Moringa Leaves, Fruit Pods ,Seeds, Flowers , Roots Uses Benefits and Preparation

Moringa Oleifera Leaves

The leaves of the Moringa oleifera plant have been used as food and in medicinal preparations for centuries. Modern medical research also bears out the value of these versatile leaves, making them a valuable natural resource for a wide range of uses in the medical and nutritional field. Because the Moringa plant can be grown in climates where other food plants might struggle, including semi-arid and tropical areas, its leaves can serve as a nutritional supplement to people in regions where naturally occurring food sources are scarce. The Moringa plant can also survive on very little water; a definite advantage in many areas where desertification and climate change are creating widespread malnutrition among the inhabitants.

Nutritional value

Moringa leaves are especially useful in combating hunger since they can be dried and transported easily and provide much needed protein and Vitamin C, along with numerous other nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The leaves are particularly useful for infants, young children and nursing mothers, since they contain significant amounts of calcium, proteins and other vital elements for growth and healthy development. Where fresh Moringa leaves are available, they are typically cooked in a similar way to spinach or other greens, and served as a side dish with other foods or as a nutritive main course. They can also be used raw as a salad green and combined with other leafy vegetables or grains. Dried leaves are usually sprinkled on other foods to increase their nutritional value or taken in supplement form or in a steeped tea, though the latter may lose some of the food value if the leaves are not also consumed with the drink.

Traditional Ayurvedic uses for the moringa leaf

Ayurveda is the most commonly practiced form of traditional medicine in India. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine incorporate the Moringa leaf into many of their healing techniques.

• Gastrointestinal upsets including ulcers and diarrhea
• Headache
• Inflammation
• Anemia
• Fever
• Minor respiratory difficulties
• Eye infections
• Poor nutrition
• Bronchitis
• Inner ear infections
• Skin infections when used as a topical application

Modern medical uses

A number of peer-reviewed research studies provide support for the use of Moringa leaves in therapeutic applications. The Moringa leaf contains powerful antioxidants that have proven their effectiveness against cancer cells in the laboratory environment; additionally, Moringa leaves increase milk production and the nutritional value of the milk in nursing mothers. Moringa leaves are also used therapeutically to treat high blood pressure with good results.

Other uses for moringa leaves

Moringa leaves have been used as food for stock animals and even in fishery applications in order to provide more nutrition. The high protein content of the Moringa leaf helps animals to grow more quickly, and Moringa leaves are far cheaper than most other sources of protein for fish and farm animals. Moringa leaves have also shown great promise in enhancing the growth of other plants; an extract of the leaves diluted in ethanol can increase the sturdiness of the plant as well as the number and size of the fruit produced, enhancing the overall harvest and improving the productivity of agricultural endeavors

Moringa Fruit Pods

The seed pods (fruits) of the Moringa oleifera tree are one of the most nutritive and useful parts of this versatile plant. Also known as drumsticks due to their elongated shape, the seed pods are used in a variety of traditional and modern medical treatments and are consumed as food in many areas of the world. The durable, drought-resistant nature of the moringa tree makes it a valuable source of nutrition in regions where water is scarce. Moringa seed pods are used to treat drinking water supplies as well due to their natural coagulant properties that allow particules to settle in turbid water.

While relatively unheard of in the West, the Moringa Oleifera tree is well known to the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent and throughout Southeast Asia. While virtually every part of the Moringa down to the roots can be used for one purpose or another, the fruit of the tree is particularly valuable, both as a highly nutritious food source, and in a number of other applications.

In appearance, the Moringa tree's fruit resembles long, thin beans or pea pods. During vegetative growth they are white in color, changing to brown when they reach maturity. The seeds inside, which are as highly prized by local populations as the fruit, number between 5 to 20 per fruit. The fruit itself is characterized by a taste that can be described as similar to asparagus. Moringa tree fruit look somewhat like drumsticks, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "drumstick tree".

