Moringa:

The tree that never dies

by Shari Jayawardhana

The Moringa tree known as Murunga in Sinhala and Murungai in Tamil has 13 species; the most common of which is known as Moringa oleifera. It is native to the Indian-subcontinent but also found in tropical and sub-tropical regions such as in Africa and South America.

Moringa is also known as "the tree that never dies" due to its incredible ability to survive harsh weather and even drought. In many traditional cultures around the world, the phrase used to identify the Moringa tree translates as the "Tree of Life". The symbolism attached to the tree signifies life, growth, and change.

The Moringa tree is grown mostly in the dry zones of Sri Lanka and reaches a height of 3-12 metres.

Its fragrant flowers are white or yellow in colour. The Moringa pods are 18-45cm in length. Moringa is an exceptionally fast-growing tree at a rate of about one foot a month.

The nutritional properties of the Moringa tree are so profound and contain vitamins A, B 1,2 and 3,Vitamin C, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, protein and zinc.

Since the protein is from a non-animal source it is excellent for vegetarians and vegans.

According to the traditional African and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, Moringa prevents over 300 diseases. It contains approximately 90 bionutrients, 27 vitamins, 46 antioxidants, all eight essential amino acids. The nutritional content is so complete that it is used as a means to combat malnutrition and starvation in developing countries.

Interestingly, Moringa grows well in countries where malnutrition is most prevalent. In a pound for pound comparison to other food sources, Moringa contains: seven times the vitamin C found in oranges, four times the calcium found in milk, and twice the protein. Four times the vitamin A found in carrots, thrice the potassium found in bananas and thrice the iron found in almonds.

Moringa leaves

Every part of the Moringa tree is said to have beneficial properties that can serve humanity.

The root, bark, gum, leaf, fruit (pods), flowers, seed and seed oil have been used for various diseases in traditional medicine. However, this article will only highlight the benefits of the leaves and the flowers.

Nutritional analyses show that the leaves are very high in protein and contain all of the essential amino acids, including two amino acids that are especially important for children's diets. This is most uncommon in a plant food. Moringa leaves are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals - especially vitamins A and C.

The leaves, sold also as powdered leaves, can be eaten as greens or added to soups and curries. The Moringa leaves rubbed against the temple can relieve headaches. A dressing made out of fresh leaves is used to stop bleeding from shallow cuts, wounds and insect due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The leaf extract can be used against bacterial or fungal skin rashes.

Tea made from the leaves is effective in treating gastric ulcers and diarrhoea. The leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, and inflammation of the mucus membrane. The high iron content of the leaves is useful in treating anaemia. The leaves are juiced and used as a spray to increase the yield of vegetable crop by 25-30 percent because it contains a growth hormone called Zeatin. As a fertiliser, Moringa is called "green manure" and is used as a highly nutritious supplement in cattle, poultry and swine food.

Moringa flowers

The young Moringa flower can be harvested at any time. The flowers contain both calcium and potassium. The Moringa flowers are treated as a delicacy in many cuisines around the world. It is added to salads, pasta dishes, pizza and lasagna. It can be fried and eaten as a snack. The tea made out of the flowers is very popular. Let the flowers sit in hot water for at least five minutes to let the distinctive flavour brew.

The Moringa flowers tea boosts the immune system and acts as a cure for both colds and sore throats. The flowers are also a good source of nectar for honey-producing bees. The flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers' milk when breast feeding. The juice is also beneficial for urinary problems as it encourages urination.

The propagation of this "miracle tree" in the arid lands, especially in the Northern Province is recommended. Value added products such as Moringa tea made out of the leaves and flowers will increase foreign revenue as there is a growing interest in the modern scientific community about this plant.

In the recent past, more than 750 studies, articles and other publications have been compiled on Moringa.

The Agricultural Department needs to highlight the uniqueness of the Moringa plant so that more Sri Lankans will reap its countless benefits.

The writer holds two Master's degrees in Public Health from the University of Queensland in Australia and has worked in the Sri Lankan, American and Australian healthcare sectors.