Starvation Apple

STARVATION APPLE

Starvation apple is a universal plant that has many different purposes. It can be an inexpensive way to treat illnesses. It is perfect for people who disapprove the use of prescription drugs as it is a natural plant containing no chemicals. One of the advantages starvation apple has over other plants is the habitat it can grow in and it is easily accessibility as it is grown wild.

The starvation apple is known more formally as Noni. Its scientific name is Morinda Citrifolia L. The plant is originally form Southeast Asia and has been spread by people throughout the pacific. Starvation apple belongs to the plant kingdom Plantae and its plant family is Rubiaceae meaning the coffee family (p.1). During famine the fruit have been eaten and this may have been how the name starvation apple originated (p.109).

Starvation apple can be found in a variety of habitats such as volcanic terrains, clearings, along shore lines (p.1). The plant flowers and bear fruit all year round. The flowers are small and white. The fruits are green and are harvested when they start turning white, or when they become fully ripe and are soft with a disagreeable odor (p.5 Morinda Citrifulia). Its leaves are enormous, a shiny green with a triangular shape.

The leaves, stems, roots and fruit of the starvation apple serve as food and for medical purposes. It is used in a variety of healing protocols and illnesses throughout the Pacific region; however most of these claims are yet to be scientifically supported. The leaves are brewed into a tea which is used for treating malaria which is one of the world’s most deadly diseases. (Bio. Scie p.68, p.10 Morinda). The leaves also treat fever, arthritis pain and as a pain reliever. Tea made from the leaves are used in cases of stomach ache, fractures, diabetes, loss of appetite, urinary tract ailments, abdominal swelling, hernias, stings from stonefish and also as a source of vitamin A. In some severe cases the leaves are used as a medical poultice which is a body wrap. (E.g. Micronesia p.10 Morinda). In Malaysia located in Southeast Asia they heat noni leaves and apply them to the ill person’s chest to relieve coughs, nausea and abdominal pain. (p.2 of 5 Wiki).

The fruit is known to help cure boils, carbuncles, and to help with hypertension. The fruit poultices and leaves are useful for treating tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruising, and rheumatism. Gargling a liquid mixture of mashed ripe fruit is said to be good for sore throats. Eating a fresh fruit cures intestinal worms. The fruit can also be used to help heal cuts, abscesses, toothaches, and mouth and gum infections (p.10 Morinda). In certain regions like Indochina, the unripe fruit is pounded, mixed with salt and applied to cuts and broken bones.

To prepare the leaves for use in tea, a process known locally as quailing can be done. Quailing is a term used by the older generation for picking leaves (and or branches) and setting them to dry. Leaves should be left on a surface in a warm open area but preferably not in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will over dry the leaves and cause them to crumble. Once the leaves have dried out after a few days, they can be added to water brought to a boil and served as tea.

Flabbergasted by my research I ask my family members for their knowledge on the starvation apple and found on of my uncles response to be interesting and interviewed him.

Aniecia “Why do you uses noni/starvation apple?”

Mr. Morthon “I use noni because I have prostate cancer. I’ve been drinking it to help build my immune system.”