IN the first edition of these articles, we wrote that moringa tree was described in different parts of the world as: a Cure-all Tree, an Elixir of long life, the Tree of Immortality, the Tree of Life, the Never Die Tree, the Miracle Tree that brings harmony to life, and Mother's best friend.The common English names for moringa are: Horse-radish tree, Ben oil tree, Drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods). Here in Nigeria, Ndigbo call it Odudu oyibo, the Hausas call it Zogale and the Yorubas know it as Igi iyanu or Ewe ile.In this concluding part, we want to look at the uses of moringa roots/barks, seeds and oil.The roots, bark, seeds, leaves and flowers of moringa tree have long been recognized by traditional/folk healers as valuable in the treatment of many common diseases including benign and cancerous tumors.Moringa RootsMoringa SeedsThe Roots/Root bark:The roots of moringa tree are thick and taste bitter. They are similar to horse radish roots (Armoracia rusticana ), a pungent perennial herb, with long, fleshy roots, used mainly in the treatment of digestive and circulatory problems. The roots of moringa are often used as horse-radish roots substitute.The roots of moringa tree are usually eaten as a vegetable in some rural communities in Africa. However, some health researchers are of the opinion that the roots should not be taken too often or consumed in large amounts, because moringa roots have been found to contain, among other constituents, two alkaloids: moriginine and spirachin, both of which can be poisonous.Unlike the leaves, moringa root-barks can cause uterine contractions and also have abortifacient (i.e capable of inducing abortion) properties. Therefore, moringa roots should not be taken by women during pregnancy or during their childbearing years.The roots of moringa tree have the following therapeutic activities: antineuralgic, antiscorbutic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anthelmintic, carminative, digestive, diuretic (mild), emmenagogue, expectorant, ophthalmic, rubefacient and stimulant.Methods Preparations And IndicationsAfter harvesting, the matured roots of moringa tree and the root-barks are obtained, dried and ground into a fine powder. The powder can then be used as tea: as a helpful remedy in the treatment of the following health conditions: Circulatory and heart problems, low sperm count, impotency, premature ejaculation and female sexual dysfunctions, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, hysteria, epilepsy, palsy, strangury, dropsy, renal calculi, inflammations, gout, rheumatism, cramps, spasms, common cold, fever, asthma, bronchitis, cough, pectoral diseases, dyspepsia, diarrhea, colic, colitis and flatulence.Due to its unique phytochemical constituents, moringa root-bark has been found to possess female hormone balancing and anti-tumour properties. The root of moringa is now used as an effective remedy for the treatment of post-menopausal epithelial ovarian cancerThe root is pounded into pulp and applied externally as a poultice in cases of inflammatory swelling, rheumatism, palsy, insect bites, spleen and liver enlargement: to relieve pains in the lower back or kidney region.Decoction (boiling) of the roots is used as gargle for sore throat and hoarseness, and is also used to wash sores and ulcers. The fresh juice of the root-bark is used as an eardrop for earache (otalgia), and is gargled for toothache and dental caries.Moringa SeedsThe dried moringa seeds are usually roasted, ground into powder and used as:An anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, and neuralgia,An anti-microbial and diuretic for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, boils and skin-infections caused by ' Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, some species of fungi and warts.An antispasmodic and relaxant used in the treatment of epilepsy, intermittent fevers, asthma and hiccups.An effective intestinal and colon cleansing remedies.The seeds of moringa have been found to possess ophthalmic, anthelmintic, anti-tumor, anticholeric, anti-hypertensive and diuretic activites.Moringa seed powder is a natural coagulant, which makes it an excellent water purifier that can effectively replace the expensive and inimical chemicals aluminum sulphate (alum) that is used in Water Purification System.About 5 tablespoons of moringa seed powder will clarify and purify up to 10 liters of turbid and dirty river water (with the solid particles), also removing 90 to 99% of the harmful microorganisms in the process.Studies have shown that more than 1.3 billion people in the world use contaminated and polluted water domestically for drinking and cooking. It is also, on record that 6 million children die annually all over the world from infections caused by dirty and unclean water.The research works have demonstrated that with the simple domestic moringa seeds method of water purification, the infections and deaths caused by water-borne diseases can be substantially reduced globally.Moringa Seed Oil:The seed of moringa contains high quality edible, sweet, clear, and odorless oil that can be compared with olive oil in terms of its fatty acid contents. In some countries the oil, which is also known as Ben oil or Moringa oil is used for cooking and as salads oil. Also, the oil has been found to be very useful in the treatment of stomach, bladder, and prostate disorders. Some people believe that Moringa oil should not be taken internally, but can be applied locally as a helpful remedy in the treatment of skin diseases, arthritis and rheumatic and gouty joints pains.Mobile phone no: 08033065263E-mail: ihesie84@yahoo.com.
Click here to read full news..
