Morinda citrifolia, a small evergreen tree endemic to Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, has a long-standing history of use as a component of folk medicine. In traditional medicine, healers historically believed that Morinda citrifolia fruit offered hundreds of medicinal uses. Although none of these are backed by solid scientific evidence, the plant remains a core component of modern folk medicine and global naturopathy.
Here are some of the uses of Morinda citrifolia fruit.
Colic
Traditionally, Morinda citrifolia has been used to treat colic, a painful conditions affecting newborns, which can cause prolonged bouts of unexplained crying. No studies have evaluated its safety or effectiveness for babies.
Seizures
Indigenous healers have historically believed that Morinda citrifolia fruit can prevent seizures associated with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Cough
Morinda citrifolia fruit may help to relax spasms in the lungs, thereby easing coughs associated with infection, irritation or chronic disease.
Diabetes
Compounds in Morinda citrifolia may help to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes or hyperglycemia. Use it with caution, and only under the care of a physician, if you have diabetes.
Urinary Tract Infections
Like blueberry and cranberry, Morinda citrifolia fruit may prevent infectious bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder and urethra.
Menstrual Cramps
Historically, Morinda citrifolia has been used to reduce abdominal pain associated with menstruation.
Fever
Morinda citrifolia fruit may help to reduce a fever by curbing the body’s inflammatory response. No studies have evaluated its effectiveness as a fever-reducer.
Liver Disease
Compounds in Morinda citrifolia fruit may reduce the symptoms and effects of liver diseases, such as hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, some studies suggest that it may worsen these conditions.
Constipation
Morinda citrifolia fruit is rich in fiber and may help to provide short-term relief for constipation. It may also contain weak laxative compounds.
Nausea
Traditionally, healers have given Morinda citrifolia to people suffering from nausea due to infection, stress or pregnancy.
Kidney Disease
Morinda citrifolia fruit has been used historically as a treatment for kidney disease, but this is now considered unsafe because it contains high levels of potassium, which may be dangerous to those with kidney disorders.
Asthma
Because it might help to relax the lungs and combat inflammation, Morinda citrifolia fruit is sometimes recommended as a treatment for asthma.
Arthritis
Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, some naturopaths believe that Morinda citrifolia can combat symptoms of arthritis.
Cancer
Morinda citrifolia fruit is rich in antioxidants and may be a viable complementary treatment for cancer.
Digestive Diseases
Compounds in Morinda citrifolia fruit may fight stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal infections. It is sometimes used to treat stomach cramps and abdominal pain.
Hypertension
Morinda citrifolia may temporarily reduce blood pressure. Ask your doctor before using it as a long-term treatment, particularly if you take medication.
Migraines and Headaches
Morinda citrofolia fruit might help to prevent migraines and tension headaches in susceptible people, but there is no solid evidence that it works.
Visit the National Institutes of Health for more information about the uses of Morinda citrifolia fruit.
