Moringa Tea, Properties and Other Uses of the Miracle Tree

Moringa Tea, Properties and Other Uses of the Miracle Tree

Discover Moringa, a plant with many properties and uses

Also known as the "Miracle Tree," Moringa is an incredible source of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is often known as Moringa tea, or in powder form, and can be used in many ways and recipes.

Today we talk about the Moringa tree. Commonly referred to as the "tree of miracles" (scientific name: Moringa oleifera), resistant to drought, requiring little water, growing all year round, and almost every part of the tree is edible and valuable: from the seeds used to purify water to the powerful medicinal properties of the bark, roots, and flowers, and of course, the exceptionally rich nutritional density of the leaves, which are a widely consumed ingredient worldwide.

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What is Moringa

Moringa is a plant rich in properties, which is why we decided to include it in our online shop of teas and more. The Moringa tree (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) is native to the East Indies, but it is found throughout the tropical belt of the planet and can reach up to 10 meters in height under ideal conditions.

Moringa is a perfect example of plants whose properties and benefits are gradually being discovered. Studies tell us that the plant kingdom is inhabited by about 350,000 different species, of which only a few thousand have been thoroughly studied and 60,000 partially. This shows us how vast the potential pool of active substances useful for human health is, and the unexplored territory is still vast.

Another example we could introduce is certainly that of turmeric, almost unknown in the West until a decade ago, now one of the best-selling online spices. It is not surprising, therefore, that we regularly come across a new plant, previously unknown, boasting numerous properties. The importance of sources, the presence of studies on which to write articles, remains the best method of judgment in our opinion.

However, Moringa is considered an ingredient that yields great results: many properties, many amino acids, and many minerals.

Taste and Flavor

The taste and flavor of Moringa generally resemble dried spinach: that herbal touch with a sweet aftertaste. Obviously, the taste changes depending on the various preparations and combinations of the same plant in culinary contexts. It has a quite pleasant taste - very similar to spinach, to be precise - making it a very versatile addition to almost all dishes.

Benefits and Properties of Moringa

After this brief introduction, let's take a look at Moringa, a plant rich in properties thanks to its high amino acid content. Proteins are composed of amino acids, so Moringa contains twice the proteins found in yogurt, four times the vitamin A in carrots, three times the potassium in bananas, and four times the calcium provided by milk. Additionally, it contains vitamin C in a quantity seven times greater than the presence of this vitamin in oranges.

It contains 18 out of 20 amino acids and all 8 essential amino acids; in fact, the powder derived from the leaves is a complete protein that provides intense benefits for the whole body, offering a wide range of nutrients for the production of neurotransmitters and for the repair of muscles, cells, and tissues.

Moringa is rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin A, many B vitamins, but not B12, because this is only of animal origin. Excellent also for athletes and their muscle mass, not only for the high presence of amino acids, but also of minerals, because during sports the fatigued muscle loses proteins and during sweating many minerals are lost, therefore, it rehydrates hydrolytically.

Rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants like quercetin, it is widely demonstrated how it can be an effective treatment for a myriad of pathologies, from cancer, to all types of allergies, from inflammations to viruses and cognitive deterioration, making it both nutritious and valuable if taken regularly.

Several studies on Moringa

Thanks to its richness in beneficial elements, it has been the subject of numerous studies that have attested to its strongly antioxidant properties, similar to those of Matcha tea, capable of eliminating heavy metals when added to water, antidepressant and above all broad-spectrum antitumor, active against numerous types of cancer such as liver and lungs, breast and colon. But it is recommended, above all, for the high content of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Further studies have been carried out on animals and have highlighted its anti-inflammatory capacity and ability to reduce blood sugars.

Recently, even Repubblica.it has emphasized its importance, revealing how it could be one of the secrets of Fidel Castro's healing. The article states how even the FAO has underlined the importance of its cultivation due to its properties. It is worth noting that Ayurvedic medicine had included it among its many herbs and spices, with antidepressant properties.

