Moringa

oleifera

A swift growing, deciduous tree growing to 12m (40ft) in height. The bark of the tree is surrounded by dense cork. Leaves are green in colour and tripinnate. The fragrant flowers extend on fine stalks, 5 petaled and white-yellow. The dark brown seeds have thin papery wings, easily scattered by wind and water.

Family: Moringaceae

Which probiotic is it in?: Moringa is a key herb in Sustain, Women, Sleep, Immunity, Breathe, Kids and Detox.

Habit and cultivation: Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southern Asia. India is still the largest producer. Moringa can grow in cooler regions but then only flowers annually whereas in more constant warm temperatures it can flower all year. This tree loves sun and heat. Manually harvested for the leaves, pods and kernels for oil extraction and water purification.

Actions (known for): Anti-oxidant, anti-convulsant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-trypanosomal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-glycaemic.

History of Moringa

Used for thousands of years in India and known as the ‘wonder tree’ or ‘Divine tree’, as a medicinally nutritious plant but also useful in the building trade. The name is derived from ‘murungai’ (Tamil), meaning twisted pot and oleifera meaning ‘oil bearing’ in Latin. Moringa has been been used to combat malnutrition for centuries as it is a highly versatile nutrient producing tree that grows in arid environments. It grows in areas where 5% – 35% of the population experience malnutrition and is considered one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world.

Parts used from the Moringa

Leaves, drumsticks (immature seed pods), seeds, seed oil and roots.

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Flavonoids, glucosinolate, phenolic acid, terpenes, alkaloids and sterols.

Nutritional constituents:

Raw leaf and raw pods: protein, carbs, fats. Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C. Minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

Indications:

Malnutrition from circumstance or disease. Considered a ‘super food’.

Dosage:

Varies considerably. Stick to what is written on the individual container.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Cautions for therapeutic doses

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