One of the reasons for the great popularity of Moringa tree fruit in balmy southern Asian areas as well as other tropical regions is its great versatility as a food source, as well as the natural healing power of products made from it. In traditional Indian cuisine, Moringa Oleifeira fruit is often prepared in much the same way as beans and can be cooked in a variety of manners, whether fried or incorporated into sambar or curry dishes. As they tend to keep well over an extended period of time, they are perfect for storage and later use.

Moringa fruit, like almost any other part of the tree, is particularly prized for its high nutritional value. Due to a plethora of vitamins and micronutrients, the fruit of the tree is well known for promoting good health and helping to alleviate a host of ailments. With the growing availability of Moringa powder as a health supplement, people beyond the Moringa Oleifera's native environment are finding out what those in the tropics already know about its numerous benefits.

Traditional medical uses

Moringa seed pods are used in the Ayurvedic medical tradition as a specific cure for worms and parasites. Seed pods are also crushed and applied topically to treat minor skin inflammations, warts and infections. The oil contained in the seed pods can be used to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Moringa seed pods contain complex chemical compounds with antibiotic and antioxidant properties that can boost the body’s own natural immune system. As a result, the seed pods are often recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners for patients with digestive upsets and abdominal tumors.

Modern medical applications

Moringa seed pod husks are a bountiful low-cost source of activated carbon, an important medical tool in the treatment of ingested poisons. Unlike other sources of activated carbon that can require extensive processing prior to use, moringa seed husks can be processed using single-step steam pyrolysis, a simple method that can be performed even in remote areas and without advanced technological tools. The chemical compounds in moringa seed pods have also been scientifically proven to reduce swelling and inflammation, making them valuable treatments for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Nutritional value

The seed pods of the moringa plant are highly nutritious with one cup of fresh drumstick pods containing well over 200% of the daily recommendation for Vitamin C set forth by the FDA. Moringa seed pods are rich in proteins and amino acids necessary for health and proper physical function and are high in calcium and potassium. These versatile seed pods are eaten as vegetables in many parts of the world and are cooked in much the same way as green beans. Moringa seed pods taste similar to asparagus and can be seasoned in the same fashion; they can also be fried or incorporated into curries, soups and sambars as a tasty vegetable component of these spicy combination dishes.

Other uses

Moringa seed pods are currently being used to purify water in a number of remote areas where technologically advanced methods of water purification are not practical. The oil contained in moringa seed pods contains a natural coagulant that interacts with impurities in the water and allows them to settle safely to the bottom, providing fresh drinking water in areas where dirt and other contaminants typically render water supplies unsafe for human consumption. Because moringa seed pods are completely nontoxic and safe for consumption themselves, the resulting water is safer for drinking and other personal uses. Additionally, crushed moringa seed pods can often be acquired at little or no cost from industrial sources that produce this seed pod presscake as a byproduct of moringa oil extraction, making this water treatment method a cost-effective and efficient use of limited resources in less developed parts of the world.

Moringa Seeds

The seeds of the Moringa oleifera plant are among the most nutritious and useful botanical products available. These versatile seeds can be used in a variety of ways including as medicinal and herbal remedies, as nutritional supplements and for industrial and agricultural purposes. Moringa seeds are edible in both fresh and dried forms and, along with the seed pods that contain them, can be prepared in numerous ways as both food and medicine. The medicinal properties of the moringa seed are well documented in the scientific literature and are further supported by the experiences of generations of traditional Ayurvedic practitioners.

While many parts of Moringa Oleifera trees are deemed useful, the seeds are especially prized for their medicinal powers. The seeds have valuable properties that enable them to treat a wide array of illnesses and conditions. The National Charity for Organic Growing has studied the efficacy of Moringa Oleifera seeds as a medial treatment and found that they provide legitimate relief for many medical problems. These include rheumatism, gout, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary infections, boils, and even epilepsy. When used as medicine, the seeds are pounded and mixed with coconut oil. Often, seed oil derived from the Moringa Oleifera seeds will be used in place of the mashed seeds

Moringa seeds in traditional medicine

The seeds of the moringa plant have been used in Ayurveda medical practice for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and to improve overall health in patients. The antibiotic properties of moringa seeds make them valuable in poultices and topical treatments for bacterial infections and other conditions of the skin. Taken internally, moringa seeds have traditionally been used to reduce the frequency of epileptic fits and to treat arthritis and rheumatoid disorders. Moringa seeds are also recommended by traditional practitioners to treat a variety of sexual dysfunctions and to improve sex drive in both men and women.

