Malunggay also known as Moringa, horseradish tree, West Indian tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, arzan taiga (Burkina Faso), la mu (Mandarin), and windi bundu (Niger), is a widely cultivated plant in the Philippines.
Malunggay is a highly nutritious plant, and its benefits have been acknowledged by dietitians, nutritionist, and nutrition researchers. Also, it is known as a miracle plant, in which the tea is derived from the leaves, that contain high levels of polyphenols or flavanoids. These are antioxidants that can help in detoxifying your body and strengthening the immune system.
Health Benefits of Malunggay (Moringa) Leaves Tea:
Malunggay or Moringa has been reported in studies to have an anti-tumor capacity. Moringa has benzyl isothiocyanate. Many studies have shown this compounds and chemical derived thereof to contain chemoprotective and anti-cancer capabilities.
2. Antibacterial and Anti Fungal
In late 1940’s, The Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (PLN Rao), have reported that malunggay or Moringa Oleifera leaves contain a compound known as “pterygospermin”, which is known in medical science as containing antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti fungal properties.
3. Increase Milk Production for Breast-feeding
The natural nutrition of breast-feeding can increase milk production, if the mothers consume Malunggay leaves. Also, Malunggay leaves is known to be an aphrodisiac that enchance or stimulate the sexual activity. Malunggay leaves can help increase the flow of milk lactating mothers.
4. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
One of the most important benefits of malunggay leaves tea is its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetes. This is attain by normalizing the levelof lipid and glucose, while simultaneously regulating oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes.
A research reported the capability of the leaves in helping in the treatment of diabetes by increasing the magnitude of IGT or impaired glucose tolerance, from 4.1% to 8.1%, nearly doubled the original number.
5. Strengthens the Immune System
Malunggay leaves tea helps in boosting your immune system about 10x more than the commercially-made supplements and vitamins.
Malunggay Tea Recipe:
1. Pick 4-5 branches from the Malunggay tree that contains lots of leaves.
2. Place the Malunggay leaves on a tray and leave in a dry place in your home for 3-4 days, or until all the leaves dried up and become crumpled. There is no need for sunlight.
3. Place the crumpled leaves from the twigs and put in a dry pan over a low heat. Do not place oil or water in the pan.
4. Cook the leaves, then turn them over using a cooking spoon, so that the leaves are cooked evenly. The leaves are cooked when they are toasted but not burned.
5. Store the cooked Malunggay leaves in a container with cover.
6. In making the tea, add 1 tablespoon of the cooked Malunggay leaves from the container, then put in a cup of hot water.
7. Leave on until the water absorbs the nutrients and green color of the leaves. This takes the same amount of time as making ordinary tea from tea bags.
8. Remove the leaves from the cup.
9. You may add honey.