Powerful Moringa Benefits and Effects for Health

Moringa Oleifeira (aka Drumstick Tree)

Sometimes even proven things are forgotten and come back to light again after thousands years. Moringa was highly appreciated in ancient Egypt, in ancient Greece and Rome and also in ayurveda. Currently, it is renewing its glory again.

Moringa Oleifeira is a not very large, slender tree that bears long narrow pods. These hang from branches like mallets on a drum, that’s where its nickname comes from.

It is a complete nutritional miracle. The American National Institutes of Health awarded it the title of Plant of the Year in 2008. You can use almost every part. The seeds in the pods are pressed for an oil, the pods themselves are then consumed in raw, cooked and dried form. Its flowers are also edible. From the dried leaves you can prepare decoction, or ground it and use directly a fine powder. It has a deep green color and simply dissolves in juice or water.

Properties

Moringa leaf powder is made from whole moringa tree leaves, one of nature’s most nutritious foods. It contains over 20 types of Essential Amino Acids, Vitamins and Minerals. It is also rich in potassium, calcium, and iron.

Moringa is also high in vitamin C which is an essential nutrient. It is one of the most potent antioxidants. It helps the body to produce collagen naturally. Collagen helps to give the skin a younger look by supporting the structure of the skin.
Increasing antioxidants is important for maintaining a youthful glow and look of the skin. Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants, along with vitamins A and B, which moringa also contain. Doesn’t matter whether you have dry or oily skin, you will definitely benefit from moringa.

Health Benefits

• reduces swelling and heals wounds,
• protects liver and solves thyroid problems,
• helps with stomach problems,
• strengthens bones,
• helps with neurodegenerative diseases,
• increases immunity,
• has antibacterial effect,
• reduces inflammation,
• has positive effects on diabetes, anemia and asthma,
• nourishes skin and hair (check easy diy recipes for skin and hair masks)
• reduces risk of gallstones, kidney and urinary stones,
• has positive effect on cardiovascular system.

Read full article about studies proving health benefits of Moringa here.

But Moringa knows much more. It is not for nothing that it is called the tree of miracles from Africa. There, mainly in the southern part of the continent, it has its origins, but it can also find in Southeast Asia and South America. A major producer today is India, which also relies on high quality for its usefulness in Ayurveda.

Side Effects

Pure and high-quality moringa is natural and free from any additives. It’s generally safe to use by mouth and/or on skin. It’s important to read ingredient labels because there is a variety of supplements on the market.

Since it is a plant, moringa still can have some side effects. That include lower blood pressure, slowed heart rate, interference with fertility and uterine contractions. Therefore it is better not to use moringa during pregnancy.

Usage and dosage

Moringa is usually available in powder or capsule form to take by mouth. And oil to use topically.

In capsule form, always follow instruction on the product.

Dried moringa leaves (Moringa powder): When you plan to take moringa in its powder form, start by taking half a teaspoon up to three weeks. It may have laxative effects.

Moringa tea: for a decoction or add to the herbal tea mixture.

Moringa oil: You can find it in natural creams or lotions. Or use it on skin directly. Store the oil in a dark cool place away from the sunlight.