MIRACLE TREES- Moringa: a supermarket on a tree! moringa
Imagine a tree in your backyard that will meet most of your nutritional needs, purify your water and take care of you medicinally?
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.
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Moringa oleifera is a fast growing tree. Already in its first year Moringa can reach a height of 3 meters. Moringa grows best in arid conditions and Moringa is drought tolerant.
The ownership of one Moringa tree can make an enormous difference to a family’s livelihood.
Moringa medicinal qualities are tantalizing.
Moringa can be effective against skin infections, Moringa is used for lowering blood sugar, Moringa is helpful in reducing swelling and in healing gastric ulcers, Moringa is used for lowering blood pressure and Moringa can be used for calming the nervous system.
Moringa other uses
Moringa makes an efficient fuel, Moringa can make a good fertilizer and Moringa may be used as livestock feed.
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Moringa Medicinal Uses
Most parts of the Moringa Tree are used in medical science.
Around the world every part of the Moringa Tree has been used effectively against varying ailments.
Some of the remedies are described here but there is no guarantee they will work for every case!
Moringa Leaves
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
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.
Moringa Oil
* Oil of Ben is used for hysteria, scurvy, prostate problems and bladder troubles.
* Villagers in Oman use Moringa oil to treat stomach disorders. They also use it in perfume and hair oil.
Moringa & Ayurveda medicine
Uses every part of the Moringa Tree and considers it one of the most valuable and useful plants. The ayurvedic medicine of India has many uses for Moringa Tree products, such as a natural antibiotic, an aid in childbirth, for treating liver disorders, and many other uses.
Moringa & Siddha medicine
In Siddha medicine says that the leaves are full of medicinal properties. The drumstick seeds are used as a sexual virility drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men and also in women for prolonging sexual activity.
Moringa Leaves powder RDA
Nutrient %RDA in 25g powder for children %RDA in 50g powder for pregnant women
Protein 42% 21%
Calcium 125% 84%
Magnesium 61% 54%
Potassium 41% 22%
Iron 71% 94%
Vitamin A 310% 162%
Vitamin C 22% 9%
Source:
www.miracletrees.org/
Making Moringa Leaf Powder
Moringa Leaf Harvest
Moringa leaves can be harvested at any time once trees are established. For Moringa leaves harvest in intensive production plots, plants are trimmed to 15-50cm (6-20in) above the ground. Intensive plots can be trimmed up to 9 times per year. For Moringa leaves harvest in trees, cut the entire tree back to a height of 1-2m (3-6ft); this is best done during the rainy season so that the tree is able to recover before the dry season. Other methods of Moringa leaves harvest for trees include: trimming selected branches (leaving some branches for the next harvest or seed production); trimming each branch back by half; and picking a few leaves off of each branch.
Moringa leaves are harvested, they should be stripped off the stems. During this procedure any damaged or discolored leaves can be set aside for animal feed or compost. [Stems and branches can also be used as animal feed or in compost.] Leaves are then rinsed in clean water or a very weak bleach solution (1:100) to remove dirt and germs.
Drying Moringa Leaves
Moringa leaves should be dried in an area protected from light to prevent the loss of vitamins and protected from dust and pests to prevent contamination. If necessary, Moringa leaves can be covered by thin cloth or mosquito netting to help keep them clean while drying. The drying process should be completed as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of molds; if leaves mold or mildew they should be thrown out or used for compost. If the humidity of the air is high, the Moringa leaves should be spread out in a thin layer and mixed frequently; dehydrators, ovens, driers or fans may be required in cases of extreme humidity. When the Moringa leaves become brittle and crush easily, they are dry.
Moringa Leaves Drying suggestions
1. Spread cleaned Moringa leaves on a cloth inside the house or other protected structure
2. Spread cleaned Moringa leaves in hanging trays made with mosquito netting
3. Hang Moringa leaf bunches from roof or porch with string (similar to tobacco drying; for this method, the leaves are left on the stem
Grinding Moringa Leaves
Dried Moringa leaves can be made into powder using a mortar & pestle, local grain grinders, burr mills (hand crank or motor driven), or simply by rubbing the dried leaves against a fine screen. Once the dried Moringa leaves have been transformed into a powder, the leaves powder is sifted to remove any remaining stems.
Storing Moringa Leaf Powder
Moringa Leaf Powder should be stored in air-tight containers protected from heat, humidity and light. If the Moringa leaves powder is not adequately dried or stored it could encourage the growth of molds or mildews which could cause problems ranging from unpleasant to harmful. If stored Moringa powder is exposed to heat or light it will degrade and the nutrient content will be reduced. Moringa Leaf Powder can be stored for up to 6 months under the following conditions: clean, dried powder stored in air-tight containers, protected from light and humidity, and kept below 24°C (75 °F).
