Medical importance of moringa oleifera

MORINGA OLEIFERA

Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. English common names include: moringa, drumstick tree  (from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed-pods), horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), ben oil tree, or benzoil tree (from the oil which is derived from the seeds). It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India, and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas where its young seed pods and leaves are used as vegetables. It can also be used for water purification and hand washing, and is used in herbal medicine.

MORINGA CAN BE USED ON THE DISEASE LISTED BELOW

Moringa is used for “tired Blood” (Anemia); arthritis and other Joint pain (rheumatism); Asthma; Cancer; Constipation; Diabetes; Diarrhea; Stomach Epilepsy; Stomach Pain; and intestinal ulcers; intestinal spasms; headache; heart problems; High Blood pressure; Kidney stones; fluid retention; Thyroid Disorders; and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

Moringa is also used to reduce swelling, increase sex drive (as an aphrodisiac), prevent pregnancy, boost the immune system, and increase breast milk production. Some people use it as a nutritional supplement or tonic.

Moringa is sometimes applied directly to the skin as a germ-killer or drying agent (astringent). It is also used topically for treating pockets of infection (abscesses), athlete’s foot, dandruff, gum disease (gingivitis), snakebites, warts, and wounds.
Oil from moringa seeds is used in foods, perfume, and hair care products, and as a machine lubricant.
Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. Because it can be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals when dried, moringa is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to fight malnutrition. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.

FUNCTION OF MORINGA

Moringa contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage.

USES OF MORINGA

Taken orally of my mouth

• Asthma. In an early study, taking 3 grams of moringa twice daily for three weeks reduced asthma symptoms and the severity of asthma attacks in adults.
• Increasing breast milk production. Early evidence suggests that taking 250 mg of a specific moringa supplement (Natalac) twice daily after childbirth increases breast milk production.
• “Tired blood” (anemia).
• Arthritis.
• Cancer.
• Constipation.
• Birth control.
• Diabetes.
• Diarrhea.
• Epilepsy.
• Stomach pain
• Stomach and intestinal ulcers.
• Headache.
• Heart problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney stones.
• Swelling (inflammation).
• Thyroid disorders.
• Infections.
• As a nutritional supplement.
• Stimulating immunity.
• Increasing sex drive.
• Other conditions.

    APPLICATION OF MORINGA ON SKIN

• Athlete’s foot.
• Dandruff.
• Warts.
• Skin infections.
• Snakebites.
• Gum disease (gingivitis).
• Other conditions

     Moringa is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth and used appropriately. The leaves, fruit, and seeds might be safe when eaten as food. However, it’s important to avoid eating the root and its extracts. These parts of the plant may contain a toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death. Moringa has been used safely in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 3 weeks.  There isn’t enough information to know if moringa is safe when used in medicinal amo

Precautions & Warnings:

·         Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s LIKELY UNSAFE to use the root, bark or flowers of moringa if you are pregnant. Chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers can make the uterus contract, and this might cause a miscarriage. There is not enough information available about the safety of using other parts of moringa during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Moringa is sometimes used to increase breast milk production. Some research suggests it might do this, however, there isn’t enough information to know if it is safe for the nursing infant. Therefore, it is best to avoid moringa if you are breast-feeding.

DOSING

The appropriate dose of moringa depends on several factors such as age, health, and  other conditions. At this there is no enough or scientist determination  an appropriate range of doses for moringa Oleifera. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important when taken it. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or other professionals before using it.