Edited by CEP, Groupe Solabia, 29, rue Delizy, 93698 Pantin Cedex Tel.: (+33) 1 48 10 19 40 Fax: (+33) 1 48 91 18 77 In charge of publication: Jean François Molina Editorial committee: Patricia Houy and Carine Lebeau NC Photo Credits

- Reproduction prohibited -

- J u n e 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e Nono o f th e M ar q uesas Is l ands

Nono - co sme t i c Given the wealth and phytochemical diversity of Morinda citrifolia, this plant is of major interest in the beauty sector. The fruits, which are rich in essential fatty acids, are emollients. Selenium and the other trace elements contained in the plant trigger the anti-oxidising activity of the nono. Let’s not forget the leaves, though! Their wealth of amino acids, vitamins and trace elements confer regenerating, soothing and toning properties. Moreover, the fruits and leaves possess very interesting antibacterial properties that are associated with the presence of anthraquinone derivatives. In view of its numerous properties, the nono can be used in a wide variety of cosmetic applications! These include anti-ageing preparations, skin care products for irritated or fragile skin, after-sun products, toning hygiene products (shower gels and foaming baths), treatments for oily skin prone to acne and hair care products for greasy hair.

INTERVIEW

HELENE BENNET, Atuona - Iva Hoa PB: Is the nono an endemic plant to Polynesia? HB: I have been aware of this plant ever since I was born. On several occasions I learned that the nono could be found elsewhere. PB: Is the nono difficult to cultivate? HB: The nono grows naturally on the Marquesas Islands, without fertiliser, and the tree bears fruit as from the 2nd year of growth. It generally grows in the wild state. However, since its exploitation in 1996, the cultivation of this plant has been structured. PB: Is the vegetation of the Marquesas Islands rich? HB: We have rich vegetation. We do not use fertiliser on our soil. We actually follow a certain regulation whereby respect for our fenua ("land"), prevents us from using chemical products. In the valleys you can find pandanus, citrus fruits (lemon and orange trees), guavas and Caribbean pines, etc. PB: Does the Marquesian nono differ specifically from the Tahitian or Hawaiian varieties? HB: I know that our variety differs from the Tahitian nono in terms of the size of the various parts of the plants (morphology). I also have the impression that the toning effect of our plant is superior, but that’s just a personal opinion I’m not familiar with the Hawaiian version but I think that studies have been carried out and have indicated a preference for the Polynesian fruit. PB: How many nono pickers work with you to harvest the fruit? HB: In 1996, 80 families collected the nono in Atuona (village of Hiva Oa), compared with just 8 today. PB: Do you use the nono as a medicinal plant in your family? HB: I have gained my knowledge of the nono from my mother who used the ripe fruit purée to treat scalds. We have seen the properties of the plant at first hand throughout our lives. I use the juice for toning purposes if I feel tired or if water is sparse, when I’m back to nature in the isolated valleys of Hiva Oa.

PB: Drinks made from the nono plant are considered a miracle beverage as well as in Tahiti and Hawaii. Do other countries drink this? HB: In 1996, I was invited to Las Vegas to a meeting focusing on the nono with the American marketing department of the main company for which I work. I noted that the Americans were the greatest consumers of this beverage. PB: The nono has been used for more than 2000 years in the South Pacific. Is it just the fruit that is used in toning, regenerating beverages? HB: No, the leaves were also used to make "Ra'au Tahiti" (Tahitian medication) to purge and strengthen the body. The young fruits are also used to soothe headaches and coughs, etc. For practical reasons, the fruit is mainly used because it only has to be pressed in order to extract a liquid with toning properties. The leaves can also be used, but they require thorough preparation (kneading, infusion, etc.) and therefore more work to obtain a medication that is intended for the same purpose. PB: Is the market currently saturated? What do you think about emphasising the leaf? Would it be a new route for you? HB: Unfortunately, the fruit market has fallen considerably since 1996. It is slightly saturated, especially since purchasers give preference to the Marquesian nono. I know that, in Tuamotu, increasingly smaller quantities are exploited. Selling the leaves is very interesting for us. On the Marquesas Islands, families have a low income. There is very little economic activity and living costs are higher than in Tahiti.

