The German names for the tropical tree Moringa oleifera are horseradish tree or miracle tree.
In India it is known as the tree of life and was already used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine over 5000 years ago.
Its origin is the Himalayan region in northwest India, and now the tree grows worldwide in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world in Africa, Arabia, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean islands, with an average annual temperature of 12° – 40°C and at least 500 mm annual rainfall. Unfortunately, in Africa, Moringa trees were partly uprooted as weeds. In East Africa, there are now first plantings where it is used as a natural remedy in the fight against malnutrition.
Moringa is one of the most nutritious plants in the world with 90 essential nutrients. Moringa trees grow 8 metres high.
They grow very quickly up to four metres per year. For medical purposes, practically the whole tree (root, bark, seeds, flowers, fruits and leaves) can be used. Moringa leaves have the rare property that they can be picked fresh from the tree and eaten raw.
Moringa cures numerous diseases. That is why it is revered in Asian, but now also in African countries. In Asia it is called the ‘miracle tree’, in Ghana ‘never die’ or ‘all-rounder’, in the Philippines it is called ‘Marunggay’ ‘friend of the mother’, in Thailand ‘Baimalum’.
The history of the plant is provided with healing stories. Moringa is said to be able to alleviate and heal over 300 diseases thanks to its countless nutrients.
“Although few people have heard of Moringa, it could soon be one of the most valuable plants in the world.”
Dr Noel Vietmeyer, US National Academy of Sciences, Washington, USA.
Healing and active ingredients
Not without reason, Moringa oleifera is called the “tree of life” in its homeland, the Himalayan region. Its special characteristic is the extremely high content of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In addition to essential amino acids such as Leucine and Arginine, the leaves of the tree contain vitamins A, B1, B2, Niacin, B6, Biotin, C, D, E, K and the minerals Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc.
The high ORAC value of 55000 umolTE/100 g, which expresses the antioxidant potential, is also unparalleled in Moringa. Antioxidants eliminate aggressive oxygen compounds, so-called free radicals, which are responsible for degenerative diseases and premature aging.
Antioxidants are mainly found in fruit and vegetables. One should consume 2000-7000 ORAC units daily.
15 grams of Moringa powder contain about 7000 ORAC units.
Moringa oleifera has been proven to have 46 different anti-oxidants that help slow down the aging process and keep the organism healthy.
The plant hormone Zeatin in Moringa multiplies the effectiveness of vital substances and ensures that the cells open their “doors” wide for vital substances.
The ingredients bring about a rapid improvement in the general state of health in cases of malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. The effect when used internally is characterised by an increase in performance and strengthening of the immune system. Applied externally, Moringa oil is recommended for all bacterial inflammation and skin damages. It can be used in the form of a cream, oil or tincture. The healing effect contributes to rapid regeneration of the skin and wound healing.
Application and Use
Moringa oleifera can be used for a variety of physical and mental problems. In the illustration shown here, the individual problems are interlinked by the metabolism. The whole organism benefits from the variety of active substances in Moringa oleifera.
Moringa oleifera and diabetes
Moringa has an influence on diabetes type II. However, it requires a relatively high dose of 8 g per day. The blood sugar lowering effect is less strong than with mulberry leaves, but still clear. Taking these two dried leaves as a powder in combination promises a simple and effective treatment of high blood sugar, provided that the patients also adhere to the appropriate diet.
Supportive effect in cancer
In tumour patients, Artemisia (mugwort) certainly has the higher tumour-inhibiting effect. Moringa supports the development of the immune system and inhibits inflammation in the environment of tumours so strongly that a combination of the two works better than one plant species alone. Since no one is funding studies on this, this combination therapy is empirically applied in mission hospitals, with very good success and low costs.
Moringa oleifera against high blood pressure
Nutrients against high blood pressure are: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and vitamin E. Moringa has all these nutrients in it. Moringa contains vitamin C and contributes to the body’s own production of nitrogen monoxide, which is important for normal blood vessel function. The potassium content of Moringa is 15 times higher compared to bananas. It helps to expand the blood vessels and causes a change in the interactions of hormones that affect blood pressure.
