By Chris Kilham
A plantation of young moringa trees in Congo. (Chris Kilham)
In a remote valley of Congo, on a farm with splendid views of
lush green mountains, I stand amidst a plantation of young moringa
trees. The green leaves glisten in the African sun, the seed pods hang
in curls. I pull a tender young leaf and chew on it, enjoying the fresh,
pleasing taste. The Belgian couple growing this crop plans to cash in
on an up-and-coming trend and their timing appears to be just right.
Over the past few years, a botanical new to the U.S. and European
markets has been making impressive gains in popularity, due to its broad
traditional benefits and emerging supportive science. That plant,
moringa oleifera, is native to northern India, Pakistan, the Himalayan
region, Africa and Arabia, but is now cultivated more widely throughout
the tropics. The young plantation I have visited in Congo is one such
cultivation project.
Also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree, moringa trees grow
quickly, reaching a height of between 15 and 30 feet within just a few
years. The leaves, fruit flowers and immature pods of the tree are eaten
as nutritious foods. The leaves in particular are consumed either raw
in salads, tossed into blender drinks, or steamed like spinach. Rich in
protein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and calcium, the leaves
make an excellent green vegetable, and are pleasing in flavor.
But beyond the flavor and nutrition, moringa offers healing benefits.
Virtually all parts of the plant are used to treat inflammation,
infectious disorders, and various problems of the cardiovascular and
digestive organs, while improving liver function and enhancing milk flow
in nursing mothers. The uses of moringa are well documented in both the
Ayurvedic and Unani systems of traditional medicine, among the most
ancient healing systems in the world.
Moringa is rich in a variety of health-enhancing compounds, including
moringine, moringinine, the potent antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol,
rhamnetin, and various polyphenols. The leaves seem to be getting the
most market attention, notably for their use in reducing high blood
pressure, eliminating water weight, and lowering cholesterol.
Studies show that moringa leaves possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer
activities, due in part to a compound called niaziminin. Preliminary
experimentation also shows activity against the Epstein-Barr virus.
Compounds in the leaf appear to help regulate thyroid function,
especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points to
anti-viral activity in cases of Herpes simplex 1.
Now that moringa is emerging as a popular supplement for health
enhancement, the science on this plant is accelerating. The
glucose-modifying, anti-diabetic effects of moringa may prove of great
use amidst a virtual epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The
liver-protective activities of the leaf and its extracts could make it a
staple component of bitters formulas and various cleansing
preparations. And ongoing work on the anti-cancer properties of moringa
may at some point earn this plant a role in chemotherapy.
In the traditional medicinal systems of many cultures, plants with
long uses and benefits remain to be discovered. Moringa oleifera,
unknown in the market just ten years ago, is surging into greater
popularity due to its multiple health benefits and nutritious value as a
food. Also known colloquially as “miracle tree,” moringa is a valuable
plant medicine, and deserves a place in the home pharmacy.
Chris
Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over
the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the
University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence.
Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a
regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is
largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at MedicineHunter.com.
Moringa is just one of the crops growing in Naturewalk and you can see more about the Naturewalk Moringa plantings here
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