Moringa oleifera, also known as drumstick tree, is a highly valued and versatile plant which belongs to the Moringaceae family. Moringa is a fast growing, deciduous tree that is native to India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas all over Asia, Africa and South America. It is widely known with many other names, including Horseradish tree and Ben oil tree.
Although modern science has only recently discovered its value, moringa has been imparting a multitude of benefits across various cultures since ancient times. Moringa was valued by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks for its medicinal impact on a range of ailments. Today, usage of moringa has been encouraged by various humanitarian organizations to combat malnutrition and its effects in poverty-stricken regions, mainly due to its economic viability and rapid growth.
The moringa tree has thick, whitish bark with droopy, fragile branches and long, green, oval-shaped leaflets. In Ayurvedic therapy, moringa is valued for its impressive range of therapeutic uses, commonly attributed to its antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. In some areas, it is simply known as ‘shigru’. Health Benefits of Moringa:
- Antioxidants
- Edema
- Liver Protection
- Stomach Disorders
- Healthy Skin
- Diabetes
- Antibacterial Properties
- Cancer
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Bone Health
- Immunosuppressive Effects
- Herpes
- Cardiovascular Protection
- Anti-allergenic Behavior
- Asthma
- Anti-fungal Properties
- Hair Care
- Urolithiasis
- Wound Healing
- Hypertension
- Sickle Cell Disease
Moringa Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses
Every part of the Moringa tree can be used in medical science
Moringa oleifera has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Different parts of Moringa contain a profile of important minerals and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.
Moringa can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine.
Traditional cultures in various parts of the world have long used Moringa in their herbal medicine repertoire for ailments ranging from gout to various inflammations and fevers. Some of the remedies are described here but there is no guarantee they will work for every case!
Moringa Leaves Medicinal Uses and Benefits:
- 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.
- Extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints.
- Leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhoea.
- Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due to the high protein and fibre content.
- Leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, inflammation of the mucus membrane
- The iron content of the leaves is high, and they are reportedly prescribed for anemia in the Philippines.
- Dried Moringa leaves treat diarrhoea in Malawi, Africa.
- The powder ground from the seeds is also used in the treatment of scurvy skin diseases (common bacterial infections of the skin).
- Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast feeding.
- Flower juice is 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.
- If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and treat liver and spleen problems and pains of the joints.
- Due to high protein and fibre content they can play a useful part in treating malnutrition and diarrhoea.
- Used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually transmitted diseases and boils. The seeds are roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problem area. Seed oil can be used for the same ailments.
- Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination.
- They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy.
- Moringa seeds are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide terygospermin.
- The roots and the bark have all of the properties described above but are more concentrated. Therefore much more care should be taken if using them as medicines.
- The roots and bark are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and for inflammation. The bark is an appetizer and digestive.
- In Senegal and India, roots are pounded and mixed with salt to make a poultice for treating rheumatism and articulars pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve lower back or kidney pain
- Fodder-branches - The alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysant) has been found in the roots.
- The gum is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and is used against asthma.
- Oil of Ben is used for hysteria, scurvy, prostate problems and bladder troubles.
- Villagers in Oman use Moringa oil to treat stomach disorders. They also use it in perfume and hair oil.
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The Many Uses of the Mighty Moringa Tree
Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree native to South Asia and now found throughout the tropics. Its leaves have been used as part of traditional medicine for centuries, and the Ayurvedic system of medicine associates it with the cure or prevention of about 300 diseases.
Moringa, sometimes described as the "miracle tree," "drumstick tree," or "horseradish tree," has small, rounded leaves that are packed with an incredible amount of nutrition: protein, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium… you name it, moringa's got it. No wonder it's been used medicinally (and as a food source) for at least 4,000 years.
The fact that moringa grows rapidly and easily makes it especially appealing for impoverished areas, and it's been used successfully for boosting nutritional intake in Malawi, Senegal, and India. In these areas, moringa may be the most nutritious food locally available, and it can be harvested year-round. 6 Reasons Why Moringa Is Being Hailed as a Superfood:
- A Rich Nutritional Profile
- Antioxidants Galore
- Lower Blood Sugar Levels
- Reduce Inflammation
- Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
- Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
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Moringa Benefits Hormonal Balance, Digestion, Mood & More
Never heard of moringa before? Although this plant was initially discovered for its beneficial properties thousands of years ago, only recently has moringa (sometimes called the Ben oil tree) become known as one of the most impressive herbal supplements to hit the holistic health market.
