Moringa, the Miracle Tree – an Overview
It may look pretty ordinary, but it is amazing how God can use the ordinary to do extraordinary things. The tree It has been called the Miracle Tree, the Tree of Life, Mother’s Best Friend. It’s real name is Moringa oleifera. It is transforming lives and communities around the developing world.
God has given us many plants for our well-being and healing. Moringa is one of them. The Ancients knew of it and used it to treat more than 300 diseases, but has only been rediscovered in recent years. In the west, Moringa is now considered among the world’s top superfoods.
According to Wikipedia, “It is considered one of the world’s most useful trees, as almost every part of the Moringa tree can be used for food or has some other beneficial property.”
Native to the foothill of the Himalayas, Moringa oleifera is the most popular of the Moringa family, because of its fast growth and high yield. It is from this plant that most moringa products are produced. Another popular species is Moringa stenopetala (native to East Africa).
Today, Moringa Oleifera is grown in most tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, where it is called by many names, including Drumstick Tree (India), Horseradish Tree, Mulangay (the Philippines), Nébédaï, meaning Never-die (West Africa).
In the developing countries health workers are seeing extraordinary results in treating malnutrition, HIV, and tropical diseases, using fresh and dried leaves. It is also given to nursing mothers to increase their milk supply. Not only that, but the seeds are also used for treating polluted water, providing vulnerable people with safe, clean drinking water. Lives are being saved, and the people are experiencing good health. It is easy to see why Moringa has been called the Miracle Tree.
But that’s not all! Let’s take a closer look at Moringa’s remarkableness.
1. MULTI-NUTRIENTS
Scientists have found Moringa to the most nutrient rich plant on earth. As a result, this high density of nutrients helps build the body’s immune system and so the body can fight off and heal itself. Here we have a powerful multi-vitamin and mineral in one plant. It is so rare for one plant to have such a broad spectrum of nutrients..
Scientific research has shown than moringa leaf powder is power-packed with:
- 9 times the Protein of yoghurt
- 17 times the Calcium of milk
- 25 times the Iron of spinach
- 15 times the Potassium of bananas
- 10 times the Vitamin A of carrots
2. MULTI-FUNCTIONS and MULTI-PURPOSE
Nothing is wasted with the Moringa tree. In fact, every part of the plant can be used for something.
- The leaves are the most popular part of the plant and the most nutritious part, and used fresh, ground as powder, or crushed in tea leaves.
- Seeds are used for oil, and the husks are used for purifying water, and of course, the seeds are used for planting.
- Oil is used in beauty products, and for fine machine oil, and for biodiesel fuel.
- Flowers are loved by bees who make honey. The flowers are also edible.
- Drumsticks are used as a vegetable in cooking.
- Stems
- Bark
- Roots are used for medicinal purpose and not recommended to take in high doses.
3. MULTI-CULTURAL
Another amazing fact is that Moringa grows naturally where it is most needed.
As we’ve said, Moringa will grow in all tropical and subtropical climates. It is drought resistant, and can grow in most soil types, as long as it is well drained. It has the ability to survive the extremely dry conditions. And where is the most malnutrition in the world? In hot and dry climates. So our Creator has planted the Moringa Oleifera (plus other Moringa species) where it is needed the most.
In Africa, Moringa leaves are used to treat malnutrition. HIV Aids, malaria and other tropical diseases. As communities are being taught the benefits of moringa and how to grow it, not only their health improves, but moringa provides them a means of income. Communities are becoming self-sufficient.
One of nature’s best kept secrets has come out in the open. As we see lives transformed through this amazing plant, we will agree that…
