Dr. Harvey Kaltsas, President Emeritus of the Florida State Oriental Medical Association and the American Association of Oriental Medicine.

   The processing of Noni fruit can be done through various types of methods, each of which have their pros and cons. Few of them worth mentioning are:

• Juice Only method
• Puree method
• Tablets and Capsules method
• Powdered Juice method

The Juice Only Method is the purest form of Noni Juice because it is picked while the product is ripe, bordering on rotten. However, when the Noni fruit juice is 100% pure it can be difficult to palate because of noni’s inherit strong taste.

The Puree Method is good too, but while being under scientific investigation, too many extra agents that are added may weaken the nutrient potency of the juice.

Tablets and Capsules Method are like dried fruit. In this method the natural taste of the Noni fruit is covered and therefore, the efficacy is unknown.

In the Powdered Juice Method, like in the Capsules and Tablets Method, the Noni fruit is picked when reached maturity. The fruit is dehydrated and ground.  While the drying process covers the natural taste the juice will still have a nice flavor. However, the drying and dehydrating process masks some nutritional value.

   The traditional Polynesians pick the noni fruit before is it fully ripe and placed it in a jar in the direct sunlight. When fully ripe, the noni fruit is mashed into a puree and the juice is extracted through a cloth. The juice is now ready for use.

   Polinesian Noni is an amazing plant. It reaches heights of 15-20 feet and yields fruit year-round. The blossoms of the tree are a creamy white color. The mature noni fruit is about the size of a potato and resembles a small breadfruit. When ripe the noni fruit turns yellow and white. The aroma of its fruit is truly awesome, somewhat like bleu cheese.

   Some say “disgusting” or “horrid” or “stinks bad” or worse. And, it doesn’t taste good either! Yet, it is well-known to be one of the main healers among the traditional Hawai`s medicinal plants. It is said that this plant food is to be used when we are feeling really ill or really old.

   The juices can be diluted with clean water or a fruit juice such as apple, and drunk before meals and at resting periods (when the body is under the least amount of stress). Treatment should always be at a relaxed time, not before going to work. It is good to seek the advice of a Hawai`s health practitioner before using any plant medicines.