Origin: In 2000 BC, the history of Moringa began on the Indian Subcontinent as an integral part of the traditional medicine used to cure 300 conditions varying from skin blemishes to kidney stones.
From India, it spread its wings to ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt, the purpose of miraculous Moringa was to protect its people against the harsh desert environment as a sunscreen. Eventually, it landed in Greece and Rome where it played the significant role of an ointment and expensive perfume. The edible oil from the seed was extracted and used as a perfume and skin lotion.
The most widely grown species of Moringa originates in certain areas of India, and other species are native to parts of Africa.
In early 2000BC, Moringa was titled medicinal herb in India. The records of Ayurvedic medicine state that Moringa cures over 3000 diseases. Moringa oleifera tree is regarded as a "tree of life" or "miracle tree" by people because it is arguably the most nutritious source of plant-derived food discovered on the planet.
Scientifically: Today, Moringa is advertised as a Superfood and it is valued worldwide for being a powerhouse of benefits. Every part of this tree from its roots to flowers to leaves and fruits are advantageous.
Ayurveda says that 300 kinds of diseases can be cured by Moringa leaves. Moringa balances the Vata and Kapha Dosha. Ayurveda uses Moringa to clean liver, purify blood and eradicate worms and toxins. In Ayurveda, it also prescribed as eye tonic.
Moringa consists of more than 40 varied antioxidants, more than ten times calcium that of milk, more than five times of vitamin C of orange and more than times of vitamin A in comparison of carrots. Even, when compared to spinach it has twenty –five times more iron and fifteen times more potassium than bananas.
Moringa holds more than 30 percent of your daily requirement of phosphorous, magnesium and copper. Thus, it proudly wears the crown of worlds most nutrient dense foods.
After a thorough research, WHO named Moringa as “miracle tree.” For forty years, Moringa was credited as a health enhancer in the poorest countries of the world. In 2008, National Institute of Health (NIH) stated that the parts of Moringa tree have been used as medicines by the various ethnic groups indigenous to prevent or treat more than 300 types of diseases.
The drumstick tree contains 92 nutrients and 46 natural antioxidants. It also holds a good amount of anti-inflammatory compounds. Moringa Oleifera is rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, which can lower the blood pressure level and chlorogenic acid that may help in balancing the blood sugar level.
Scientists believe that Moringa leaves and pods contain isothiocyanates, an anti-inflammatory compound that can reduce inflammation and prevents from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
It can also lower the cholesterol levels reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Moringa Oleifera may protect against some of the effects of arsenic toxicity.
Moringa is piped with vitamin A- the source of retinol- the most essential vitamin for flawless skin. It also promotes skin cells to grow guarding against breakouts, pigmentation etc.
Usage: Moringa has numerous applications in cooking, especially in India. The pods, commonly known as the drumsticks are culinary vegetables used in soups, curries, and chews.
A south Indian dish Sambar also includes drumsticks along with the lentils. The Thai dish Kaeng som, a sour curry too includes the pods and fish. Moringa leaves are used for the dressing of salads and garnishing of cooked dishes like the Kerala dish Thoran.
It may be used as forage for livestock, a micronutrient liquid, and a natural anthelmintic, and possible adjuvant. The phytochemicals present in the leaves (powder) makes it as effective as the soap for washing the hands. Moringa seed cake is used for removing impurities from polluted water.
Moringa is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Women around the world uses Moringa powder for the homemade mask.
Below are some DIY with Moringa:
- Mix 1 tbsp of moringa powder with 1 tbsp of rose water and few drops of lemon juice. Add 1 tbsp of raw honey. Mix it well. Apply it on your face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes to get a radiant skin.
- Take 2 tablespoons of moringa powder with some water. Mix them together and apply on scalp for 45 minutes. Shampoo later. This makes hair roots strong.
- Apply a few drops of moringa oil directly to the face and gently massage. This helps in eliminating dark spots.
- Make a paste of powder with rosewater and apply on the face for 10 minutes. this replenishes the skin and cleanses it.