PB: How long have you been collecting the nono? Do you do other things? Do you have other medicinal secrets to share with us? HB: I have been working in the nono subsidiary since 1996. At that time, we were dispatching 30 tonnes of ripe fruit per month compared with just 5 tonnes today. I also have other work, depending on the opportunities available. I am a monitor in the Hiva Oa College. As regards medicinal secrets, I could tell you all about the Kava, which is a creeper and the bancoulier...

repare the skin for tanning, keep a close watch on the waistline and enjoy that well desired break – all these

things are possible and, what’s more, are recommended for a healthy body and soul. But, with summer comes the heat and all those hidden aspects, wherever you are in the world, in exotic climes or closer to home, so watch out! We’ve all got the message today: sun protection is an absolute must and tanning to the extreme must be avoided in preference for a wiser and more responsible approach to the sunshine. But this doesn’t stop those who "want a tan at any price" and who are not so easily convinced…

Precautions must therefore be taken. In short, we all look forward to summer, but you must know how to manage it in total safety! One of the golden rules of summer as if you didn’t know, is to drink in order to prevent your body from becoming dehydrated. But in summer more so than at any other time of year, you find water to be rather tasteless… What could you have instead? What will be your summer "zen" drink? Fresh water, rich in trace elements, or a toning, slightly acidic and, if possible, sugar-free drink? Both? Why not! Accompanying the first signs of summer, Petit Botaniste® takes on the guise of an ethno-beauty specialist and recommends that you choose a toning, energy-giving drink, packed with flavour, which you can obtain by immersing a few leaves, flowers or roots of plants in boiling water. Allow them to infuse and then cool before enjoying the beverage chilled…

In other words, take yourself back for a moment to the world of "herbal teas", which, sometimes usurping the identity of the original plant, Camellia sinensis, are used throughout the world to protect and promote the well being of the skin. In this issue then, still hot on the trail of the Mahoris, we invite you to steal away to the Marquesas Islands, a few thousand kilometres from Tahiti, to discover a quite extraordinary tree, a plant that will leave you feeling hungry because of the pungent smell of its fruits: Morinda citrifolia or the Cheese Tree… Happy holidays to one and all, and make the most of your free time to admire beautiful Mother Nature!

P

E t h n o b o t a n i c a l J o u r n a l e d i t e d b y t h e S o l a b i a G r o u p – N o . 3 9 – J u n e 2 0 0 2

EditorialWhat if we decided that summer would be well and truly here ?

- J u n e 2 0 0 2 - - J u n e 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e Nono o f th e M ar q uesas Is l ands L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e Nono o f th e M ar q uesas Is l ands

THE FRENCH POLYNESIAN ARCHIPELAGO

Marquesas

Gambier

Tuamotou

Société

Aus t ra les

Nuku Hiva Ua Huka

Ua Pou Hiva Oa

Fatu Hiva

MAJOR MARQUESAS ISLANDS

olynesia, as we have seen, is the ideal location for the development of

extraordinary plants: virtually constant sunshine, mild temperatures, rich soils and a pollution-free environment. Hardly surprising, then, that we should find rare plants here. And it’s certainly an unusual plant that Petit Botaniste® would like to introduce to you in this summer issue. See for yourselves: medicinal usage dating back some 2000 years or more, seeds capable of covering hundreds of kilometres in water and a rich fruit containing more than 150 compounds… No doubt your ethno-cosmetic interest has now been kindled! So, don’t delay, set off in search of the "Magic Tree": the nono or Morinda citrifolia… A t r ave l l i n g p l an t Several thousand years ago when the Maohis set off on their explorations in the Pacific Islands, they took with them plants from their native countries to be used as foodstuffs as well as for their pharmaceutical properties. It’s thank to these adventurers that we have discovered the nono, a Rubaciae plant originating from Southeast Asia, on the Marquesas Islands.