In fact, in 2008 the National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the “plant of the year,” acknowledging that “perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs”. Clearly, moringa benefits are highly touted and deservedly so.
To date, over 1,300 studies, articles and reports have focused on moringa benefits and this plant’s healing abilities that are important in parts of the world that are especially susceptible to disease outbreak and nutritional deficiencies. Research shows that just about every part of the moringa plant can be utilized in some way, whether it’s to make a potent antioxidant tea or produce an oily substance that lubricates and nourishes the skin. Throughout the world, moringa is used for treating such widespread conditions as:
- inflammation-related diseases
- cancer
- diabetes
- anemia
- arthritis and other joint pain, such as rheumatism
- allergies and asthma
- constipation, stomach pains and and diarrhea
- epilepsy
- stomach and intestinal ulcers or spasms
- chronic headaches
- heart problems, including high blood pressure
- kidney stones
- fluid retention
- thyroid disorders
- low sex drive
- bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections
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30 Amazing Benefits Of Moringa Plant (Sahijan) For Skin, Hair And Health
What is the Moringa Tree? The miracle tree Moringa is a multipurpose that is native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is also called drumstick tree by the British and Malunggay in Philippines. In India, it is found on the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. This plant belongs to the family Moringaceae. It derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. It is a multipurpose plant and its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark are beneficial in one way or the other.
The moringa tree grows easily in semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical climate and is reported to be beneficial for human beings as its various parts are edible. Some of the most commonly used parts are moringa leaves and seeds. Moringa seeds and roots are used to extract oil and the flowers can be cooked and eaten. Apart from these, its bark, sap, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and flowers are used in making traditional medicine in many countries.
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The Green Herb That Flushes Toxins and Fights Cancer With NO Known Side Effects
What is the Moringa Tree? The miracle tree Moringa is a multipurpose that is native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is also called drumstick tree by the British and Malunggay in Philippines. In India, it is found on the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. This plant belongs to the family Moringaceae. It derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. It is a multipurpose plant and its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark are beneficial in one way or the other. The moringa tree grows easily in semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical climate and is reported to be beneficial for human beings as its various parts are edible. Some of the most commonly used parts are moringa leaves and seeds. Moringa seeds and roots are used to extract oil and the flowers can be cooked and eaten. Apart from these, its bark, sap, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and flowers are used in making traditional medicine in many countries.
The most amazing thing about moringa is that all parts of this plant including its bark, roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, sap and pods are a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Thus, this plant possesses innumerable health benefits and has the capacity of curing several diseases. For this reason, it is referred to as the ‘miracle tree’ and is widely used in traditional medicine.
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Moringa nutrition facts
Moringa oleifera, known popularly as drumstick tree, is a tropical plant grown for its nutritious leafy greens, flower buds, and mineral-rich green fruit pods. It is a well-recognized member of the Moringaceae family of trees and thought to be originated in the sub-Himalayan forests of the Indian subcontinent. It possesses horseradish-like root and, hence, known to the western world as horseradish tree. Their young, tender seed pods are popular as murnga in Tamil, and malunggay in the Philippines.
Moringa is a drought tolerant, medium-sized, evergreen tree that prefers warm, frost-free climates to flourish. Its tender leaves and twigs can be harvested at any time from a well-established, 1.5 to 2 meters tall plant. Taller plants bear cream-white, small size flowers in clusters throughout the season, which subsequently develop into long slender dark-green, three-sided, edible seedpods with tapering ends. Each pod measures about 6-18 inches in length with constrictions at the seed nodes giving them a typical drumstick appearance. Inside, each pod features fleshy pulp and round pea-sized seed encased inside a wing-shaped coat (hull).
Health benefits of moringa:
- Food scientists believe that moringa plant possesses unique nutritional qualities that hold promise to millions of impoverished communities around the world who in need of dietary supplements like protein, minerals, and vitamins.
