Common name: Moringa, Drumstick tree.
Botanical name: Moringa oleifera.
Family: Moringaceae.
Native to India, Moringa grows in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This is fast growing tree that can reach height of 10-12m. The tree has fragile branches with leaves that form feathery foliage. It has white bisexual flowers that hang in clusters. Flowering usually happens once a year, but in wet climate, with more rainfall, it can flower all year-round. The fruit is hanging, brown like capsule 20-45cm size. It holds seeds that are later on dispersed by wind. Moringa is cultivated for its leaves, pods and kernels for oil extraction.
Leaves are considered the most nutritious parts of the tree. They are source of B vitamins, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese and protein. In Ayurvedic traditional medicine, the leaves are believed to affect blood pressure and glucose levels, while in Africa and Philippines they are given to nursing mothers with the purpose of increasing lactation.
Traditional medicinal uses of leaves: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, nutritional.
Uses of flowers: to increase lactation, to address urinary problems, as a cold remedy.
Pods eaten raw are used in treatment of liver and spleen problems;, diarrhea, malnutrition.
Seeds are believed to be natural antibiotic, have anti-inflammatory ad antimicrobial properties.
Roots, bark and gum are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, for digestion, as diuretics and against asthma.
Moringa is antioxidant (as it repairs the cell damage), it is great immune booster and it has high nutritional value. As such, it can uplift the energy levels and contribute to overall wellbeing.
Products containing moringa: Moringa extract.