Scientific name: Moringa oleifera
Common name(s): Moringa, Indian moringa, miracle tree, horseradish tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree
Cautions
The bark of moringa may cause uterine contractions and should be avoid during pregnancy. Likewise, those taking drugs for diabetes should seek medical advice before consuming moringa supplements since they can exacerbate the hypoglycemic properties of the medicine.
Moringa Side Effects
Moringa is considered safe in normal doses; however, excessive consumption must be avoided in order to prevent hepatotoxicity.
DESCRIPTION
The moringa tree is really a woody, perennial shrub that can be 16-32.8 feet (5-10 m) tall, with a trunk diameter of about 18 inches (45 cm). The bark is usually pale, grey-white, and usually smooth. The pale green moringa leaves grow in an alternate pattern and have an oval shape, with many leaflets. The flowers, on the other hand, are 0.4-0-8 inches (1-2 cm) long, with white or cream petals, whereas the pods are 0.4-0.6 inches (10-15 mm) long, brown when ripped, and each one contains three rounded seeds.
Medicinal action: Anti-inflammatory, Nootropic
Key constituents: Flavonoids, isothiocyanate compounds, polyphenolic compounds
Moringa Medicinal Properties
All parts of the moringa tree (roots, barks, leaves, flowers, and pods) have been traditionally used as a source of nutrition and medicinal properties, many of which are still under investigation, although a growing number of scientific studies are revealing potential moringa’s pharmacological applications. Although folk medicine uses all parts of the tree for treating a wide variety of health conditions, the following are scientifically proven moringa benefits:
- Alleviating inflammatory conditions. The concentration of antioxidant compounds in moringa has been shown useful for the treatment of chronic inflammation involved in health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune conditions, edema, arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Treating neurodegenerative diseases. Moringa properties include nootropic and neuroprotective actions that have proven useful for the treatment of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Preliminary studies have shown that moringa’s properties also comprise hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective actions. Moringa leaves and pods are also considered a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they have been consumed for millennia in their native lands for treating anemia and preventing malnutrition.
All parts of the moringa tree have been traditionally consumed in both culinary and medicinal forms, in order to reap their medicinal properties and nutritional value.
Natural Forms
- Raw. In their fresh form, moringa leaves are a popular snack that provide great nutrition and medicinal benefits when added to salads, soups, and other culinary preparations.
- Dried. Once dried, whole moringa leaves can be added to baked goods, smoothies, and many other culinary and medicinal preparations.
- Powder. The dried leaves of moringa are ground into a fine powder that can be added to smoothies, baked goods, and more. This is the most popular way of reaping moringa health benefits and nutritional value.
- Tea. Dried or powdered, moringa leaves can be brewed into a warm infusion with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Moringa tea can soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, lower blood pressure, and help reduce blood sugar levels.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements
- Essential oil. Obtained from cold pressed seeds, moringa essential oil – also known as “ben oil” – is rich in unsaturated fatty acids as well as in vitamins A and C. In this form, the emollient and anti-inflammatory properties of moringa nourish and moisturize the skin, also helping heal superficial wounds, scratches, and bug bites.
- Liquid extract. Moringa extract offers high concentrations of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compounds that can help control blood sugar levels, hypertension, and gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Capsules. This one of the most popular ways of consuming moringa, due its availability and practicality. Moringa capsules and tablets come in standardized doses that allows for proper absorption of their antioxidant compounds.