PLANTS (herbs) have been used for food, medicine, tools, raw materials, etc, during pre-historic times and all the way back to biblical times.In the Bible, herbs were first mentioned in the book of Genesis 1:29:'And God said, behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth '' (KJV)Psalm 104:14 states that:'He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man.'Furthermore, the book of Revelation 22:1-2 specifies that:'' and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.'Moringa is probably the most useful herb in the entire world that has numerous amazing healing activities in the human body.Only the nature beings or the elemental beings that fashioned this wonderful herb know exactly the various natural elements or the radiations they put together to make up this plant. Even the most famous scientists of our time have come to acknowledge the fact that, indeed, the true constituents of moringa are beyond the analytical comprehension of man.However, today, 92 of the main bio-available active ingredients in moringa leaves that have been discovered to date, which are believed to be responsible for its numerous healing potentials, are as follows:Vitamins:It contains high levels of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin E (tocopherol), Vitamin K, Vitamin D (cholecalciferol), the B-vitamins ( Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and Vitamin B7 (biotin)).Moringa PowderMinerals:Calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sulfur and zincAmong other health benefits, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, together with vitamin E are some of the vital nutrients that are essential for hypertensive patients.Amino acids:Found abundantly in Moringa are18 naturally occurring amino acids. And out of these, eight are essential amino acids, which are crucial to health but cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied to our body through diets and supplements: isoleucine. leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. And the 10 non-essential amino acids, which can be manufactured by our body are alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, serine, proline and tryrosine.The powdered dried leaves of Moringa oleifera are considered as a complete food because it is one of the very few plants that contain all the eight essential amino acids that are essential for a healthy body.Most of the degenerative diseases of our time, e.g. cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, benign and cancerous growths occur as a result of lack of some ofthe essential amino acids and some vitamins and minerals.Anti-oxidants:Moringa has been found to contain 46 anti-oxidants including a perfect balanced and natural combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid, and kaempferol.Moringa has more zeatin than any other known plant. Zeatin is one of the powerful anti-oxidants with anti-aging properties. Zeatin is believed to slow down premature aging process.Anti-inflammatories:Moringa contains 36 anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving nutrients, including: omega 3, omega 6, omega 9, arginine, cystine, beta-sitosterol, fiber, chlorophyll, calcium, copper, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Studies have shown that these bioactive compounds have the ability to naturally reduce inflammation and joint aches and pains. They also promote joint and bone health.Chlorophyll:Chlorophyll is one of the vital constituents of Moringa that merits a special attention here. Research has shown that the degree of health benefits derivable from most green foods is a function of their chlorophyll content. As at today, the three most important and best sources of chlorophyll are Moringa, Wheat grass and Barley grass.Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives the leaves of plants their deep-green colour. It is often referredto as 'the blood of plants' and is closely related to hemoglobin ' the pigment that gives blood its deep-red colour and is responsible for transportation of the life-giving oxygen. The main difference between chlorophyll in plant and hemoglobin in red blood cells is that the metallic element in the centre of chlorophyll is magnesium, while the metallic element in the centre of hemoglobin is iron.The structural resemblance between chlorophyll and hemoglobin makes the consumption of plant's chlorophyll (i.e., the oral intake of fresh deep-green leafy vegetable juice) increase the number of red blood cells, and is therefore, very useful in 'build up' of blood and in correcting anaemia (i.e. lack of blood).The chlorophyll in moringa increases the alkaline state of the blood and, therefore, helps in offsetting the acidifying effects of the acid-forming foods (high-fatty foods, excessive animal proteins or heavy meat diet, highly processed foods, etc.).Studies have shown that chlorophyll in moringa purifies, supports and promotes the detoxification functions of the liver, which neutralizes and flushes out toxins (heavy metals, environmental pollutants, etc.) from the body. Chlorophyll also prevents the binding of cancer-causing agents to DNA molecules in the liver and other organs.There is much evidence that chlorophyll in moringa helps the body to fight all kinds of infection, boost up the immune system, heal chronic ulcers, wounds, etc.Herbal ActionsThe leaves of moringa have the following herbal actions: anti-inflammatory, anodyne, anthelmintic, ophthalmic, galactagogue, rubefacient, antiscorbutic, diuretic, depurative, antidotes (for centipede, scorpion, spider poisoning), cholagogue, emmenagogue, estrogenic, expectorant, purgative, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge, vesicant, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, anti-microbial (effective against Epstein-Bar Virus (EBV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), HIV-AIDS, bacteria, fungi and parasites).,Methods of Preparation:The fleshly harvested leaves of moringa can be juiced, and 2 to 3 tablespoons taken 3 times daily.Moringa leaves or powder can be brewed as a tea (infusion):1/2 to 1 tablespoonful to a tea cup of hot water, taken either alone or in combination with other herbal teas, up to 3 times daily.Moringa powder can be sprinkled on foods like rice, beans, soups, and salads.Moringa Lemonade can also be prepared by blending 1 tablespoon of moringa powder with the juice oflemon and the juice of an apple.Moringa used in any of the forms mentioned above has been proven to be effective for treating or preventing diabetes, liver and kidney disorders, swellings and peptic ulcers. It is also effective for lowering blood pressure, high cholesterol, and in treating urinary tract infections, prostate problems, AIDS and other immune-system diseases, obesity, poor digestion. It increases lactation in nursing mothers, prevents bone diseases, skin infections and calms the nervous system.External Uses of Moringa:The fresh leaves of moringa can be crushed into fine pulp and be applied as herbal poultice on glandular swellings, sores (wounds, cuts and ulcers), snakebites, also for the extraction of guinea worms, or be rubbed on the temples for headaches.'To be continued.Mobile phone no: 08033065263,E-mail: ihesie84@yahoo.com.
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