Modern medical uses

The antibiotic properties of moringa seeds have been proven in laboratory testing. Moringa seeds can be used to treat fungal infections as well due to the presence of pterygospermin, a naturally occurring antibiotic present throughout the moringa plant. Additionally, the high protein and iron content of these seeds make them a valuable resource in combating malnutrition and anemia in developing regions of the world.

Nutritional value

Moringa Oleifera seeds, are eaten like green peas. The peas are harvested until they harden and strained or boiled to remove the bitter coating. The seeds offer concentrated nutrients including amino acids, proteins and a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making them an outstanding supplement for stressed and hurried individuals and a solid source of nutrition for undernourished populations around the world. The nuts can be served fresh or dried and often are pressed to remove the oil they contain, which is useful for cooking and can be added to other dishes to boost their nutrient content as well.

Water purification

Moringa Oleifera seed powder is particularly effective in purifying water. This is important in many societies, where the only drinking water available may come from a dirty river or lake. The Moringa Oleifera seed powder removes dirt by joining with the particles and sinking to the bottom. It also is extremely effective in removing harmful bacteria from bodies of water. Moringa Oleifera seed powder is much more economical, and arguably, safer than aluminum sulfate and other chemicals traditionally used in water purification. When crushed and added to turbid water, moringa seeds can serve to purify it for drinking and other uses. This cleansing property is the result of the coagulating nature of the moringa seed, which can speed water clarification and allow water to settle and become safe to drink much more quickly. The use of moringa seeds in water purification is expected to provide healthier, safer drinking water for many areas of the world in which technologically advanced methods are not available.

Agriculture

Ground and defatted moringa seeds can be used to supplement animal feed or as fertilizer for crops and enrichment of soil, allowing farmers and ranchers to enjoy increased production and improved results from their agricultural endeavors.

A source for biofuel

Because moringa seeds are rich in natural oils, they have been considered as a potential source for biofuel materials. Newer extraction techniques may make this even more profitable and prevalent as fossil fuels supplies continue to shrink

Moringa Flowers

The fragrant Moringa Oleifera flowers are creamy white in color, with yellow stamens. The flowers average about one inch in diameter and they first bloom when the tree is eight months old, and after that, Moringa Oleifera blooms every year from the month of April until September. Moringa Oleifera flowers are considered a delicacy in many locales. They are often mixed into other foods, especially salads. Other regions prefer to fry the flowers in batter and eat the fried Moringa Oleifera flowers as a snack. Especially popular is Moringa Oleifera tea-the flowers sit in hot water for at least five minutes to let the distinctive flavor brew. The tea is not only well loved for the nutritional benefits-in many places, tea brewed from Moringa Oleifera flowers is considered to be a powerful medicine.

Ayurvedic medicine has long recognized the utility of the Moringa oleifera plant in treating a number of diseases. The plant itself offers significant nutritional benefits and contains proteins, amino acids and a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making it an outstanding food and supplement for vegans and vegetarians. Moringa flowers are especially prized for both medicinal and nutritional purposes and are even used in cosmetic preparations and perfumes. The cream-colored flowers with deep yellow centers are quite beautiful and fragrant and can be cut for ornamental display in homes and offices as well, providing a clean floral scent for the surrounding area.

Traditional medicine

Moringa flowers are often brewed into a strong medicinal tea or pressed for the juice they contain. In both cases, the resulting drink is used in Ayurvedic practice to treat urinary tract infections, to manage the symptoms of the common cold and as a supplement for breast-feeding women to help increase the flow of milk and the nutritional value it provides to babies. Moringa flowers have also been used as an aid to weight loss as they contain a powerful diuretic that can reduce bloating and water retention. Additionally, moringa flowers can help to strengthen liver function and protect against tissue damage caused by prescription and nonprescription medications. The flowers of the moringa plant are considered to be useful in combating impotence, lack of sexual desire and other sexual dysfunctions.

