What is Moringa?
Moringa Oleifera is the best known of the thirteen species of the genus Moringaceae. Moringa was highly valued in the ancient world. The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians extracted edible oil from the seeds and used it for perfume and skin lotion. In 19th century, plantations of Moringa in the West Indies exported the oil to Europe for perfumes and lubricants for machinery. People in the Indian sub-continent have long used Moringa pods for food. The edible leaves are eaten throughout West Africa and parts of Asia.
Varieties of Moringa
Other twelve (12) varieties of Moringa species
- Moringa Arborea
- Moringa Borziana
- Moringa Concanensis
- Moringa Drouhardii
- Moringa Hildebrandtii
- Moringa Longituba
- Moringa Ovalifolia
- Moringa Peregrina
- Moringa Pygmaea
- Moringa Rivae
- Moringa Ruspoliana
- Moringa Stenopetala
Common Name of Moringa Oleifera: Benzolive, Drumstick Tree, Kelor, Marango, Mlonge, Mulangay, Saijhan and Sajna
Traditional uses:
For centuries, people in many countries have used Moringa leaves as traditional medicine for common ailments. Clinical studies have begun to suggest that at least some of these claims are valid. With such great medicinal value being suggested by traditional medicine, further clinical testing is very much needed.
India:
Traditionally used for anemia, anxiety, asthma, blackheads, blood impurities, bronchitis, catarrh, chest congestion, cholera, conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhea, eye & ear infections, fever, glandular swelling, headaches, abnormal blood pressure, hysteria, pain in joints, pimples, psoriasis, respiratory disorders, scurvy, semen deficiency, sore throat, sprain, tuberculosis.
Malaysia:
Traditionally used for intestinal worms.
Guatemala:
Traditionally used for skin infections and sores.
Puerto Rico:
Traditionally used for intestinal worms.
Philippines:
Traditionally used for anemia, glandular swelling and lactating.
Modern uses:
Over the past two decades, many reports have appeared in mainstream scientific journals describing its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its utility as a non-food product has also been extensively described. Every part of Moringa tree is said to have beneficial properties that can serve humanity. People in societies around the world have made use of these properties.
