Noni Overview Information

noni: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD: "

Noni is a small evergreen tree in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India that often grows among lava flows. Historically, noni was used to make a red or yellow dye for clothing. It was also used as medicine, usually applied to the skin.

Today, noni fruit, leaves, flowers, stems, bark, and roots are still used to make medicine for a long list of ailments. However, the effectiveness of noni for these uses has not been proven. A study of noni freeze-dried fruit extract is underway at The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, but the results are not yet in. In the meantime, the FDA has issued multiple warnings to noni manufacturers about health claims that aren’t backed up by fact.

People take noni by mouth for colic, convulsions, cough, diabetes, painful urination, stimulating menstrual flow, fever, liver disease, constipation, vaginal discharge during pregnancy, malarial fever, and nausea. It is also used for smallpox, enlarged spleen, swelling, asthma, arthritis and other bone and joint problems, cancer, cataracts, colds, depression, digestive problems, and gastric ulcers. Other uses include high blood pressure, infections, kidney disorders, migraine headache, premenstrual syndrome, stroke, pain, and sedation.

The fruit juice is used for arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle aches and pains, menstrual difficulties, headaches, heart disease, AIDS, cancers, gastric ulcers, sprains, depression, senility, poor digestion, atherosclerosis, circulation problems, and drug addiction.

The leaves have been used in medicines for rheumatic aches and swelling of the joints, stomachache, dysentery, and swelling caused by a parasitic infection called filariasis. The bark has been used in a preparation to aid childbirth.

Noni is sometimes applied to the skin. It is used as a moisturizer and to reduce signs of aging. The leaves are used for arthritis by wrapping around the affected joint; for headache by applying to the forehead; and for burns, sores, and wounds by direct application. A mixture of leaves and fruit is applied to pockets of infection (abscesses), and preparations of the root are used on stonefish and sting-ray wounds, and as a smallpox salve.

In foods, the fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and bark are eaten.

The smell and taste of some Noni fruit and juice are unpleasant.

How does it work?

Noni contains many substances, including potassium. Some of these substances might help repair damaged cells in the body, activate the immune system, and have other activities.

Learn more:

• Noni uses
• Noni Side Effects
• Noni Interactions
• Noni Dosing

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Banaba As Herbal Medicine

Banaba Herbal Medicine - Health Benefits

Scientific Names:
Lagerstroemia speciosa L
Munchausia speciosa Linn.
Lagestroemia reginae Roxb

Banaba is also knows as:

Agaro, Mitla, Bugarom, Nabulong, Pamalauagon, Duguam, Pamarauagon, Kauilan, Parasabukung, Makablos, Tabangau, Tauagnau

Banaba is a flowering plant that grows in warm climate like the Philippines, India and others. Banaba is widely used in the Philippines and as herbal medicine for diabetes. While in India, Banaba is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The Banaba leaves and flowers contain corrosolic acid, a substance being studied for its insulin like effect of lowering the glucose in the body. Banaba is also being studied as a weight-loss supplement for its ability to delay or reduce the absorption of carbohydraes. Banaba is also rich in vitamins and minerals including zinc and magnesium. Banaba is also rich in dietary fibers.

Folkloric uses of Banaba herbal medicine include the treatment for diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of kidneys, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions

Banaba is a tropical flowering tree that grow up to 10 meters high. Banaba has large green oblong leaves that is about 3 inches in width and 7 inches in length. The flowers or Banaba are racemes and colored pink to lavender. Banaba bears nut-like fruits that are arranged in large clumps.

Banaba, Herbal Medicine For Diabetes

Banaba is used as herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes not only in India but also in the Philippines.

Studies have shown that Banaba contains corosolic acid that acts like insulin by lowering the blood sugar in the body. Corosolic acid is a triterpenoid glycoside that improves the cellular uptake of glucose (Murakami C, et al 1993, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin),

Learn How To Use Banaba Herb For Diabetes

Banaba Herbal Tea For Weight Loss Management
Banaba herbal tea is also used for sustained weight-loss management. The corosolic acid in Banaba leaves and flowers acts by delaying and reducing the absorption of carbohydrates by the body. Continued drinking of banaba tea causes weight loss without any side effects.

In a group study that has been conducted for Glucosol™-a US patent drug containing corosolic acid. There was a reduction of weight for diabetic subjects. Similar study was done for non-diabetics and it was found that corosolic acid does not alter either the absorption or clearance of blood sugar in non-diabetic subjects, while retaining its weight-loss effect (Corosolic acid formulation and its application for weight-loss management and blood sugar balance. US Patent Issued on August 31, 2004 ).