Modern medical uses

Recent studies have shown that extracts from the moringa flower can be used to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms in laboratory rats. The diuretic effects of moringa flower extract can reduce the incidence of edema and swelling and help the body more effectively heal after an injury or illness. Additionally, moringa flowers contain powerful antibiotic agents that can help combat infection when used topically or taken internally. The chemical compounds in moringa flowers have been proven to reduce high blood pressure and to help control the blood sugar fluctuations experienced by patients with diabetes, making the extracts from these flower pharmaceutically valuable.

Nutritional value

Moringa flowers contain vital amino acids and are excellent sources of calcium and potassium, making them a valuable supplement for nursing mothers. The flowers of the moringa plant are said to taste similar to mushrooms and can be prepared in a number of ways. Moringa flower chutney is often stewed with other vegetables and served as a sauce or side dish. The fresh flowers can be battered and fried as a delicious and healthy snack food. In Bangladesh the flowers are often cooked with coconut, garlic, cumin and other spices to create a traditional springtime dish known as sojne phool. A tea brewed from the flowers is often consumed as a health tonic and an accompaniment to many Indian meals.

Cosmetics and perfumes

Moringa Oleifera flowers are also used cosmetically. The fragrant Moringa Oleifera produces perfumes and hair oils. They are also commonly displayed inside homes where the flowers act as natural "air-freshners."  Moringa Oleifera flowers serve a variety of purposes-medicinal, cosmetic and nutritional. It is no wonder the Moringa Oleifera is so highly valued across cultures. The flowers provide significant topical antioxidant benefits for the skin and hair as well as a light floral scent. Moringa flowers have also been incorporated into aromatherapy practice and are the basis for a number of perfumes and colognes

Moringa Roots

The Moringa oleifera plant is one of the most useful plants known and offers numerous medical and nutritional benefits for users. Used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine, it has proven its effectiveness as a medicinal herb in scientific trials as well. The roots of the moringa plant offer a concentrated form of many of the chemical compounds found throughout the rest of the plant and can provide therapeutic benefits for many conditions and ailments. Caution should be exercised when using the roots of the moringa plant due to the higher chemical concentration found in these parts of the plant; additionally, the roots sometimes contain traces of a paralyzing agent called spirochin that can be dangerous for sensitive individuals or if taken in extremely large quantities.

Moringa roots in traditional medicine

The restorative and healthful benefits of the moringa root have been used by Ayurvedic practitioners in India for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. The roots are especially useful in controlling disorders of the circulatory system including minor cardiovascular complaints. In small doses, moringa roots can be used to stimulate the appetite and improve the function of the digestive tract, making it useful for individuals with gastric upset and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the roots have been used in controlled doses to treat impotence, sexual dysfunction, female reproductive tract issues and to bring on menstruation. In poultice form, the roots are used for cramps and arthritis pains. Moringa roots are diuretic and may have some antiseptic qualities in topical use as well.

Modern medical uses

Moringa roots have been investigated by medical researchers to determine their effectiveness against a number of ailments. Solid evidence exists that the moringa root contains elements that can combat epithelial ovarian cancer and provide new hope for cancer sufferers. Additionally, scientific studies have shown that moringa root extracts can help to reduce or eliminate kidney stones by allowing the body to flush calcium and phosphates from the kidneys more efficiently. General studies have also shown improved overall kidney function in subjects treated with moringa root extracts. Moringa roots can be used as anti-inflammatory agents with solid results in laboratory rats showing reduced swelling and improved healing in edema and other artificially induced inflammations. Finally, the analgesic and soporific effects of moringa root compounds have undergone rigorous scientific testing and have been found to be useful in supplementing pharmaceutical remedies, allowing patients to experience longer, less interrupted sleep when taking pain medications.

