Health Benefits of Moringa Oleifera (Drumstick leaves)
Moringa oleifera, also
referred to as the drumstick tree (for the appearance of its seed-pods), is one
of those traditional plants that have been eaten and used as herbal remedies
long before Western science took an interest in them.
Grown in the Himalayan region, South-East Asia
and Africa, this plant recently became a big hit amongst European and American
consumers. The evidence of multiple health benefits, as well as its nutritional
value, make it a sought after product and health supplement.
Taken by mouth or applied to the skin, moringa
has plenty to offer. Read about it and you’ll understand why many swear by this
hardy plant and call it the ‘miracle tree’.
Every Part of Moringa can be Used
When it comes to moringa, nothing is wasted.
Every part has its uses and applications. Leaves, flowers, seeds, pods, oil and
even roots and bark all have a valuable place in the kitchen and/or the
medicine cabinet.
Moringa leaves
The most nutritious part of the plant, leaves
can be eaten as spinach or powdered and added to sauces and soups. They are
rich in vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene), minerals
(calcium,magnesium, iron,
potassium) and proteins.
Moringa leaves have been used in some parts of
the world as an affordable way to combat malnutrition. They have
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and are also known to treat
diarrhea.
Applied to the skin, they help wounds and
bites heal, and help relieve some skin conditions. Due to the high iron
content, moringa leaves have been traditionally used to cure anemia.
Moringa flowers
Flower juice and tea are drunk in some places
to help with urinary problems or alleviate the symptoms of cold.
Immature seed pods
The immature seed
pods, called “drumsticks“ are used as a
green vegetable in Asian curries and soups and remain high in vitamin C even
after being boiled. They are also good sources of potassium, manganese,
magnesium and dietary fiber. If eaten raw, pods are believed to promote liver
and spleen health, relieve joint pain and act as a de-wormer.
Moringa seeds
Seeds can be removed from the pods and
prepared as peas or nuts. The seeds have a potent antibiotic effect and are
particularly good for fighting Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections.
They have also been traditionally used as an
anti-epileptic remedy, and they are believed to help with arthritis,
rheumatism, gout, cramps, sexually transmitted diseases and boils.
Moringa seed oil
Edible oil can be extracted from mature seeds,
and used as food supplement or cosmetic product for skin and hair. It also has
a potential as bio-fuel. Moringa oil can be used for the same ailments as the
seeds.
Moringa roots
The taste of the roots resembles horseradish
and has given yet another name to the moringa tree – horseradish tree. They are
rich in polyphenols and are used as a condiment. However, there is some
controversy around the safety of eating moringa root (see the section on ‘Side
effects and precautions’).
The roots and bark contain all the properties
in higher concentrations, so more care needs to be taken if they are used as
medicines.
Moringa Gum
The gum is a diuretic and has also been known
for its uses with asthma.
FOR MORE DETAILS & HERBALTREATMENT AND ENERGY THERAPIES
CONTACT :-
AARJJITH HERBAL REMEDIES,
C/O AARJJITHRA HOLISTIC
HEALING & RESEARCH CENTRE,
UNION BANK COLONY, 1ST STREET,
NEW VILANGUDI, MADURAI, TAMILNADU,INDIA
EMAIL: holistichealing11@ gmail.com
