The Healing Powers of Moringa
Originally published on the Anima Mundi website
Meet Moringa: Your daily multi-vitamin with a libido kick!
Although this gentle tree was discovered thousands of years ago for its miraculous healing benefits, only over the last few years has moringa become known as one of the most impressive herbal supplements to hit the holistic market. In fact, in 2008 the National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the “plant of the year,” acknowledging that “perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.” (1) Clearly, moringa benefits are highly touted and deservedly so.Indigenous people have revered this sacred tree for its ability to provide us all major essential nutrients, being not only a stable food, it has been used as a daily multi-vitamin perhaps for centuries!
There are thousands of studies demonstrating on the benefits moringa has, especially, for those suffering with mineral or nutritional deficiency. Research shows that just about every part of the moringa plant can be utilized in some way, whether it’s to make a potent antioxidant tea or produce an oily substance that lubricates and nourishes the skin. Throughout the world, moringa is used for treating such widespread conditions as: (2)
- inflammation-related diseases
- cancer
- diabetes
- anemia
- arthritis and other joint pain, such as rheumatism
- allergies and asthma
- constipation, stomach pains and and diarrhea
- epilepsy
- stomach and intestinal ulcers or spasms
- chronic headaches
- heart problems, including high blood pressure
- kidney stones
- fluid retention
- thyroid disorders
- low sex drive
- bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections
“Moringa is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, potassium, calcium and vitamin C. Just how strong is moringa? ~ According to Kuli Kuli, an organization that sustainably harvests moringa plants in Africa, gram for gram, moringa contains:"
- two times the amount of protein of yogurt
- four times the amount of vitamin A as carrots
- three times the amount of potassium as bananas
- four times the amount of calcium as cows’ milk
- seven times the amount of vitamin C as oranges
6 MAJOR HEALING QUALITIES
This easy-to-grow tropical tree species, native to the Himalayan mountains and parts of India and Africa, comes packed with over “90 protective compounds, including isothiocyanates, flavonoids and phenolic acids.” (3) Moringa has gained a reputation for fighting inflammation and combating various effects of malnutrition and aging, earning the nickname “the miracle plant.”
1. Is a powerful anti-inflammatory with a mega load of antioxidants.One of the reasons that the many health benefits of herbal plants like Moringa oleifera are so impressive is because they contain similar abilities to conventional drugs, only of course it doesn't pose the same level of risk or side effects. According to a report published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, moringa contains a mix of essential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), carotenoid phytonutrients (the same kinds found in plants like carrots and tomatoes), antioxidants such as quercetin, and natural antibacterial compounds that work in the same way as many anti-inflammatory drugs. (4)
“Moringa leaves are high in several anti-aging compounds that lower the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, including polyphenols, vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. These are associated with a reduced risk for chronic diseases, such as stomach, lung or colon cancer; diabetes; hypertension; and age-related eye disorders.” (4)
2. Hormone Balance + Slows the Effects of Aging.
“A 2014 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology tested the effects of moringa along with amaranth leaves (Amaranthus tricolor) on levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in menopausal adult women. Knowing that levels of valuable antioxidant enzymes get affected during the postmenopausal period due to deficiency of “youthful” hormones, including estrogen, researchers wanted to investigate if these superfoods could help slow the effects of aging using natural herbal antioxidants that balance hormones naturally.”(4)
Better fasting blood glucose control and positive increases in haemoglobin were also found, which led the researchers to conclude that these plants have therapeutic potential for helping to prevent complications due to aging and natural hormonal changes. (5) Moringa benefits the libido as well and might work like a natural birth control compound, according to some studies.
Although it’s been used as a natural aphrodisiac to increase sex drive and performance for thousands of years, it seems to help reduce rates of conception. That being said, it can boost the immune system during pregnancy and also increase breast milk production/lactation, according to some studies.
3. Improves Digestive Health
“Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa has been used in ancient systems of medicine such as Ayurveda to prevent or treat stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney damage, fungal or yeast infections (such as candida), digestive complaints, and infections.” (6)
A common use of moringa oil is helping to boost liver function and detoxifying the body of harmful substances, such as heavy metal toxins. If you’re living in a city, you must drink potent greens like Moringa to protect your immune system from the toxic environmental impact. Another great thing from this miracle tree is that it kelps fight kidney stones, as well as urinary tract infections, fluid retention/edema and diahrrea.
4. Blood Sugar Balance > Helping Fight Diabetes
“Moringa contains a type of acid called chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and allow cells to take up or release glucose (sugar) as needed. This gives moringa natural antidiabetic and hormone-balancing properties. Aside from chloregnic acid, compounds called isothiocyanates that are present in moringa have also been tied to natural protection against diabetes.” (7)
5. Protects and Nourishes the Skin
Moringa is an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral known for its ability to protect the skin from various forms of infections. Some of the common ways it’s beenis used is reducing athlete’s foot, eliminating odors, reducing inflammation associated with acne breakouts, treating pockets of infection or abscesses, getting rid of dandruff, fighting gum disease, and helping heal bites, burns, viral warts and wounds. (9, 10)
For those of you looking for an anti-aging oil, Moringa oil is absolutely astounding. The oil has a natural stringing quality while being an anti-bacterial, therefore helping reduce pimples and acne overal. While its stringing it also has a double effect for its ultra nourishing and deeply lubricating abilities, becoming one of the best restorative oils out there. It’s a common ingredient used in food manufacturing and perfumes because it prevents spoilage by killing bacteria, and it actually smells good!
6. Stabilizes Your Mood and Protects Your Brain
“As a high protein food and a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan, moringabenefits neurotransmitter functions, including those that produce the “feel good” hormone serotonin. (7) Moringa is also rich in antioxidants and compounds that improve thyroid health, which makes it beneficial for maintaining high energy levels plus fighting fatigue, depression, low libido, moods swings and insomnia.
https://animamundiherbals.com/blogs/news/meet-moringa-your-daily-multivitamin-with-a-libido-kick