Let’s not forget the intervention of Mother Nature, who gave the nono a remarkable property. Thanks to an air pocket attached to its seeds, the latter are carried by the sea breezes and can be found hundreds of kilometres away from their original location! The c rown ing j ewe l o f t he Pac i f i c I s l and s Morinda citrifolia is a small, hardy tree that grows in sandy areas along tropical coasts (French Polynesia and Hawaii). It is recognisable from its broad, shiny leaves, white flowers and, above all, its fruits that resemble small pomegranates. The fruit is green initially, turning yellow as it matures - the Nonos also known as “Indian Cherrie” by the Anglo-Saxons or “Cheese fruits”, due to the strong odour released by the mature fruit. The originality and beauty of this plant is further enhanced by exceptional phytochemistry. Terpenes and anthraquionones, alkaloids, coumarines, sugars, vitamins and trace elements – so many compounds, which, thanks to their variety and richness, account for the numerous properties attributed to the nono.

The Marquesas Islands are those furthest to the north of Polynesia. They are also the

farthest away from a continent. This archipelago comprises twenty or so

islands, islets and valleys, 6 of which are inhabited. The low incomes of the

Marquesians have led the inhabitants to migrate to Tahiti but others have decided to remain in their homelands in order to

promote their flora and generate local resources.

Damnacanthal, for instance, possesses established anti-cancer properties whilst scopoetin is an analgesic renowned for the lack of any toxic side effects. The mag i c p l an t Used for over 2000 years by sorcerers and healers in the Pacific, the nono is an integral part of local folklore and pharmacopoeias. Among the many customs associated with the nono, here is one rather original usage: after having scrutinised the young Polynesian males who had gathered together for the occasion, the young women, bathing in the river, would indicate their choice of suitors by throwing them a nono! The fruits and leaves are most widely used in traditional remedies. Possessing numerous properties, the nono is used in various decoctions. In Tahiti, the fruits are used to soothe sore throat, bronchitis and animal bites. Combined with the leaves, they are applied topically in the form of poultices due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

On the Marquesas Islands, the cooked fruits were used as an oral remedy to combat infectious diseases whilst the leaves were used for their soothing properties.

TEAS AROUND THE WORLD Let’s begin our brief tour of the continents with Asia, the country from which tea originates. Real tea comes from the tea tree (Camellia sinensis) and is available in 4 varieties depending on the method of preparation: black tea (fermented), oolong tea (semi-fermented), green tea (non-fermented) and the famous white tea (comprising young shoots and terminal buds withered and dried under close scrutiny). Now let’s set off in search of other “teas”! There are no less than 7 different types of “tea” in Europe. French tea, more commonly known as lemon balm (Melissa officinale), and the flowers of red tea or oregano (Origanum vulgare) possesses stimulating and

toning properties. Northern Tea or Veronica (Veronica officinalis), an excellent tea substitute, was used by Louis XIV with sage (Salvia officinalis), or Greek tea, as a morning beverage. As for Swiss tea, it in fact contains

2 plants with toning properties, namely the chenette (Dryas octopetala) and the fragrant asperula (Asperula odorata) from which May wine is produced in Alsace, Belgium and Germany.