Learn How To Use Banaba Herb For Weight Loss

Other Banaba Health Benefits
Banaba is also used for other folkloric herbal medicine for the treatment of the following:

• blood pressure control ,
• kidney disorders,
• urinary dysfunctions (helps ease urination) ,
• controls the cholesterol levels,
• treatment of diarrhea,
• facilitates bowel movement
• treatment of fevers and others.

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Plants That Promote Hair Growth

7 Plants That Promote Hair Growth ... → Hair:

1. ALOE VERA

Widely known for its amazing ability to aid hair growth, treat dandruff and keep scalp properly moisturized and balanced, Aloe Vera is one of those versatile plants you can use just anyhow you want without having to worry about any side effects! Add Aloe Vera gel to your shampoo to create a cleansing solution, mix it with your favorite essential oils for a nurturing hair mask or combine one quarter of a cup of almond oil with one half of a cup Aloe Vera for a non-greasy, non toxic gel!

2. FENUGREEK

Also known as Greek Hay or Methi, this herb is widely used in many natural hair growth treatments. It is said to do wonders for thinning hair, bald spots as well as hair quality in general which means that you can use it to prevent or treat an existing condition. Boil Fenugreek seed powder and use this liquid as a restorative rinse to thicken your thinning tresses and cure dandruff or mix this powder with coconut milk or your favorite essential oils to use as a scalp mask.

3. ROSEMARY

This great-smelling herb can really slow down premature hair loss and help you have thick, long hair of your dreams! It stimulates roots, soothes an irritated scalp, will condition and moisturize your hair root to end and can even slightly darken your graying hair! Pretty neat, huh? Well, then it’s time to determine whether or not you can use Rosemary (and I have to point that out because not all people react well to it) and give this natural hair growth treatment a shot!

4. REISHI MUSHROOM

Also known as Ganoderma lucidum, this Chinese mushroom is yet another ancient hair growth treatment I’d like to bring to your attention. It’s usually mixed with other herbs and used as a restorative tonic that helps slow down premature hair loss although ancient Chinese medicine acknowledges its other benefits as well! Reishi Mushroom is actually very rich in antioxidants and, as such, is a real rejuvenating treat!

5. GINKO BILOBA

Speaking about anti-oxidant rich herbs… Have you heard of Ginko Biloba before? Well, apart from being one of the most praised anti-aging herbs, Ginko can be used as a natural hair growth treatment too! It increases blood flow into the scalp, helping your tissues get all the oxygen they need to function properly thus speeding up your metabolism and boosting your immunity and hair growth! Awesome! There is one catch, though! Ginko can thin you blood which means you must consult your doctor before you decide to use it.

6.
SAFFLOWER

Looking for an interesting new oil to use for your hair growth treatments? How about Safflower oil? It’s probably not as widely known as other essential oils such as rosemary or castor oil but it’s just as beneficial and crucial for healthy, long, thick hair! This amazing oil should be used for scalp massages as it helps widen the blood vessels, ensuring increased blood flow into the scalp.

7. CATNIP

I’ve already mentioned this fabulous plant – haven’t I? Well, let’s talk about it some more! Now, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but as it turns out, fast growing hair is not the only thing you’ll get if you decide to use this herb in your hair care routine! Yup, I’m talking I’m about healthy, shiny hair that doesn’t split as easily as it once did as well as thick, luscious tresses you could only dream about before! Isn’t that amazing? Well, all you have to do is soak one teaspoon of dried Catnip into one cup of hot water, let it cool down, strain and use this tea as a natural mask you’ll leave in your hair anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours!

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Amazing Noni "Apatot" Plant

Noni Plant (Apatot in Tagalog) is a plant what we call in the Phillipines for Nonu, Nono, or Noni which has become popular for years ago in treating ailments and disorders in the body. People in our place who’ve been using it called it as a “miracle plant” as they testified that they have been cured from their illness.

Back in year 2000, one of our staff from vacation in Leyte told me that her mother, who suffered from acute arthritis which she could hardly walk has been cured by the treatment of Noni or Apatot juice. He said Noni juice is very popular in their town because many were cured from any ailments even without a doctor medication or buying medicines from the drugstores.