Moringa oleifera protection for the eyes
A healthy eye needs Beta-carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
An important task of Beta-carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin is to protect the skin and eyes that come into direct contact with light, from free radicals. Each cell, including the sensory cell, has a cell membrane made of a lipid bilayer. This is vulnerable to free radicals. Possible consequences of the aggressive attacks on the eye are: Lens opacities (glaucoma, cataract), retinal detachments, inflammation of the eye, night blindness and macular degeneration. Sufficient amounts of Beta-carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin reduce this risk.
Declaration in mg/100gr.
Zeaxanthin is mainly found in corn and corn products. Green leafy vegetables, yellow fruit and vegetables also contain it. In addition, egg yolk has a relatively high amount of Zeaxanthin and is at the same time a better supplier than vegetables – the high fat content promotes the absorption of Zeaxanthin in the intestine. In general, Zeaxanthin is more readily available from cooked or chopped foods. The average daily intake of Zeaxanthin (and Lutein) for adults is estimated at 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams. However, an exact daily requirement is not known.
Zeaxanthin and Lutein are the only carotenoids that occur in the retina. Scientists suspect that they filter the harmful blue and UV light and protect against oxidative stress. In addition, Zeaxanthin and Lutein improve contrast vision and reduce glare sensitivity.
Lutein is contained mainly in green vegetables such as spinach, curly kale, broccoli, peppers and peas, but also in corn. You can also get Lutein from various fruit such as nectarine, peach, apricot and orange. High amounts of Lutein are also contained in marigold, lettuce, spinach and peppers.
Moringa oleifera against Alzheimer’s disease
One study examined the effects of an ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on the neurotransmitters, Dopamine and Serotonin in different areas of the brain and on Alzheimer’s disease were investigated. It seems that Moringa oleifera has a protective function in Alzheimer’s disease due to the positive effect on neurotransmitters and electrical activity.
As possible explanation, researchers state that the Moringa leaf is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, flavonoids, alkaloids and various other potent compounds that can help to improve memory.
Moringa oleifera as a natural anti-aging substance
Regular consumption of Moringa accelerates metabolic processes in the body and activates regeneration. The antioxidants in Moringa oleifera protect against attacks of free radicals, the proteins accelerate the formation of new cells and vitamin A and vitamin C support the production of collagen and elastin (the main elements of a firm skin), so that the skin becomes firmer and more beautiful.
Moringa oleifera as treatment for gout and arthritis
For many centuries, Moringa oleifera has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for arthritis and gout. It is believed that Moringa leaf powder reduces many inflammations and pain caused by these diseases.
Moringa oleifera detoxifies the body
The body is cleansed of acidic and harmful waste and the detoxifying organs are strengthened. Moringa works against toxic and metabolic liver damage, against liver diseases and supports regeneration of the liver.
Moringa oleifera for pregnant and nursing mothers
Moringa leaf powder or leaves taken additionally during pregnancy, can support the healthy growth of the baby and increase the mother’s milk production. Through the mother’s organism and later breast milk, the child can already absorb many important vitamins and minerals. Particularly worth mentioning are the amino acids Arginine and Histidine contained in the plant, which cannot be produced in sufficient quantities by the baby’s body itself during the growth phase, but which are nevertheless essential for its healthy development.
Moringa oleifera as a natural protection against HIV and Aids
The main problem of infection lies in a poor nutritional status, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the immune system.
In areas where AIDS is common, especially in poor communities in Africa, dried Moringa leaf powder provides valuable nutrients to strengthen the immune system, to fight infections and thereby improve the well-being of people with HIV.
Application and Use
Moringa is usually offered as pure powder as well as in a capsule form. Since the taste is slightly spicy, many people who take an exact dosage daily prefer the capsule form. Make sure that Moringa always consists of hand-picked leaves and comes from organic cultivation. It is important that the moisture content of the dried leaves is preferably less than 7%. Many products have massively higher moisture content and are therefore of inferior quality. Also make sure that the name “Moringa oleifera” is noted, because there are twelve other types of Moringa, which, however, do not nearly possess the healing power of Moringa oleifera.
Note: For health complaints, do not use medical plants without consulting a doctor or a pharmacist.
Literature:
Moringa oleifera: Die wichtigste Pflanze der Menschheitsgeschichte, (The most important plant in human history), Claus Barta, Das Neue Licht Verlag
Moringa, Gesund und schön mit dem Nährstoffwunder, (Healthy and beautiful with the nutrient miracle), Melanie Wenzel, GU-Verlag
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Photo: © Pixabay
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