A mu l t i v i t am in j u i c e ! In foods, the nono is mainly used as fruit juice. Its vitamin potential has largely contributed to its popularity. Launched on the American market in 1996, more than 200 companies nowadays utilise its phytochemistry throughout the world, and consumers are still enjoying the delicious flavour. Manufacturers have bypassed the odour problem by implementing In South Africa, we can find Rooibos tea (Apalathus linearis). This is the only place in the world where this is harvested! This tea has a pleasant flavour and can be enjoyed hot or cold, with lemon, milk or fruit juice. It’s an excellent source of energy to wake you up in the morning! In Ethiopia, the Italian soldiers got into the habit of

drinking rose tea, produced from the red calyxes of the Hibiscus sabdariffa. This tea, which

possesses beneficial properties, quickly won over Central Europe where it enjoyed swift success under the name of Health-giving tea. Between Africa and Arabia we find Abyssinian teas or Khat (Catha edulis), an ancient remedy containing a wealth of phenol compounds. Now let’s head for America. In the

North, Pennsylvanian tea or monarda (Monarda didyma) was used by the Oswego Indians for its flavour, which resembled that of scented China tea. It became so popular that it replaced

real tea at the Boston Tea Party. New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) was given its name during the war of independence. The leaves of this plant were used as a tea substitute. More to the south, we find two teas known as Jesuit teas because the Jesuits

manufacturing process involving freezing and spraying. After the fruits, the leaves have been found to possess beneficial properties. Once the foul-smelling odour has been eliminated, the properties of the fruit are put to good use in Nono teas. This beverage incorrectly referred to as "tea", comprises an infusion of Morinda citrifolia leaves. are currently cultivating these teas: Brazilian tea or mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Mexican tea or chenope (Chenopodium ambrosioides). The former is consumed like tea or coffee in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, and immediately restores energy. It is, however, the caffeine plant with the least quantity of caffeine, which makes it only a mild stimulant. As for chenope, some people preferred it to tea and so it became a replacement for traditional tea. Let’s go back to Asia now with Java tea (Java is a small Indonesian island) or orthosiphon (Orthosiphon stamineus), which is currently used as a stimulant.

It would be a shame to finish our tour without introducing you to the melaleuca or tea tree, originating from Australia, and which, contrary to what its name suggests, is not a

tree that grows tea, as you undoubtedly know, but a plant from which oil is extracted for its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties.

P

- J u n e 2 0 0 2 - - J u n e 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e Nono o f th e M ar q uesas Is l ands L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e Nono o f th e M ar q uesas Is l ands

THE FRENCH POLYNESIAN ARCHIPELAGO

Marquesas

Gambier

Tuamotou

Société

Aus t ra les

Nuku Hiva Ua Huka

Ua Pou Hiva Oa

Fatu Hiva

MAJOR MARQUESAS ISLANDS

olynesia, as we have seen, is the ideal location for the development of

extraordinary plants: virtually constant sunshine, mild temperatures, rich soils and a pollution-free environment. Hardly surprising, then, that we should find rare plants here. And it’s certainly an unusual plant that Petit Botaniste® would like to introduce to you in this summer issue. See for yourselves: medicinal usage dating back some 2000 years or more, seeds capable of covering hundreds of kilometres in water and a rich fruit containing more than 150 compounds… No doubt your ethno-cosmetic interest has now been kindled! So, don’t delay, set off in search of the "Magic Tree": the nono or Morinda citrifolia… A t r ave l l i n g p l an t Several thousand years ago when the Maohis set off on their explorations in the Pacific Islands, they took with them plants from their native countries to be used as foodstuffs as well as for their pharmaceutical properties. It’s thank to these adventurers that we have discovered the nono, a Rubaciae plant originating from Southeast Asia, on the Marquesas Islands.

Let’s not forget the intervention of Mother Nature, who gave the nono a remarkable property. Thanks to an air pocket attached to its seeds, the latter are carried by the sea breezes and can be found hundreds of kilometres away from their original location! The c rown ing j ewe l o f t he Pac i f i c I s l and s Morinda citrifolia is a small, hardy tree that grows in sandy areas along tropical coasts (French Polynesia and Hawaii). It is recognisable from its broad, shiny leaves, white flowers and, above all, its fruits that resemble small pomegranates. The fruit is green initially, turning yellow as it matures - the Nonos also known as “Indian Cherrie” by the Anglo-Saxons or “Cheese fruits”, due to the strong odour released by the mature fruit. The originality and beauty of this plant is further enhanced by exceptional phytochemistry. Terpenes and anthraquionones, alkaloids, coumarines, sugars, vitamins and trace elements – so many compounds, which, thanks to their variety and richness, account for the numerous properties attributed to the nono.