Using Moringa Leaf Powder
Moringa Leaves Powder can be added to any food or beverage and it will increase the vitamin, mineral and protein content. For healthy individuals, a few spoonfuls of Moringa Leaf Powder can be added to any meal to make it more nutritious. Since the nutrient content of Moringa Leaf Powder decreases if exposed to heat, add the powder after the food or drink has been prepared, just before serving.
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Moringa Leaf Powder has the greatest impact on those who are more vulnerable: malnourished children, pregnant or lactating women, children at weaning age, HIV/AIDS patients, and the elderly. Malnourished children ages 1-3 years should consume three rounded tablespoons (25g) of Moringa Leaves Powder each day. Pregnant or lactating women should consume six rounded tablespoons (50g) of Moringa Leaves Powder each day. According to FAO/WHO standards, these amounts provide the following in terms of RDA3:
www.miracletrees.org/moringa_leaves_powder.html
How to purify water with moringa seeds?
Moringa Water Purification
Crushed Moringa seeds clarify and purify water to suit domestic use and lower the bacterial concentration in the water making it safe for drinking.
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Moringa seed powder can be used as a quick and simple method for cleaning dirty river water. Studies showed that this simple method of filtering not only diminishes water pollution, but also harmful bacteria. The moringa powder joins with the solids in the water and sinks to the bottom. This treatment also removes 90-99% of bacteria contained in water.
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Moringa Water Purification
By using Moringa seeds people will no longer be depending on expensive means originating from the West. Using Moringa to purify water replaces chemicals such as aluminium sulphate, which are dangerous to people and the environment, and are expensive.
Water from varying sources will need different amounts of Moringa seeds powder because of the impurities present will not be the same. Experiments with a jar will help in working out the correct amount needed.
Whats in the name?
The Moringa oleifera names:
Moringa tree of life . Moringa never die tree . Moringa a arvore milagre . Drumstick tree . Moringa the magic tree . Moringa l'arbre de la vie . Moringa baum des lebens . Moringa el árbol de la vida . Tree of paradise . Acácia branca . Moringa Ben aile . Horseradish tree . Moringa a arvore da vida . Moringa behenbaum . Moringa wonderboom . Moringa the miracle tree . Moringa the best mothers' friend . Moringa Wunderbaum . Moringa a arvore magica . Moringa l’arbre miracle
Source:
www.miracletrees.org/moringa_water_purification.html
Moringa is the sole genus in the flowering plant family Moringaceae. The 13 species it contains are from tropical and subtropical climates and range in size from tiny herbs to massive trees. The generic names are derived from the Tamil word murunggai (முருங்கை) or the Malayalam word muringa, both of which refer to M. oleifera.[2]
The most widely known species is Moringa oleifera, a multi-purpose tree native to the foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India and cultivated throughout the tropics.[3] M. stenopetala, an African species, is also widely grown, but to a much lesser extent than M. oleifera.
Moringa oleifera silviculture is currently being promoted as a means to combat poverty and malnutrition.[4] It grows quickly in many types of environments, and much of the plant is edible, including by livestock. The leaves contain all essential amino acids and are rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and minerals.[3] Feeding the high protein leaves to cattle has been shown to increase weight gain by up to 32% and milk production by 43 to 65%.[4] According to Dr. K. Shaine Tyson of Rocky Mountain Biodiesel Consulting, the degreased meal contains 60% protein, 40% more than soybean meal. The defatted meal can also be used to purify water, settling out sediments and undesirable organisms.
Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa
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These tress just grow wild, have them growing down the street here in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, seeds are quite expensive in places, but it is a natural growing in many places.
Read More About Moringa Medicinal Uses:
* Alzheimer Prevention
* Anti-inflammatory
* Boosting Immune System
* Cancer Treatment
* Diabetes Treatment
* Gastric Ulcers Relief
* Gout & Arthritis Treatment
* HIV/AIDS Treatment
* Herpes Treatment
* High Cholesterol
* Lupus Treatment
* Natural Antibiotics
* Ovarian Cancer Treatment
* Potent Antioxidant
* Preserving Liver Function
Source:
www.themoringa.com/medicinal-uses/HIV-AIDS-treatment
Comparing Moringa Oleifera to other plants and food:
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Source:
www.themoringa.com/nutritional-values
The Moringa tree grows...
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www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa
More interesting Links....
www.explorelifeonearth.org/moringahome.html
www.naturalnews.com/022272.html
www.squidoo.com/a-miracle-tree
www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa
gbgm-umc.org/health/aidsafrica/moringamiracletree.stm