On that time here in our place, South Cotabato, Apatot also became popular. In fact, it was sold and grabbed by many in the market -- from roots to barks, twigs, leaves and fruits. The barks were sold in pack and used as a tea by boiling it with water. The matured fruits were sold at P150.00 – P200.00 per kilo and even the young ones were sold out at a lower price. As most people using it, matured fruits are ripened and smashed into a puree and the juice is extracted through a cloth. The young ones are boiled and also taken as a tea. The twigs were sold at P10.00 for making use of it anyhow. But mine, as I am a user of natural medicines,  I tried planting it, praying it would grow someday.  The twigs grew up and became a big tree. By year 2002, I started picking up the ripe fruits fallen on the ground day to day. I used to wash it clean and stock in a glass pitcher then refrigerate. When it produces juice I take a spoonful from it during bedtime. I tested it for myself observing how it affects my body glands. There is a frequent urinating, feeling of warmth and excessive perspiration. The first month I took it regularly, pimples and acne appeared and spread over my face and then gone. The pain I was suffering in my leg also gone.  As I intake it continuously increasing 2 tablespoons a day (1 tablespoon in the morning and one at bedtime), my menstrual disorder was relieved to normal and there was no more dysmenorrhea.  What was surprising is that my sexual deficiency since I got married was aided as if there was always a feeling of excitement in sex. How amusing to realized that I exactly enjoyed sex at the age of 42? (LOL!).. I never have told this to anyone even to my husband until I am confident that it really cures illness and safe to use. Yes, I firmly believe in the effectiveness of pure Apatot juice- the how it affects the glands of the body, giving them what they need to promote health. It’s really an incredible immune system builder.. and has strong anti-toxin properties, too!

My husband would not believe it! He hates the smell of ripe Apatot fruit and he even warned me not to store it in the refrigerator. But when he suffered from painful rheumatism that his physician could hardly aid it, he secretly tried for a spoonful of the pure juice each day. I laughed at him when I caught him on the act because he swore not to try it when he confronted me before. His illness completely cured by just taking a spoonful of pure juice during bedtime and morning. We both became a regular user of Apatot juice. I also use to add it to juice drinks for my children.

Clinics, hospitals and drugstores at that time lack patients and customers because people were only relying on the effectiveness of the Apatot. This maybe the reason why Apatot or Noni was banned claiming that it is dangerous to health and that will possibly cause to death. I don’t believe it! I think they’re just making bad stories against it because as far as I know, according to the history, Apatot has been used as a food source of Polynesians and became a staple food choice in times of famine to sustain strength. So whatever people say or how they banned Apatot, we remain using it until now. I think more than ten years of using it is enough to prove that it is safe to use."

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The Health Benefits of Calabash Tree and How I Make Juices Out of Its Fruit

Calabash is an ornamental tree that produces a large, hard, green skinned fruit. Flowers bloom at night and in its native range are pollinated by bats. Fruits maybe take about six months to ripen.

There maybe no medical proof that the juice of the Calabash fruit has any healing properties but a lot of people I've asked and they testified that they have been cured just by drinking the pulp. That is why I wanted to have also a tree grown in my garden for our use. I heard from people around our community who have been using it saying that the pulp of the fruit has medicinal properties, that can be a remedy for respiratory problems such as asthma and cough and even the leaf can be used in tea also to treat colds, diarrhea, dysentery and headaches.

The leaves also are used to reduce blood pressure and the decoction of the tree bark is used to clean wounds and also to treat hematomas and tumors. The fruit of the Calabash Tree when roasted is also a good treatment for menstrual cramps or to induced childbirth, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women.

How To Make Calabash Juice

According to many, they used to choose a fruit which has a pleasant but not strong smell for juice making, Since the skin of the fruit is very hard, you need to use a hacksaw blade to open it. Scrape out all the inside material, chop it into small pieces and then squeeze it. Bring it to boil for 30 minutes. When done, let it cool then drain through a cloth. Put the juice into bottles and refrigerate it, then simply drink it and heal!

The simplest way..

The first time I tried calabash juice is when I got sick due to over fatigue and stress. My friend neighbor next door offered me some glasses of  her calabash juice.  I was reluctant to intake at first because I don't like its color (heavy black) but then when tasted, it was so sweet like a "tiki-tiki vitamin" for me.  It really relieved me so the following day I asked one big fruit from my neighbor's harvest and she gave me the one that has a crack. I did just put it down inside the refrigerator for awhile because I was busy that day in store. Later, I noticed and wondered how come that many black ants are getting inside our refrigerator though it is very cold. I found out that the calabash juice is draining out through the crack shell and the ants are sucking the calabash juice. I transferred the fruit reversing on a big ceramic bowl keeping it untouched the ground of the bowl so it can easily accumulate juices. I tried a little of the juice and tasted it better and much sweeter than that which was offered to me. Now I know, and I believe that producing the juice out of a fruit naturally gets more health benefits and more effective than doing it through a boiling process. That's it how you could make it the easy way and more beneficial! You just crack the fruit shell a little (not open), let it drain in the refrigerator and just wait for the juices to accumulate and transfer it little by little into a glass jar.  Do not use any plastic bottles/jars to avoid possible contamination of the juice. And of course, you must keep the juices refrigerated.

I am assured by myself and many people that once you drink the Calabash Juice your health will improve and any illness that you have will leave your body for ever! The taste of the juice is not unpleasant. It's just a bit like a flat root beer or like a "tiki-tki".  I've been drinking it and seems no worse after drinking it!