- Moringa greens (leaves) are an excellent source of protein which is a unique feature for any herbs and leafy greens in the entire plant kingdom. 100 g of fresh raw leaves carry 9.8 g of protein or about 17.5% of daily required levels. Dry, powdered leaves indeed are an excellent sources source of several quality amino acids.
- Fresh pods and seeds are an excellent source of oleic acid, a health-benefiting monounsaturated fat. Moringa, as a high-quality oilseed crop, can be grown alternatively to improve nutrition levels of populations in many drought-prone regions of Africa and Asia.
- Fresh leaves and growing tips of moringa are the richest sources of vitamin A. 100 g of fresh leaves carry 7564 IU or 252% of daily required levels of vitamin-A! Vitamin-A is one of the fat-soluble anti-oxidant offering several benefits, including mucosal repair, maintenance of skin integrity, vision, and immunity.
- Fresh moringa (drumstick) pods and leaves are an excellent sources of vitamin-C. 100 g of pods contain 145 µg or 235% of daily required levels of vitamin-C. 100 g of greens provide 51.7 µg or 86% of daily-recommended intake values of this vitamin. Research studies have shown that consumption of fruits/vegetables rich in vitamin C helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals from the body.
- The greens, as well as pods, also contain good amounts of many vital B-complex vitamins such as folates, vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin. Much of these vitamin functions as co-enzymes in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
- Furthermore, its greens (leaves) are one of the finest sources of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Iron alleviates anemia. Calcium is essential for bone mineralization. Zinc plays a vital role in hair growth, spermatogenesis, and skin health.
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The Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds
Moringa seeds are a potentially incredible find, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects listed among some of their benefits. Moringa seeds also offer many nutritional benefits (1). They contain:
- Seven times more vitamin C than oranges;
- Four times the amount of vitamin A found in carrots;
- Four times more calcium than milk;
- Three times more potassium than bananas; and
- Two times more protein than yogurt.
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Acts as a Sleep Aid
- Boosts Energy
- Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
- High in Fiber
- Can Lower Cholesterol
- Promotes Healthy, Beautiful Skin
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Best Benefits Of Moringa Seeds For Skin, Hair And Health
Moringa seeds are obtained from the pods of the moringa tree (Moringa Oleifera) or the drumstick tree. Fresh and raw moringa seeds are quite tender, but as soon as they get dried, they become hard and start resembling small beans.
The grayish-white seeds with unique wing-like structures can be steamed, boiled or roasted for various purposes.
Best Moringa Seeds Benefits:
- Like many other herbs, moringa seeds also offer great antioxidant benefits. They contain lots of vitamins A, C, B-complex and other free radical busters that save our body from severe oxidative damages.
- In other words, the antioxidant properties of the seeds can help us take care of our overall health.
- Scientists have proved that the moringa seeds can reduce the amount of oxidized lipids in our body and take care of our cardiac health by safeguarding the heart tissues from constructional damages.
- The anti-carcinogenic effects of moringa seeds are also quite well known. They can stop the growth and development of cancer cells by accelerating their death count. According to researchers, the intake of moringa seed powder for 3 consecutive weeks can successfully restrain colon cancer
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Unbelievable Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds
It wasn’t until recently that the many health benefits of moringa seeds have become widely known in the world. Moringa seeds come from the moringa tree (Moringa Oleifera) which is native to northwestern India and is sometimes called the drumstick tree or horseradish tree. Almost every part of the moringa tree has many health benefits. For centuries, the seeds, leaves, flowers, and roots, and have all been used in traditional medicine because of their health boosting benefits.
The moringa seeds are removed from the inside of a long and slender pod that dangles from a branch of moringa tree. The seeds can be roasted and then eaten like nuts or they can be cooked like peas or beans. Moringa seeds are a rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to help treat heart disease, lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar levels, and boost your immune system. The seeds from the moringa tree help to keep a person healthy because they are also a rich source of vitamins and essential minerals.
