What Is Moringa?
Moringa oleifera or what we all know as the Moranga Tree is exceptionally nutritious. Its uses are as unique as the names it is known by, such as miracle tree because of a variety of health benefits, clarifier tree, horseradish tree and drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods) and in East Africa it is called “mother’s best friend”.
Moreover, it is a multi-purpose form of plant because almost all of its parts – fruits, flowers, leaves, pods, roots and bark of the tree – can be consumed for many purposes. It is usually slender with drooping branches that can develop at 10 meters in height approximately and it actually bears fruits in warm weather conditions such as in tropical countries or subtropical areas. Its leaves are oval in shape with a single small-sized stalk. Its branches and trunk are brittle but has a powerful root. It produces green or white-yellowish flowers which has favorable scent and comes out all year. Tracing back the past, it came from Northern India as a native plant used around 2000 B. C. for medical purposes. The concept has been adapted up to now in which parts of the tree are being processed for certain health practices or supplementation and has produced a very big impact in the medical field. Each structure of the moringa plant has many health benefits to all.
Take for instance, the moringa leaves can help relieve headaches when rubbed against the temple. It is also applied in some shallow cuts in order to stop bleeding and it has anti-inflammatory effects on the wound. It has anti-bacterial effects on certain insect bites and leave extracts can help fight against fungal or bacterial infections. When leaves are consumed as a tea, it can help cure gastric ulcers and diarrhea. When they are eaten, it can avoid malnutrition because of its high protein content and rich amount of fibers.
Leaves also contain ample amount of iron and has been recommended for anemia in some countries. It can also treat fevers, bronchitis, eye or ear infections and mucus membrane inflammation. It has been proven to treat scurvy which is a kind of skin disease usually cause by bacteria.
Moringa flowers and pods are important too. The pods are extremely nutritious, containing all the essential amino acids along with many vitamins and other nutrients. Flowers are made into juices to enhance the flow of mother’s milk and its quality when breastfeeding. The juice is usually used as a treatment for urinary problems especially to those who have incontinence. Some boil Moringa flowers to make them as a tea which is a very strong remedy for colds. Additionally, the pods can be eaten raw which act as a de-wormer for most children. It can also treat liver problems, spleen issues and joint paints. It is high in protein and fiber content which is very essential in preventing stomach aches and malnutrition.
Moringa seeds are proven to greatly contribute in the wellness of human beings. It is used to treat the inflammation problems in certain diseases such as arthritis, gout, cramps, rheumatism, sexually transmitted diseases and boils. They are usually roasted and mixed with coconut oil to be applied in certain areas that are swelling. They contain antibiotic properties which are effective in infections caused by staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. The seeds are also consumed to act as a relaxant for epileptic seizures.
Moringa roots, bark and gum are also used as medicinal treatments for some health conditions. The bark of the tree can be an appetizer and it is digestive. For some countries, the roots and bark are pounded and mixed to treat cardiac problems, circulatory problems, rheumatism, lower back pain, kidney issues and articular pains. While the Moringa gum is used to treat asthma and serves as a diuretic. More of Moranga benefits include a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, zinc and essential amino acids. The vitamin A content in Moringa is four times greater than in carrots and more potent source of vitamin C than oranges. The concentration of calcium content are much higher than in milk which leaves it as a better source. It is also seven times more concentrated with potassium than bananas and made up of large quantities of zinc. It is also balances the cholesterol levels of the body and regulates sugar levels in the blood. It can stimulate metabolism and help in weight loss problems. Aside from these, it is a bio-fuel source, water purifier, used in cosmetic or personal care products, a good source of cooking oil for domestic purposes and many others.
