AeroTaichi By Zhifu Jo: July 2014

Moringa oleifera: A plant with multiple medicinal uses and benefits

Moringa has been identified as the vegetable with the highest nutritional value among many types of food species studied.

Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa is said to cure about three hundred diseases and almost have all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. Even in a larger proportions. With all the health benefits of this miracle herb, it can easily be termed as the most nutritious herb on Earth. There are no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support the same. It can be consumed by small children and adults. Today, millions world over have started using Moringa based products in porridge, pastas, bread and to reap the everlasting health benefits of the extraordinary ‘Moringa’ herb.

Moringa oleifera has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Different parts of this plant contain a profile of important minerals, and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. The Moringa plant 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.

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 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

* The alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysant) has been found in the roots.

* The gum is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and is used against asthma.