However, the health benefits of moringa seeds also extend to using them externally. Oil can also be extracted from moringa seeds and used as a natural moisturizer to keep your skin looking young and healthy. In fact, the pulp left over after extracting oil from moringa seeds contains powerful antibacterial properties that are used to purify water in many countries.
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Health benefits of moringa seeds?
According to WebMD, morninga seeds treat and prevent a variety of health conditions, including anemia, arthritis, headaches and high blood pressure. Morninga seeds also help minimize swelling and enhance immune function, and when applied topically, morninga can help eradicate germs and treat the gum disease gingivitis. Morninga seeds also contain high amounts of antioxidants that allow for cell protection.
The Miracle Trees Foundation explains that morninga seeds are beneficial in treating boils and Staphylococcus skin infections. The seeds are also utilized as natural anti-inflammatory treatments for conditions such as rheumatism and gout. Morninga seeds contain terygospermin, a substance that aids in treating fungal infections. The Miracle Trees Foundation also explains that the leaves of the morninga tree contain high levels of protein, vitamin A and calcium, allowing for increased energy and strong bones.
According to Life in Health, morninga seeds and leaves contain up to 18 amino acids and 36 anti-inflammatory ingredients. Morninga naturally hydrates the skin, helps to balance hormone levels, and contains three times the amount of potassium as bananas. Morninga leaves also contain lysine, an amino acid that is essential for proper calcium absorption and antibody production. Lysine also helps boost collagen production, which in turn allows for healthy cartilage and connective tissues.
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6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Moringa Oleifera
Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years.
It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. So far, scientists have only investigated a fraction of the many reputed health benefits.
Here are 6 health benefits of Moringa oleifera that are supported by scientific research.
- Moringa Oleifera is Very Nutritious
- Moringa Oleifera is Rich in Antioxidants
- Moringa Oleifera May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
- Moringa Oleifera May Reduce Inflammation
- Moringa Oleifera Can Lower Cholesterol
- Moringa Oleifera May Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
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Moringa Fruits (Pods)
The seed pods (fruits) of the Moringa oleifera tree are one of the most nutritive and useful parts of this versatile plant. Also known as drumsticks due to their elongated shape, the seed pods are used in a variety of traditional and modern medical treatments and are consumed as food in many areas of the world. The durable, drought-resistant nature of the moringa tree makes it a valuable source of nutrition in regions where water is scarce. Moringa seed pods are used to treat drinking water supplies as well due to their natural coagulant properties that allow particulates to settle in turbid water.
While relatively unheard of in the West, the Moringa Oleifera tree is well known to the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent and throughout Southeast Asia. While virtually every part of the Moringa down to the roots can be used for one purpose or another, the fruit of the tree is particularly valuable, both as a highly nutritious food source, and in a number of other applications. In appearance, the Moringa tree's fruit resembles long, thin beans or pea pods. During vegetative growth they are white in color, changing to brown when they reach maturity. The seeds inside, which are as highly prized by local populations as the fruit, number between 5 to 20 per fruit. The fruit itself is characterized by a taste that can be described as similar to asparagus. Moringa tree fruit look somewhat like drumsticks, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "drumstick tree". One of the reasons for the great popularity of Moringa tree fruit in balmy southern Asian areas as well as other tropical regions is its great versatility as a food source, as well as the natural healing power of products made from it. In traditional Indian cuisine, Moringa Olifeira fruit is often prepared in much the same way as beans and can be cooked in a variety of manners, whether fried or incorporated into sambar or curry dishes. As they tend to keep well over an extended period of time, they are perfect for storage and later use.
Moringa fruit, like almost any other part of the tree, is particularly prized for its high nutritional value. Due to a plethora of vitamins and micronutrients, the fruit of the tree is well known for promoting good health and helping to alleviate a host of ailments. With the growing availability of Moringa powder as a health supplement, people beyond the Moringa Oleifera's native environment are finding out what those in the tropics already know about its numerous benefits.
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Moringa Flowers
Ayurvedic medicine has long recognized the utility of the Moringa oleifera plant in treating a number of diseases. The plant itself offers significant nutritional benefits and contains proteins, amino acids and a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making it an outstanding food and supplement for vegans and vegetarians. Moringa flowers are especially prized for both medicinal and nutritional purposes and are even used in cosmetic preparations and perfumes. The cream-colored flowers with deep yellow centers are quite beautiful and fragrant and can be cut for ornamental display in homes and offices as well, providing a clean floral scent for the surrounding area.
