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, Horseradish Tree, Ben
Oil tree, or Benzoil tree
Is very suppressing to know that every part of
the Moringa tree can be used in medical science
Moringa
oleifera has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value
and medicinal benefits. Different parts of Moringa contain a profile of
important minerals and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene,
amino acids and various phenolics. Moringa provides a rich and rare combination
of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.
Moringa
can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic,
antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic,
antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic,
hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being
employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of
medicine.
Traditional
cultures in various parts of the world have long used Moringa in their herbal
medicine repertoire for ailments ranging from gout to various inflammations and
fevers. Some of the remedies are described here but there is no guarantee they
will work for every case!
MORINGA LEAVES MEDICINAL USES AND BENEFITS
•
Leaves rubbed against the temple can relieve headaches.
•
To stop bleeding from a shallow cut, apply a poultice of fresh leaves.
•
There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when applied to wounds
or insect bites.
•
Extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints.
•
Leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhoea.
•
Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due
to the high protein and fibre content.
*
Leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, inflammation of the
mucus membrane
*
The iron content of the leaves is high, and they are reportedly prescribed for
anemia in the Philippines.
*
Dried Moringa leaves treat diarrhoea in Malawi, Africa.
*
The powder ground from the seeds is also used in the treatment of scurvy skin
diseases (common bacterial infections of the skin).
MORINGA FLOWERS MEDICINAL USES AND BENEFITS
•
Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast
feeding.
•
Flower juice is useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination.
*
In Haiti, villagers boil Moringa flowers in water and drink the tea as a
powerful cold remedy.
MORINGA PODS MEDICINAL USES AND BENEFITS
•
If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and treat liver and spleen problems and
pains of the joints.
•
Due to high protein and fibre content they can play a useful part in treating
malnutrition and diarrhoea.
MORINGA SEEDS MEDICINAL USES AND BENEFITS
•
Used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat arthritis,
rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually transmitted diseases and boils. The seeds are
roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problem area. Seed
oil can be used for the same ailments.
•
Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination.
•
They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy.
Moringa
seeds are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide
terygospermin.
MORINGA ROOTS, BARK AND GUM MEDICINAL USES AND
BENEFITS
The
roots and the bark have all of the properties described above but are more
concentrated. Therefore, much more care should be taken if using them as
medicines.
*The
roots and bark are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and
for inflammation. The bark is an appetizer and digestive.
*In
Senegal and India, roots are pounded and mixed with salt to make a poultice for
treating rheumatism and articulars pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also
used to relieve lower back or kidney pain
• Fodder-branches
• Fodder-branches
*
The alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysant) has been found in the roots.
*
The gum is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and is used against asthma.