What is moringa for?

Some of the commonly used names for moringa are: white paradise, acacia, pearl tree, chinto borrego, Jacinto flower, Jacinto, Spain paradise, foreign paradise, oriental pearls, mustard tree, teberindo, teberinto, tree horseradish, maringa calalu, among others. Moringa stands out for its extraordinary variety of nutrients and therapeutic properties .

Moringa has been established as one of the most useful plants in the world; it has the ability to grow fast and reach a height of 10 to 12 meters, and all its parts can be used. Its applications cover the fields of human nutrition, animal nutrition and the treatment of diseases and conditions.

Moringa is used to:

• Medicinal functions
• Human feeding
• Industrial processes
• Water treatment

Moringa serves as a treatment

Moringa has been considered a miraculous tree , and has been assigned extraordinary names such as: tree of life , mother’s best friend , God’s gift to man , the savior of the poor . It has been part of the traditional medicines of various countries, fulfilling its treatment and curative functions in a satisfactory way.

It has been used by the indigenous people of West Africa and Senegal, as:\

• Stimulant of chronic fatigue
• Treatment in patients with anemia
• Agent to increase milk production in puerperal women
• Anthelmintic

In the country of India, the properties of moringa have been used, producing effects such as:

• Antihypertensive
• Diuretic
• Antidiarrheal
• Ansiolítico
• Antidiabetic
• Treatment of dysentery
• Colitis treatment
• Gonorrhea treatment
• Treatment of headaches
• Treatment of bronchitis
• Treatment of eye infections
• Treatment of ear infections
• Scurvy treatment

The general medicinal properties of moringa can also be classified according to the part of this tree that is used:

The medicinal functions of moringa root are:

• Antilithiasis (prevents kidney stones or lithiasis)
• Rubefaciente
• Agent to increase fertility
• Anti-inflammatory
• Stimulant against paralyzed state
• Cardiocirculatory tonic
• Laxative
• abortive method
• Relieve rheumatism
• Relieve joint pain
• Aliviar sacrolumbalgia
• Relieve constipation

The medicinal functions of moringa leaves are:

• Cleansing
• Poultice on wounds
• Treat headaches
• Treat hemorrhoids
• Reduce fever
• Heal a sore throat
• Treat bronchitis
• Treat eye infections
• Treat ear infections
• Treat scurvy
• Treat a cold
• Control of glucose levels
• Reduction of glandular inflammation

The medicinal functions of moringa bark are:

• Rubefaciente
• Vesicant
• Cure eye diseases
• Treat delusional patients
• Prevent an enlarged spleen
• Destroy tumors
• Prevent tubercular glands from forming
• Heal gastric ulcers

The medicinal functions of moringa gum or resin are:

• Correct tooth decay
• Astringent
• Rubefaciente
• Headache relief
• Fever relief
• Relief of intestinal discomfort
• Dysentery relief
• Asthma treatment
• abortive method
• Syphilis treatment
• Treatment of rheumatic conditions

The medicinal functions of moringa flowers are:

• Stimulating
• Aphrodisiac
• abortive method
• cholagogue
• Anti-inflammatory
• Relieve muscle diseases
• Treat hysteria
• Treat tumors
• Treat or prevent an enlarged spleen
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Lower phospholipid levels
• Lower triglyceride levels
• Lower the atherogenic index
• Decrease the lipid profile of the liver

The medicinal functions of moringa seeds are:

• The extract of the seeds reduces lipid peroxides in the liver.
• Antiepilépticas
• Antipyretic
• Antispasmodic

Recommended dose of moringa

The ways of consuming moringa can vary depending on the part of this plant that is going to be used:

• Moringa infusion: tea is the most used form due to its ease of preparation. It consists of 250 milliliters of water , which when boiled add 10 grams of moringa leaves . The hot liquid is allowed to absorb the essential oil of the moringa, and is subsequently strained and drunk.
• Capsules: The capsules are 200 m long. 1 to 2 of them are consumed daily, along with meals.
• Seeds: The seeds are dehulled and added to a glass of water. The dose ranges from 2 to 3 seeds per day.
• Powdered: It can be added to juices, soups, coffee or yogurt, in an amount of 1 to 3 grams.

Moringa is used in human food

Moringa carries in its chemical composition a variety of nutrients worth taking advantage of to benefit humanity.

In fresh moringa leaves are found:

• Vitamina A (retinol)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Football
• Potassium
• Iron
• Protein

These leaves can be used directly to prepare infusions, green salads, pasta, sauces, soups, creams, stews, rice, fried foods, among others. In addition, they can be mixed with juices, fruit cocktails and the meals of the day to greatly enrich their nutritional value.

The moringa leaves can be put to dry and preserved whole or ground. In powder form, they have the advantage that they can remain for months without losing their properties. In addition, they can be used as a condiment more easily, dispersing their flavor better.

In flowers of moringa are calcium and potassium, elements essential for metabolic processes and for muscle contractions. These flowers can be consumed raw or cooked, and as an accompaniment to salads, soups, dishes and infusions.

In the seeds of moringa one is such an essential oil to olive oil and very good for salad dressings.

The moringa fruit is a triangular shaped pod or capsule, which is consumed in the form of stews. It is characterized by its aphrodisiac properties , and for being rich in proteins, essential amino acids and vitamins.

Moringa is used in industrial processes

Moringa has also been used in the industry as:

• Fertilizer (agricultural industry, to enrich soils)
• Cleaning agent
• Biological fuel (biogas or biodiesel)
• Honey clarifier
• Sugarcane Juice Clarifier
• Pesticide (agricultural industry, to destroy pests)
• Pulp for making newsprint
• Pulp to make cellophane paper

Its use to produce honey is also noteworthy , as its flower is an important source of pollen and nectar for bees.

Moringa bark has fibers that can be used to make ropes, ropes, and mats. In addition, it produces a rubber from which tannins are extracted for the leather tanning industry .

Moringa seed extract has larvicidal effects on the Aedes aegypti mosquito , also useful in agriculture.

Moringa for water treatment

Moringa in pulp form serves to promote processes in water treatment, such as:

Flocculation: it is part of the secondary treatment, in which it is intended to agglomerate the light particles that are floating or suspended in the water. Moringa pulp is a flocculant , and is responsible for binding the particles by intermolecular forces , until they are grouped into larger and heavier matter, which can settle .

Purification: Moringa pulp, by grouping the smallest particles and combating contamination by bacteria, helps to clarify and purify the treated water, taking it one step towards potability. After the disinfection process with oxidizing agents such as chlorine gas, the water will be fit for human consumption.

Moringa contraindications

The overly enthusiastic disclosure of the properties of moringa and without knowing the precise indications of this plant, has the risk that people consume it carelessly , and may fall into excesses. It is therefore essential that an investigation be carried out in advance to be aware of the recommended doses and the appropriate treatments for each patient.

Moringa is contraindicated in people such as:

• Pregnant women
• Lactating women
• Patients with an allergy to moringa parts
• Patients already undergoing drug treatment
• Patients with kidney failure
• Patients with liver problems

Above all, avoid ingesting the root and its derivatives. It can present toxicity due to its chemical components.

Moringa side effects

If moringa is not consumed in the proper doses, it can cause side effects such as:

• Sickness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• In cases of severe excess, paralysis or death

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical opinion. Consult a doctor.