Popularly known as the ‘miracle tree,' moringa has wide-ranging benefits. For centuries, it has been used for various medicinal purposes, and in recent years, moringa has garnered a lot of attention in the health and wellness field. Native to North India, its also grown in South America, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, South East Asia, Arabia, and Africa. Here is everything you need to know about this wondrous tree.

Moringa: Its Origin

The name moringa comes from the word murungai, which means drumstick in Tamil. In the Caribbean and South America, it's known as Mawonga or Liberdad, and in Africa, as Argentinga or Kpashima. In Asia, it’s also called Mulungai or Saisam. Generally, it's known as Moringa Oleifera.

What Is Moringa Used For?

Due to its numerous benefits, moringa is used for many purposes. In folk medicine, its seeds (raw or crushed) have been used for treating numerous diseases and illnesses such as digestion, joint pain, ulcers, poor vision, and stomach pain. Similarly, the herbs (stems and leaves) of moringa have also been used to treat cholera, bronchitis, blood impurities, asthma, anxiety, anemia, and many more.

From its leaves to its roots, the entire plant is edible. However, it has a bitter taste, which can prevent many people from consuming it.  Moringa is available in various forms such as capsule, powder, tea, and even as an oil. You can also find sprouted or fermented moringa seeds, which can help with digestibility. 

Moringa: What Are Its Health benefits?

Moringa Tea seeds contain a lot of goodness for your health. Moringa oil, which is extracted from its seed, predominantly consists of monounsaturated fats-which is very good for your heart health. Additionally, it's potent in alpha-tocopherol, which is converted into vitamin E by our body.

The herbs and seeds of moringa are also full of anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, ulcer-lowering, immune-strengthening, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a fantastic source of plant-based protein and contains all the essential amino acids which can boost muscle repair, energy production and regulate your mood.

For a healthy body, it's critical that you have a healthy liver, and for that, moringa can be beneficial. Moringa contains polyphenols, which can help reverse the oxidation of your liver. Some research also shows that consuming moringa can prevent liver damage and minimize liver fibrosis.

The leaf powder from moringa has also been shown to regulate oxidative stress and reduce glucose and lipid levels, which can be highly beneficial for diabetes patients. That's not all; moringa has also been shown to fight against free radicals, support brain health, balance blood sugar levels, and improve digestion.

It's native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia and Africa, and it's the only genus in the flowering plant family of Moringacea. Whether it's through seeds or cuttings, the ones originating from local trees have a higher chance of propagating. It takes just 8-12 months for this plant to produce flowers and leaves for consumption. Its flowers possess distinct colors of yellow and white, and its suitable for warm climates. 

Conclusion

If you want to better your overall health, you must incorporate moringa into your regime. It's a truly miraculous plant and has wide-ranging benefits for your body.