The Moringa, native to parts of Africa and Asia, is the sole genus in the flowering plant family Moringaceae. It contains 13 species from tropical and subtropical climates that range in size from tiny herbs to massive trees.

The most widely cultivated species is Moringa oleifera, a multipurpose tree native to the foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India and cultivated throughout the tropics.  Moringa stenopetala, an African species, is also widely grown, but to a much lesser extent than Moringa oleifera.

Moringa species grow quickly in many types of environments. It’s a versatile, highly nutritious plant that grows in a wide range of climates and can survive for extended periods in dry, near-drought conditions.

Moringa has high protein content, Vitamins, minerals and an exceptional amount of antioxidants that give outstanding qualities in nutrition and health human. This being said, this amazing plant has a wide purpose. Herewith we have listed only a few examples of Moringa use, which doesn’t mean that all others are less important.

1. Purifying Water

Crushed Moringa seeds clarify and purify water to suit domestic use and lower the bacterial concentration in the water making it safe for drinking. By using Moringa seeds people will no longer be dependent upon expensive means originating from the West. Using Moringa to purify water could replace chemicals such as aluminium sulphate, which are dangerous to people and the environment, and are expensive.

2. Delaying AIDS Symptoms

As we all know there is no cure for AIDS, but Moringa leaves contain powerful antioxidants that can help prevent or delay some of the worst complications arising from AIDS, so it is a natural choice for areas where modern medical facilities are scarce and overcrowded.

3. A Comprehensive Treatment for High Blood Pressure

The role of the Moringa plant in treating high blood pressure has long been known to practitioners of Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India and the surrounding areas. Recent scientific studies have provided solid evidence that Moringa supplements can indeed reduce high blood pressure in patients and provide benefits to overall cardiovascular health as well.

4. Nutritious Energy Drink

The Moringa oleifera tea is an excellent energy drink. The tea is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that will help clear your mind and boost energy levels. Dried Moringa leaf tea creates a refreshing and nutritious energy boost you will come to appreciate.

Note: You can reuse the Moringa inside the tea bag after drinking your tea. Just open up the bag and use the content for a milkshake, salad or any other dish.

5. Natural Aphrodisiac

Moringa seeds and leaves could be an effective and safe alternative remedy in sexual disorders. Moringa has traditionally been used to boost sexual stamina and desire and to treat male sexual disorders. Scientific tests in rats, confirms that Moringa improve sexual performance, proving this traditional medicine right.

6. Antibacterial Activity

The leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera have varying antimicrobial activity on wide range of microorganisms. Moringa extracts have shown to be more effective than traditional antibiotics to combat certain pathogenic microorganisms studied. Moringa leaves contain bio-components whose antibacterial potentials are highly comparable with that of the antibiotic tetracycline. In fact, Moringa could be a source of new antibiotic compounds.

7. Natural Plant Growth Booster

Moringa is a fast growing tree that can reach up to 3 meters in its first year. Whatever compound makes it grow so quickly can also potentially help other plants to grow fast.

Juice from fresh Moringa leaves can be used to produce a good and effective plant growth hormone. This hormone increased yields by 25-30% in a variety of crops including maize, onions, soya, sorghum, coffee, melon and tomato.  Zeatin is the natural plant hormone from cytokinine group, involved in increasing crop yields.

By Marina Vjetrovic