The Marquesas Islands are those furthest to the north of Polynesia. They are also the

farthest away from a continent. This archipelago comprises twenty or so

islands, islets and valleys, 6 of which are inhabited. The low incomes of the

Marquesians have led the inhabitants to migrate to Tahiti but others have decided to remain in their homelands in order to

promote their flora and generate local resources.

Damnacanthal, for instance, possesses established anti-cancer properties whilst scopoetin is an analgesic renowned for the lack of any toxic side effects. The mag i c p l an t Used for over 2000 years by sorcerers and healers in the Pacific, the nono is an integral part of local folklore and pharmacopoeias. Among the many customs associated with the nono, here is one rather original usage: after having scrutinised the young Polynesian males who had gathered together for the occasion, the young women, bathing in the river, would indicate their choice of suitors by throwing them a nono! The fruits and leaves are most widely used in traditional remedies. Possessing numerous properties, the nono is used in various decoctions. In Tahiti, the fruits are used to soothe sore throat, bronchitis and animal bites. Combined with the leaves, they are applied topically in the form of poultices due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

On the Marquesas Islands, the cooked fruits were used as an oral remedy to combat infectious diseases whilst the leaves were used for their soothing properties.

TEAS AROUND THE WORLD Let’s begin our brief tour of the continents with Asia, the country from which tea originates. Real tea comes from the tea tree (Camellia sinensis) and is available in 4 varieties depending on the method of preparation: black tea (fermented), oolong tea (semi-fermented), green tea (non-fermented) and the famous white tea (comprising young shoots and terminal buds withered and dried under close scrutiny). Now let’s set off in search of other “teas”! There are no less than 7 different types of “tea” in Europe. French tea, more commonly known as lemon balm (Melissa officinale), and the flowers of red tea or oregano (Origanum vulgare) possesses stimulating and

toning properties. Northern Tea or Veronica (Veronica officinalis), an excellent tea substitute, was used by Louis XIV with sage (Salvia officinalis), or Greek tea, as a morning beverage. As for Swiss tea, it in fact contains

2 plants with toning properties, namely the chenette (Dryas octopetala) and the fragrant asperula (Asperula odorata) from which May wine is produced in Alsace, Belgium and Germany.

A mu l t i v i t am in j u i c e ! In foods, the nono is mainly used as fruit juice. Its vitamin potential has largely contributed to its popularity. Launched on the American market in 1996, more than 200 companies nowadays utilise its phytochemistry throughout the world, and consumers are still enjoying the delicious flavour. Manufacturers have bypassed the odour problem by implementing In South Africa, we can find Rooibos tea (Apalathus linearis). This is the only place in the world where this is harvested! This tea has a pleasant flavour and can be enjoyed hot or cold, with lemon, milk or fruit juice. It’s an excellent source of energy to wake you up in the morning! In Ethiopia, the Italian soldiers got into the habit of

drinking rose tea, produced from the red calyxes of the Hibiscus sabdariffa. This tea, which

possesses beneficial properties, quickly won over Central Europe where it enjoyed swift success under the name of Health-giving tea. Between Africa and Arabia we find Abyssinian teas or Khat (Catha edulis), an ancient remedy containing a wealth of phenol compounds. Now let’s head for America. In the