 

Other uses

The harvested roots from Moringa Oleifera trees serve a wide variety of purposes. Moringa Oleifera roots are important agents of healing and nourishment. The roots are used to create medicines, perfumes, natural pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents, animal fodder and many other important products. 

Moringa Oleifera Roots can also be used for culinary purposes. When Moringa Oleifera seedlings are 60 centimeters tall or shorter, their roots can be used to create special sauce. The tree's bark is removed and vinegar and salt are added to the ground up roots and bark. The resulting sauce is very similar to horseradish and is used as a spice or condiment. The sauce can also serve medicinal purposes. Those suffering malnutrition are encouraged to consume the sauce made from the Moringa Oleifera roots as it contains high levels of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, which are known to bring about a quick recovery. Moringa Oleifera Roots contribute to society in a variety of ways. They create powerful medicines and their sauce is considered a nutritional delicacy. Surely, the Moringa Oleifera will be treasured for generations to come.

Moringa Oil

The properties of the Moringa Oleifera oil have been known for centuries: Egyptians buried vials of the life-giving Moringa Oleifera oil in their tombs, Arabs in the desert spread the oil on their faces to ward off the ravages of sun and wind, ancient Romans prized the oil as a stable foundation for perfumery. The tree offers all these benefits and more; Moringa products offer an almost limitless potential for good.

The Moringa provides food, for man and beast: the tender pods are tasty when young and are often added to curries; the older pods serve well as animal fodder. The leaves of the tree are very nutritious and are very popular in South Africa and all over Asia. A meal in the southern part of India is considered incomplete without some Moringa dish. Even the roots provide a spice very similar to horseradish, but it must be used very sparingly, as the roots include a potentially fatal ingredient.

The entire plant, whatever part is eaten, is known to provide a high protein content, high vitamin and mineral content, and quality carbohydrate.

The seeds yield a whopping 42% of their weight in a very high quality, stable oil, a property discovered centuries ago by the Indians. They used the light and pleasant-tasting oil in cooking and in healing as well. Ayurvedic medicine relies heavily on the products of the Moringa tree: the bark of the trunk the roots, the leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds and gum. Modern studies are beginning to confirm the importance of Moringa in medicine.

Another useful property of the Moringa tree and its seeds is that, after the seeds are cold-pressed to expel their valuable oil, the remaining substance can be used to purify water. Almost miraculously, the particles of Moringa seed cake attract solids in water, and since bacteria cling to the solids, the water is purified and made safe to drink. In most countries of the world, this alone would be reason to cultivate the tree.

But of all the potentially beneficial creations of the Moringa Tree, the oil stands alone, truly the star of the Moringa family of products.

For example, Moringa oil is very stable and has an extremely long shelf life (5 years or more). This stability makes it natural as a carrier oil volatile fragrances, hence its popularity for use in high quality perfumes, a quality exploited centuries ago by Romans, and before them, by the Egyptians. Skin allergies, irritations, wounds, and blemishes are all healed by Moringa oil. It has high antioxidant properties, making it a valuable source of Vitamins A, C, and E; it is one of the highest naturally occurring sources of antioxidants. Moringa Oil contains 4 times the collagen of Carrot Oil, thus helping to rebuild skin’s collagen fibers, which minimizes wrinkling.

Moringa oil, being very light and pleasant-tasting is similar to Olive oil in being a monounsaturated fat, and so is good for healthier eating. It spreads easily on the skin, and so is a fine massage oil and base for essential oils. The oil itself is also known as Behen oil, a good rub for a pregnant woman’s belly. Soothing and softening to the skin, Moringa oil has moisturizing, nourishing, and emollient properties, and also excellent cleaning ability. Modern uses are found in soap, perfumes, shampoos, and other skin care products. Moringa oil is useful in cleaning hair and scalp.

The light properties of Moringa oil led to its discovery as a lubricant for fine machinery. This was known as Ben Oil, and is well known to watchmakers and other fine craftsmen. Moringa Oil has long been known to provide a high quality fuel for lamps, giving a clear, smokeless light.

The ability of the Moringa tree to provide so many quality uses leads one to believe that this tree might be the saving grace of planet Earth