Moringa flowers are often brewed into a strong medicinal tea or pressed for the juice they contain. In both cases, the resulting drink is used in Ayurvedic practice to treat urinary tract infections, to manage the symptoms of the common cold and as a supplement for breast-feeding women to help increase the flow of milk and the nutritional value it provides to babies. Moringa flowers have also been used as an aid to weight loss as they contain a powerful diuretic that can reduce bloating and water retention. Additionally, moringa flowers can help to strengthen liver function and protect against tissue damage caused by prescription and nonprescription medications. The flowers of the moringa plant are considered to be useful in combating impotence, lack of sexual desire and other sexual dysfunctions.
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Moringa Flowers
Moringa Flowers are a good source of nectar for honey-producing bees
Moringa flowers are considered a delicacy in many places.They are often mixed into other foods. You can mix the Moringa flowers in salads or fry the flowers in Moringa oil and eat the fried Moringa flowers as a snack. Especially popular is Moringa oleifera tea. The flowers sit in hot water for at least five minutes to let the distinctive flavor brew. The Moringa flowers tea is considered to have nutritional benefits and to be a powerful medicine.
Moringa Oleifera tree is fast growing tree, and just after eight months comes it’s first bloom. Moringa flowers are approximately one inch in diameter and a creamy white color. They could be harvested at any time, but younger flowers are better, quality wise. These flowers are considered a delicacy in many places on the planet. Some people say that they taste like mushrooms. You can mix Moringa flowers in a salad or fry them in Moringa oil, as well as add them to many different dishes
Moringa flowers could be either dry in the shade, or in the oven under low temperature to be stored for tea making. The flowers sit in hot water for at least five minutes to let the distinctive flavor brew. After that tea could be sweetened with honey or sugar. After 8 to 12 months, the moringa tree begins to flower and continues year round. The flowers can be eaten or used to make a tea. In Haiti, tea from the flowers is drunk for colds. The flowers provide good amounts of calcium and potassium. Moringa flowers also provide a year-round source of nectar for bees, although some have claimed that honeybees do not gather nectar from moringa.
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MORINGA OLEIFERA – MORINGA FLOWER
Moringa Flowers
Moringa Oleifera tree is fast growing tree, and just after eight months comes it’s first bloom. Moringa flowers are approximately one inch in diameter and a creamy white color. They could be harvested at any time, but younger flowers are better, quality wise. These flowers are considered a delicacy in many places on the planet. They contain good amount of both calcium and potassium. Some people say that they taste like mushrooms. You can mix Moringa flowers in a salad or fry them in Moringa oil, as well as add them to many dishes like: lasagna, omelets, soups, sea food, pasta dishes, pizzas… Just one note, be careful how much you eat, because they have laxative effect on the body.
Moringa flowers could be either dry in the shade, or in the oven under low temperature to be stored for tea making. The flowers sit in hot water for at least five minutes to let the distinctive flavor brew. After that tea could be sweetened with honey or sugar. Moringa tea has both nutritional benefits and works as a medicine. In some countries people drink very strong Moringa flowers tea on a first sign of the cold to boost their immune system, or to treat a sore throat. In Puerto Rico the flowers are made into an infusion and used as an eye wash. For a long time in Ayurvedic medicine, Moringa flowers are used to treat inflammations, muscle diseases, tumors and enlargement of the spleen. Be aware: flowers can act an abortifacient so do not use in pregnancy.
People in India and Philippines drink Moringa tea regularly for nutrition and general wellness. Breastfeeding mothers drink it to increase milk production. Women drink Moringa tea for cramping and bloating connected to their menstrual cycles, and man report increasing in stamina during their working day.
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Moringa tree starts flowering after 8 month and continues all overs year. many people dry flowers and store them for making tea. These flowers are very good source of nectar for bees.
Health Benefits of moringa:
- Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers? milk when breast feeding.
- Flower juice is useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination.
- Tea of flowers is used to treat cold and boost immunity
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