North, Pennsylvanian tea or monarda (Monarda didyma) was used by the Oswego Indians for its flavour, which resembled that of scented China tea. It became so popular that it replaced

real tea at the Boston Tea Party. New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) was given its name during the war of independence. The leaves of this plant were used as a tea substitute. More to the south, we find two teas known as Jesuit teas because the Jesuits

manufacturing process involving freezing and spraying. After the fruits, the leaves have been found to possess beneficial properties. Once the foul-smelling odour has been eliminated, the properties of the fruit are put to good use in Nono teas. This beverage incorrectly referred to as "tea", comprises an infusion of Morinda citrifolia leaves. are currently cultivating these teas: Brazilian tea or mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Mexican tea or chenope (Chenopodium ambrosioides). The former is consumed like tea or coffee in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, and immediately restores energy. It is, however, the caffeine plant with the least quantity of caffeine, which makes it only a mild stimulant. As for chenope, some people preferred it to tea and so it became a replacement for traditional tea. Let’s go back to Asia now with Java tea (Java is a small Indonesian island) or orthosiphon (Orthosiphon stamineus), which is currently used as a stimulant.

It would be a shame to finish our tour without introducing you to the melaleuca or tea tree, originating from Australia, and which, contrary to what its name suggests, is not a

tree that grows tea, as you undoubtedly know, but a plant from which oil is extracted for its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties.

P

Edited by CEP, Groupe Solabia, 29, rue Delizy, 93698 Pantin Cedex Tel.: (+33) 1 48 10 19 40 Fax: (+33) 1 48 91 18 77 In charge of publication: Jean François Molina Editorial committee: Patricia Houy and Carine Lebeau NC Photo Credits

- Reproduction prohibited -

- J u n e 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® T h e Nono o f th e M ar q uesas Is l ands

Nono - co sme t i c Given the wealth and phytochemical diversity of Morinda citrifolia, this plant is of major interest in the beauty sector. The fruits, which are rich in essential fatty acids, are emollients. Selenium and the other trace elements contained in the plant trigger the anti-oxidising activity of the nono. Let’s not forget the leaves, though! Their wealth of amino acids, vitamins and trace elements confer regenerating, soothing and toning properties. Moreover, the fruits and leaves possess very interesting antibacterial properties that are associated with the presence of anthraquinone derivatives. In view of its numerous properties, the nono can be used in a wide variety of cosmetic applications! These include anti-ageing preparations, skin care products for irritated or fragile skin, after-sun products, toning hygiene products (shower gels and foaming baths), treatments for oily skin prone to acne and hair care products for greasy hair.

INTERVIEW

HELENE BENNET, Atuona - Iva Hoa PB: Is the nono an endemic plant to Polynesia? HB: I have been aware of this plant ever since I was born. On several occasions I learned that the nono could be found elsewhere. PB: Is the nono difficult to cultivate? HB: The nono grows naturally on the Marquesas Islands, without fertiliser, and the tree bears fruit as from the 2nd year of growth. It generally grows in the wild state. However, since its exploitation in 1996, the cultivation of this plant has been structured. PB: Is the vegetation of the Marquesas Islands rich? HB: We have rich vegetation. We do not use fertiliser on our soil. We actually follow a certain regulation whereby respect for our fenua ("land"), prevents us from using chemical products. In the valleys you can find pandanus, citrus fruits (lemon and orange trees), guavas and Caribbean pines, etc. PB: Does the Marquesian nono differ specifically from the Tahitian or Hawaiian varieties? HB: I know that our variety differs from the Tahitian nono in terms of the size of the various parts of the plants (morphology). I also have the impression that the toning effect of our plant is superior, but that’s just a personal opinion I’m not familiar with the Hawaiian version but I think that studies have been carried out and have indicated a preference for the Polynesian fruit. PB: How many nono pickers work with you to harvest the fruit? HB: In 1996, 80 families collected the nono in Atuona (village of Hiva Oa), compared with just 8 today. PB: Do you use the nono as a medicinal plant in your family? HB: I have gained my knowledge of the nono from my mother who used the ripe fruit purée to treat scalds. We have seen the properties of the plant at first hand throughout our lives. I use the juice for toning purposes if I feel tired or if water is sparse, when I’m back to nature in the isolated valleys of Hiva Oa.

