Download Herbal Medicine: Malunggay (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

For the Month of September
Herbal Medicine: Malunggay
(Moringa oleifera Lam.)
The malunggay plant is known to different parts of the world under various
names including, but not limited to, horseradish tree, drumstick tree, and dool in
some regions. It is one of the more popular and publicized plant that is acknowledged to have nutritional, as well as, medicinal value. It is rich in vitamins A, B &
C, minerals such as iron and amino acids. Fortunately, the plant is easily accessible as it can be found not only as part of the wild life, but also in the backyards of
many Filipino homes. Malunggay proves to be a low-maintenance plant to grow,
and is able to propagate in almost all kinds of soil. Most of the parts of the
malunggay had been proven to be useful, both for consumption and for its preparation as a medicinal plant. Its flowers, leaves and young pods are associated and
perceived to be important because of the health benefits that it provides.
The malunggay plant, which belongs to the Moringaceae family, can grow
as high as nine meters. The bark of this tree has a gummy quality in it, and when
peered closely, is comprised of white wood that is soft in nature. It derives one of
its names, horseradish, from the taste of its roots.
The malunggay leaves, which are used in certain Filipino viands, have a
very distinct shape that makes it easily recognizable. They are circular, thin sheets
that are attached to a main stalk. The malunggay flowers are white fragrances that
produce the pods, which are also used for medicinal purposes.
Health Benefits of Malunggay
As have been mentioned earlier, there are various parts of the malunggay
plant which are being used for health reasons. For one, the leaves of this plant
proved to be a good source of calcium, iron, ascorbic acid and phosphorus. Its
other parts such as the seeds, the young pods, and the flowers have been established to benefit individuals as far as anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, circulatory stimulations, and such other activities that are most beneficial to mankind, are concerned. There have been claims that malunggay can be used to lower blood pressure, aid in pains caused by rheumatism, headaches and migraines, as well as its
being an anti-tumor plant. Malunggay is also used for purgative and anti-fungal
purposes, as well. All these prove the claim that this plant is indeed multi-purpose.
There are various ways to derive the benefits from malunggay plant. Aside
from the natural and direct means, wherein one is going to prepare the concoctions at home by picking the necessary parts from the plant itself, one can also
purchase the commercial extractions of malunggay. There are malunggay capsules
that are now available in the market, which contain 250mg dried young leaves of
the malunggay plant. In the same way, there are commercial oil extracts of the
malunggay flowers which are also in the market. Because of the popularity that
has been associated with this plant, commercial establishments have exploited the
malunggay’s marketable qualities. For simple preparations however, as when the
concoction would be used for uncomplicated ailments like hiccups, as a means to
end constipation, or as wound cleanser, one may eat the cooked leaves of the
malunggay plant during his last meals of the day. This should be accompanied by
water, especially when the ailment to be addressed is constipation. Now, as wound
cleanser, the leaves may be crushed and applied to the affected area directly. In all
instances, cleanliness should be observed to avoid complications.
Source: http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/malunggay.htm