Many cultures have been using Moringa tree, or commonly know as “the miracle tree of life” thousands of years know because it has powerful nutritional value and amazing health benefits.
However, this plant has recently gained popularity in the U.S and European markets and it was recognized by the National Institutes of Health as the Botanical of the Year for 2007, and praised again in 2011 and 2012. (Bollinger, T., 2015, Cancer Tutor).
It originates from India, Pakistan, Africa, Arabia and the Himalayan region. People also recognize it as drumstick tree or horseradish tree. This tree is a rich source of proteins, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, various phenolics and beta-carotene.
Moreover, it is also abudant in quercetin, zeatin, moringine, moringinine, caffeoylquinc acid, kaempferol and rhammnetin.
Due to its numerous health properties, this plant can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antihelminitic, antiurolithiati activities.
The best part about Moringa plant is that all its parts are high in nutrients and are edible. For instance its leaves are consumed either in a form of fresh salad, drinks or steamed as spinach. On the other hand, its flowers are a rich source of potassium and calcium which means they are very nutritious and healthy to be consumed as food.
You can eat the young fruits of Moringa tree raw or you can prepare them in the same way as green beans or peas. On the other hand, fully grown fruits are usually eaten fried.
The fruits of Moringa tree contain almost 40% of oil ingredients which is why they are used in the production of cooking oil known as Ben oil. Moreover, Moringa fruits’ peel should not be thrown away because it can serve as a natural replacement for sunscreen lotion.
As you can see, all its parts are beneficial, healthy and edible, but its leaves are the most utilized part because they can reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and eliminate water weight.
Its leaves are remarkable because they contain 7 times the vitamin C found in oranges, 4 times the calcium in milk, 4 times the vitamin A in carrots, 2 times the protein of yogurt, 25 times the iron in spinach, and 3 times the potassium in bananas.
Namely, its leaves are said to contain:
- 1271% of daily dose of iron
- 272% of daily dose of vitamin А
- 22% of daily dose of vitamin C
- 5% of the daily dose of calcium
- 61% of daily dose of magnesium
- 41% of daily dose of potassium
Number of studies have shown that moringa leaves posses anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, due in part to a compound called niaziminin.
Moreover, a preliminary experimentation showed activity against Epstein-Barr virus. Moringa tree leaves contain certain compounds that help in the regulation of the thyroid function, especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points to anti-viral activity in cases of Herpes simplex.
Moringa plant also has glucose-modifying and anti-diabetic effects which are of great use amidst a virtual epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The liver-protective activities of the leaf and its extracts could make it a staple component of bitters formulas and various cleansing preparations.
As you can realize on your own, this tree has numerous medicinal uses and health benefits and the good news is that each part of it can be used for different health conditions. The Miracle Trees website lists some of the benefits and medicinal uses of the different parts of this excellent plant.
- Due to their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, they can be used to treat gout, boils, rheumatism, arthritis, cramp and sexually transmitted diseases. They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy. In order to use them, they must be roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problematic area.
- They are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa because they contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide terygospermin.
- Seed oil can be used for the same ailments as seeds. Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination.
- Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast feeding.
- It is also useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination.
- In Haiti, villagers boil Moringa flowers in water and drink the tea as a powerful cold remedy.
- Moringa pods can play a useful part in treating malnutrition and diarrhea due to high protein and fiber content.
- If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and treat liver and spleen problems and pains of the joints.
- Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due to high protein and fiber content.
- Leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, as well as inflammation of the mucus membrane.
- In the Philippines, moringa leaves are commonly prescribed for anemia due to their high content of iron.
- Leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhea.
- Leaves rubbed against the temple can relieve headaches.
- To stop bleeding from a shallow cut, apply a poultice of fresh leaves.
- There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when applied to wounds or insect bites.
- Dried Moringa leaves treat diarrhea in Malawi, Africa.
- Leaf extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints.
Moringa Roots, Bark and Gum
- These parts of the Moringa tree posses all the characteristics decribed above, but in higher concentration. If you take them as medications, you need to be much more careful.
- The bark is used as an appetizer and digestive while the alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysant) has been found in the roots. The bark as well as the alkaloid spirachin are used as a tonic, for cardiac and circulatory problems and in cases of inflammation.
- People in India and Senegal pound and mix the roots with salt in order to prepare a poultice for treating rheumatism and articulars pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve lower back or kidney pain.
- The gum of this potent plant is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and is used against asthma.
- Moringa oil or commonly known as Ben oil is used for bladder troubles, prostate issues, scurvy and hysteria.
- Villagers in Oman use it in the treatment of stomach disorders, as a parfume and hair oil.
Moringa and Siddha
Siddha medicine states that the leaves of this tree are full of medicinal properties, which is why they are used as a sexual virility drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men and also in women for prolonging sexual activity.
Moringa and Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Moringa is one of the most useful and valuable plant because it makes use of all its parts. The Ayurvedic medicine of India uses Moringa Tree products in the treatment of numerous health conditions including liver disorders, an aid in childbirth, as a natural antibiotic and many other uses.