PB: Drinks made from the nono plant are considered a miracle beverage as well as in Tahiti and Hawaii. Do other countries drink this? HB: In 1996, I was invited to Las Vegas to a meeting focusing on the nono with the American marketing department of the main company for which I work. I noted that the Americans were the greatest consumers of this beverage. PB: The nono has been used for more than 2000 years in the South Pacific. Is it just the fruit that is used in toning, regenerating beverages? HB: No, the leaves were also used to make "Ra'au Tahiti" (Tahitian medication) to purge and strengthen the body. The young fruits are also used to soothe headaches and coughs, etc. For practical reasons, the fruit is mainly used because it only has to be pressed in order to extract a liquid with toning properties. The leaves can also be used, but they require thorough preparation (kneading, infusion, etc.) and therefore more work to obtain a medication that is intended for the same purpose. PB: Is the market currently saturated? What do you think about emphasising the leaf? Would it be a new route for you? HB: Unfortunately, the fruit market has fallen considerably since 1996. It is slightly saturated, especially since purchasers give preference to the Marquesian nono. I know that, in Tuamotu, increasingly smaller quantities are exploited. Selling the leaves is very interesting for us. On the Marquesas Islands, families have a low income. There is very little economic activity and living costs are higher than in Tahiti.

PB: How long have you been collecting the nono? Do you do other things? Do you have other medicinal secrets to share with us? HB: I have been working in the nono subsidiary since 1996. At that time, we were dispatching 30 tonnes of ripe fruit per month compared with just 5 tonnes today. I also have other work, depending on the opportunities available. I am a monitor in the Hiva Oa College. As regards medicinal secrets, I could tell you all about the Kava, which is a creeper and the bancoulier...

repare the skin for tanning, keep a close watch on the waistline and enjoy that well desired break – all these

things are possible and, what’s more, are recommended for a healthy body and soul. But, with summer comes the heat and all those hidden aspects, wherever you are in the world, in exotic climes or closer to home, so watch out! We’ve all got the message today: sun protection is an absolute must and tanning to the extreme must be avoided in preference for a wiser and more responsible approach to the sunshine. But this doesn’t stop those who "want a tan at any price" and who are not so easily convinced…

Precautions must therefore be taken. In short, we all look forward to summer, but you must know how to manage it in total safety! One of the golden rules of summer as if you didn’t know, is to drink in order to prevent your body from becoming dehydrated. But in summer more so than at any other time of year, you find water to be rather tasteless… What could you have instead? What will be your summer "zen" drink? Fresh water, rich in trace elements, or a toning, slightly acidic and, if possible, sugar-free drink? Both? Why not! Accompanying the first signs of summer, Petit Botaniste® takes on the guise of an ethno-beauty specialist and recommends that you choose a toning, energy-giving drink, packed with flavour, which you can obtain by immersing a few leaves, flowers or roots of plants in boiling water. Allow them to infuse and then cool before enjoying the beverage chilled…

In other words, take yourself back for a moment to the world of "herbal teas", which, sometimes usurping the identity of the original plant, Camellia sinensis, are used throughout the world to protect and promote the well being of the skin. In this issue then, still hot on the trail of the Mahoris, we invite you to steal away to the Marquesas Islands, a few thousand kilometres from Tahiti, to discover a quite extraordinary tree, a plant that will leave you feeling hungry because of the pungent smell of its fruits: Morinda citrifolia or the Cheese Tree… Happy holidays to one and all, and make the most of your free time to admire beautiful Mother Nature!

P

E t h n o b o t a n i c a l J o u r n a l e d i t e d b y t h e S o l a b i a G r o u p – N o . 3 9 – J u n e 2 0 0 2

EditorialWhat if we decided that summer would be well and truly here ?