MORINGA: THE MIRACLE PLANT

Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant plant possessing multiple medicinal properties and health-related benefits which have attracted the humankind since ages. This health-caring heavenly species is native to Indian subcontinent which still need more exploration in term of its cultivation and uses. 

This blog post (article) will help you to know bout Moringa, its uses, best growing techniques and its morphological features. Enjoy your reading and hope you will find it motivating to cultivate this species and extracts its utmost benefits. 

Introduction

Moringa, also known as drumstick tree has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This species are widely cultivated for its young seed pods and leaves and is used as vegetables or directly as traditional herb medicine.

There are 13 species of moringa. Due to its multiple use and numerous health benefits this species is truly believed to be a miracle plant.

Scientific name: Moringa oleifera

Common names: Drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil or benzolive tree and the horseradish tree.

Note: Although this species have been enlisted as invasive species by different nation but recent research have proved that this species has a very low invasion potential and can’t colonize or invade any area as well as displace native vegetation in a spread rate of invasive species.

Amazing Benefits of Moringa

Moringa can be taken as a capsule supplement or in the form of tea. Nonetheless, it has the same health benefits and some of them are:

• Rich in antioxidants
• Excellent source of vitamins and minerals
• May lower blood sugar level
• Can lower cholesterol
• May protect against arsenic toxicity
• Has antifungal, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory properties

Benefits on the Basis of its Parts

a) Seeds

Dry the seeds and have it directly every morning. It will help you to:

• Lose weight
• Cure malaria
• Increase physical strength and capacity

b) Roots

Roots have the highest amount of nutrients but not suggested to consume in high amount as the toxins in root might paralyze the nervous system and cause death. Some benefits of root include:

• Possess anti-biotic properties
• Treat asthma, digestive disorders, gastritis, inflammation and skin disorders
• Permanent contraception. 

c) Trunk

Bark of the Moringa also have multiple medicinal properties and some of them are:

• Anti-biotic properties
• Treat sexually transmitted diseases, gout, and even arthritis.
• Animal fodder 
• Fencing

But be careful not to consume in high quantities as it is harmful if consumed in high amount as like its roots.

d) Flowers

Flowers of this species could be used as a salad or tea or could be fried or eaten on their own. Some benefits of their flowers are:

• Cure common cold
• Urinary tract infections
• Increase lactation in breast feeding women 

e) Leaves

Leaves is the most user-friendly part of the tree whole over the world. Some of its benefits are:

• Alternative source of protein for meat, fish, and eggs.
• poor man’s food.
• Fresh leaves and powder have antibiotic properties.
• Increase strength and power.

Note: It is also used in water purification.

How to Grow Moringa Plant

• Choose a location that receives plenty of sun as it is very crucial.
• Then, dig a hole that is 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
• Make a mixture of soil and compost/manure then fill in the hole with the mixture.
• Plant the seeds of moringa into the soil.
• After planting, water those freshly planted seeds.
• Make sure that you water those seeds slightly.
• Do not over water.
• The seeds will start germinating within 1-2 weeks.

Care for Moringa Plant

The first and foremost thing that comes in the care for moringa plants is that we should protect the plant from cold weather. Moringa plants adapt well for growing in all areas as long as they are protected from cold.

Moringa plants are fast growing plants and are drought resistant. However, following are the main things that you need to focus while caring for the moringa plant.

1. Light:

Direct sunlight is best for these plants.

2. Soil:

Well-draining sandy soil is considered to be the best for cultivation of this species. Avoid overly compacted soil that holds too much moisture.

3. Water:

Infrequent, deep watering is preferable rather than the frequent, light watering.

4. Temperature:

77-95 degree Fahrenheit is considered best for these plants. But, they cannot tolerate cold temperatures although they can tolerate hot weather.

5. Fertilizer:

Compost/ manure is the best fertilizer for these plants. Use organic manure if possible.

Pruning

Regular pruning keeps moringa plants healthy and promote leaf growth. Pruning regularly and encouraging branching will help in increasing the harvest.

If left unpruned, they will become tall with many branches, few leaves, and flowers near the top of branches making it difficult to harvest and it will be less useful too.

Common pests/ diseases

They are resistant to many different pests and diseases. However, termites might be a problem around the base of the tree.

You can apply castor oil plant leaves to get rid of those termites.

How do you feel about this article? All of your feedbacks are really appreciated so that we could keep improving and be able to deliver you with the best articles as much as possible. Thank you for your time and reading this post. We really hope you enjoy reading this article and will cultivate this species too. Happy reading!

References

• healthline.com
• the spruce.com
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916
• https://blog.kulikulifoods.com/2020/02/11/what-are-the-parts-of-a-moringa-tree-and-their-benefits/