Moringa Plant

Commonly known as the Drumstick or Horseradish tree, and botanically known as Moringa olefeira the Moringa tree, is one of the most useful trees that has its roots in India. After its discovery, the Moringa plant was grown in parts of Asia, Africa, both the American continents and also Europe. Right from the roots, stalk, fruits and flowers, all parts of this tree are used in some or the other way and hence it is a true gift of nature to mankind. Other than using the pods of this tree as a daily food item, there are many medicinal and industrial applications of it. To enrich you with some more Moringa plant benefits and uses, I have put together some information about it in the following paragraphs. So take a look!

Moringa Plant

Moringa - Almost a Kalpavriksha!
The word "kalpavriksha", means a tree, every part of which is of some use. One such example is the coconut tree and the Moringa plant no less. It is also one of the most useful plants found in nature. Like the coconut tree, every part of even the Moringa plant is of some use and hence it won't be wrong to call Moringa, a kalpavriksha. There are many Moringa plant uses with respect to nutrition, soil control, agriculture, water purification, cattle feed, industrial applications, medicine for humans and livestock, etc. Mentioned below are the various benefits and uses of the Moringa.

Moringa Plant

Growing Moringa Plant
It is not a difficult task to learn how to grow the Moringa plant. Since it was found growing in the wild when it was discovered, this tree can be grown with minimum maintenance. There are many uses of this plant and thus growing Moringas is definitely beneficial. The Moringa plants are very adaptable and therefore can grow in any weather conditions, without much extra care. Moringa oleifera or Moringa stenopetala seeds can be used to grow Moringa trees. The former are brown, winged and relatively easier to obtain, while the latter are tan. Moringa oleifera plant can reach to a height of around 12m. It is advisable to grow it to a height within your reach so that harvesting the leaves and pods remains easy. And now about the uses and benefits of Moringa plants.

Medicinal Benefits of Moringa Plant
Almost every part of the Moringa plant has some or the other medicinal property. The Moringa seeds, oil, flowers, bark, sap, roots, leaves, etc. are used to heal many health problems. They are said to be effective for disorders like cancer, nervous conditions, gastric ulcers, skin diseases, fatigue, impotence, edema, cramps, diabetes, hemorrhoids, headaches, hay fever, sore gums. Extracts from the Moringa plant parts can be used to treat acne, age spots, pimples, black and white heads and patches on skin. The health benefits of Moringa also include lowering blood sugar and increasing lactation and bone density.

Nutritional Benefits of Moringa Plant
The edible parts of the Moringa plant are its pods or the fruits, known as drumsticks. There are used in various delicious food preparations. The leaves of this plant contain nutrients like vitamin C, beta carotene, iron, potassium, proteins and various essential amino acids. They are great substitutes for spinach leaves. The very well known Moringa oil is extracted from the seeds, and is used in cooking and in ointments.

Uses of Moringa Plant
The Moringa plant also has industrial applications where its various parts are used in production and treatment of commercial products. Its seeds are used in water treatment and as cleansing agents. They are powdered and used to clean turbid water. Research shows that methane gas can be produced from the leaves of Moringa plant, which is used in biogas plants as a biofuel. The dried leaves of Moringa can be used as fodder for cattle and livestock. The oil which is pressed from the seeds is used in cosmetics and perfumes, and also a lubricant in mechanical industries.