Moringa is occasionally referred to as “the drumstick tree” due to its elongated pods resembling drumsticks. Its name originates from the Tamil term “murungai,” translating to “drumstick.”
After its introduction to English consumers, moringa “the horseradish tree” because its root, with a similar pungent taste, was used as a horseradish sauce substitute. The term “oleifera” in its name points to the oil-rich seeds it produces.
Moringa trees are commonly utilized to create teas and powders. It is believed that every part of the moringa plant is edible, with its leaves, seeds, and fruits being especially popular for their various health advantages.
This tree, which is mainly found in India and other sub-tropical regions, is a drought-resistant perennial that can thrive in a wide range of climates and environments.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Moringa:
In Ayurveda, moringa is considered to have heating and pungent qualities. It is said to have a heating action and a pungent, bitter taste, with a pungent post-digestive effect.
According to the ancient Ayurvedic text Bhava Prakash, moringa, also known as “sigru,” is said to have deep cleansing and detoxifying effects, quickly penetrating the body’s tissue layers for cleansing.
Moringa Effects on Dosha:
It is particularly beneficial for balancing kapha and vata dosha but may increase vata in excess due to its bitter taste. Also, its heating qualities may aggravate pitta.
Also Read: Discover Your Unique Dosha and Achieve Balance with Ayurveda
Nutritional benefits of Moringa:
Moringa is rich in vital nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Also, it is low in fat and does not contain any harmful cholesterol.
Benefits of Moringa:
Moringa has numerous benefits and is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine, as well as being grown and sold as a dietary supplement or food ingredient.
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Moringa for Heart Health and Blood Pressure:
Moringa has components like quercetin that can help protect the cardiovascular system by preventing lipid formation and inflammation, which are factors contributing to heart disease. Also, Moringa may help lower cholesterol levels.
Moringa has copounds that could assist in controlling blood pressure. In a study, one group of healthy individuals ate 120 grams of cooked moringa leaves daily for a week, while another group did not. The participants who consumed moringa had lower blood pressure levels two hours after eating compared to those who did not.
Drumstick pod decoction is recommended for managing hypertension, promoting metabolism, helps reduce lethargy and sexual debility.
To prepare, take one drumstick daily, cut it into pieces, and boil it to make a decoction. Optionally, add a pinch of rock salt according to taste. Consume this once daily, preferably in the evening before meals. This remedy is beneficial for conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, improper fat metabolism, lethargy, and sexual debility. The decoction can be made by boiling one tablespoon of the herb with two cups of water until it reduces to half a cup. Strain and drink it hot, similar to herbal tea. Also Read: How To Control Diabetes, High Blood pressure, Cholesterol
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Enhancing Skin and Hair Health
Studies conducted on animals indicate that moringa seed oil may expedite the healing of skin wounds by reducing oxidative stress. Some experts also suggest that moringa seed oil could have positive effects on hair health. However, further research, particularly involving human subjects, is necessary to confirm these benefits. Also Read: No More Suffering From Hairfall: Here’s What You Should Eat!
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Helps Reducing Edema
Edema, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in body tissues due to factors like inflammation, can lead to tissue swelling around the ear, often resulting from an infection. A study demonstrated that the application of moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema, implying that the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be beneficial in treating this condition. Nevertheless, additional research is required to validate these findings. Also Read: 5 Amazing Ayurveda Foods For Edema
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Liver Protection
Moringa shows potential in safeguarding the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Moringa leaves revealed that those consume a higher concentration of moringa exhibited lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as reduced liver inflammation. Also Read: 7 Powerful Ayurvedic Home Remedies Recipes for Liver Detox
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Managing Diabetes
Moringa leaf extracts have shown potential benefits for individuals with diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as protecting against organ damage. Further research is needed to fully understand how moringa can aid in diabetes management. Also Read: Ayurvedic Approach To Diabetes
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Managing Asthma
Moringa contains compounds that may assist in managing or preventing asthma, bronchial constrictions, and airway inflammation. Moringa extract also helps to improve lung function. Also Read: 8 Ayurvedic Home Remedies For Asthma
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Preventing Kidney stones
Traditional remedies suggest using moringa to prevent kidney stones. Laboratory tests have indicated that moringa extracts can prevent mineral buildup in the kidneys that leads to stone formation. However, additional research is necessary to confirm these findings. Also Read: Defeat Kidney Stones With Ayushakti Ayurved!
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Enhancing Eye Health
Moringa is rich in the antioxidant beta carotene, which plays a crucial role in preserving eye health and reducing the risk of eye diseases. Also Read: 6 Food Items for Good Eye Health
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Addressing Anaemia and sickle cell disease
In certain regions, moringa has been traditionally used to treat and prevent anaemia. Studies have indicated that consuming moringa as a part of one’s diet or as a supplement may also aid in managing sickle cell disease, thanks to its antioxidant properties, ability to remove excess iron and other beneficial factors. Also Read: The Best & Natural Home Remedies For Iron Deficiency Anemia
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Moringa for Gut Health
Moringa extracts have potential benefits for treating various stomach disorders, such as improving digestive health, reducing stomach acidity, and preventing peptic ulcers. Additionally, Moringa’s antibiotic properties may help prevent infections and its anti-inflammatory effects could protect against ulcerative colitis. Also Read: Gut-Friendly Diet Plan For Constipation
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Moringa for Joint Pain
Research suggests that Moringa may also have anti-inflammatory properties that could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, as well as antioxidant activity that may protect against nervous system disorders like MS, Alzheimer’s, neuropathic pain, and depression. Also Read: Try Ayurveda To Treat Your Joint Pain
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Encourages Healthy Sleep and Boosts Energy Levels.
Moringa contains amino acids that support energy levels and tissue repair, making it beneficial for overall energy and sleep quality. As an adaptogenic herb, moringa can adjust to the body’s needs, providing sustained energy during the day and promoting restful sleep at night. Also Read: 5 Remarkable Tips to Fight Insomnia
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Aids in Cleansing and Detoxification
Moringa is known for its cleansing properties and is rich in natural antioxidants, which help the body eliminate toxins and promote detoxification. Also Read: The Easy Simple Plan to Detoxify Yourself at Home
Is Moringa a Safe Option?
Moringa, known for its high nutritional value, is typically deemed safe to consume. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with a pitta imbalance due to its heating nature, or for those with a vata imbalance because of its bitter taste and light, dry qualities.
Precautions to Consider
It is advised to avoid moringa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you are currently on medication, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner before incorporating moringa into your routine.
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Blog Author: Dr Pranav Gujrati
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.