Education:
Moringa Oleifera, shortened to Moringa, is also sometimes called drumstick tree, horseradish tree, miracle tree, and tree of life.
It's a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 35' tall as a tree, or can be grown as a bush. It's said to be native to the Asia and Africa regions. Regardless of where it's from, it was used the same way by different cultures for it's food and medicinal properties.
It's considered a superfood that contains high concentrations of proteins, all the amino acids, micro and macro elements, anti-oxidants, flavonoids, and glucosinolates (the parts of plants that give them a pungent flavor as in mustard, cabbage, and broccoli).
Interestingly, ALL parts of the tree can be eaten and is used for different issues, however the leaves are typically what is consumed either as a powder to make tea or in a supplement.
You can see what the 'pods' are called 'drumsticks', hence once of the common names of the tree. And with all it's benefits you can also understand why it's call the 'tree of life'.
Application:
The Moringa tree is said to have so many health benefits. There are countless videos about people have been helped. I'm not saying they are true or false. I just find it interesting.
However, I have supplemented with Moringa, especially during cold/flu season.
Here are links to ways it is said to help...
Science Based Benefits and Uses of Moringa Oleifera
Scientifically Proven Benefits of Moringa (Tea, Powder, Leaves)
Some interesting videos here:
Moringa Benefits Documentary
Moringa Review: I Used Moringa for 7 Days & This Is What Happened
I wish I could give you all the information here but, believe me, there is a ton of easy to find info online. Just do a search of Moringa benefits.
The amount of information if almost overwhelming that's why I gave you some links above to narrow down the options initially.
Selection:
So, what have I done with Moringa?
A few years ago, I started taking the powder during the winter months. It's a very earthy flavor, which some might not like. I've also taken the tea, which is easier to consume.
Since gardening, I decided to plant my own little tree, mainly to see if it would grow in my Zone 8a. It does! However, it's too cold in the winter for it so I start a new one each year.
What do I do with it?
I dry the leaves and make tea. It's sort of pointless in my case because my tree is small usually and I don't get many leaves to harvest but the thrill of knowing they are homegrown and clean was motivation enough for me to try it.
My Zone 8b to 10 friends are able to grow and reap the benefits of this tree in their yards all year! The rest of us will have to settle for a capsule, powder, or tea. All of which still give great benefits I understand.
Last year I planted it in the ground, and it did well enough; would have done better I'm sure if I had put it in a sunnier location but I was afraid it would take off into a big tree. Rabbits nibbling on it didn't help either. 🙄
My Moringa tree this year is on its way. I grew it from seeds. I am trying to get a bush going before it gets too cold. It's been slow so far, but I might get enough to serve myself. It's hard to get a good photo of it but here it is.