The plant is also rich in Kaempferol - a compound present in nature in some medicinal plants that prevents and treats various types of cancer, partly interrupting the growth of malignant tumor cells. Kaempferol, combined with other antioxidants and nutrients of the Moringa plant, makes it an excellent immune tonic that acts gently but forcefully when taken consistently.

Possible Contraindications

Generally, Moringa is contraindicated for those who have intolerance to the plant itself. To date, there are no known dangerous contraindications from its use.

During breastfeeding, the use of Moringa is not recommended, as it could alter the taste of breast milk.

There are no known interactions with medications.

Moringa is safe to take in large quantities, however, taking it in very high doses and too quickly can cause slightly unpleasant side effects, due to its powerful healing properties. It is also a blood thickener, so if you are taking any type of medication to thin it, we recommend consulting your doctor before any use.

moringa herbal tea

The many uses of Moringa: in leaves, in powder...

As with any new plant, start taking it slowly until you find your ideal dosage. It is highly nutrient-dense, so an excessively rich intake is not necessary, as it can be a waste, because the body will absorb only the nutrients it needs and expel the rest.

The general guidelines for an initial dose are half to 1 teaspoon up to a heaping tablespoon. Moringa tea is also quite popular and hot or warm water can be poured directly over the leaves or seed powder to obtain a refreshing and nutritious tonic.

By using dried  moringa leaves, you can obtain an exceptional herbal tea. But moringa can also be used with fresh leaves: in India, there are numerous preparations based on this plant, easily consumed as a salad. Furthermore, with the stem cut into small pieces, it can be sautéed in a pan for a tasty side dish or main course, with a truly pleasant flavor.

Moringa leaf herbal tea

Herbal tea with dried moringa leaves is one of the most well-known uses of this extraordinary plant. Here's how to easily prepare it at home.

  1. Bring the water to a boil at 100°;
  2. Infuse the moringa leaves for 7/10 minutes;
  3. Strain and drink it immediately.

Moringa powder herbal tea

Another way to consume the leaves of the "Miracle Tree" is with moringa powder herbal tea. A common product derived from this plant is actually a true powder made from the leaves that is prepared by grinding the leaves until it becomes a kind of flour, very similar to matcha tea or chickpea flour, and pouring it over boiling water.

Moringa leaf powder

Moreover, it can be used both for doughs and as a spice powder for a vast majority of dishes, as desired. Lately, the preparation of pizza with a moringa flour base dough has also emerged.

Moringa seed powder is a heavy metal chelator, which means it extracts toxins from cells and tissues to gently eliminate them from the body. It is particularly useful for removing arsenic accumulation, surprisingly common in tap water adulteration and against bioaccumulation in some types of foods including rice and apples. In Ayurvedic medicine, Moringa leaves are recommended because they purify and nourish the blood and muscle tissues, bone marrow, and adipose tissues, working as a deep rejuvenator and cleanser.

 

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Recommended pairings

It is an easy addition to almost anything, in fact, it usually comes as a vibrant green powder with a pleasant taste. Try it as an additive in smoothies, fruit juices, matcha tea, salad dressings, broths, or ice creams, to give you some ideas: you will hardly not like it.

Many cultures around the world use it in their daily cooking. In the Caribbean islands, for example, Moringa is used in many savory dishes. It is often added to rice and bean stews or in sopa de pizca (fish soup). In India, it is often added to curries and other hot dishes. Other traditions mainly drink it as tea.

We also use it before working out in a tasty dish: the moringa omelette, just like a spinach omelette.

What do people think about moringa?

To date, being a herb still not very well known, there are not many opinions about it. It is still an unknown herb that is starting to gain ground in Italy very recently for those who follow, in particular, a healthy lifestyle.

Moringa and Athletes

Most people who consume the plant regularly report an increase in endurance and energy as the plant provides very  rich and highly bioavailable nutrients to the body's cells. Moringa also has a healing and purifying effect on the digestive tract and is very useful for the healing of some digestive problems, including ulcers and other disorders.

Thanks to its high content of amino acids and the density of its nutrients, many regular users have also noticed a positive effect on mood since the plant provides abundant raw materials to help the body create neurotransmitters and other essential neurochemicals.

Terza Luna Posted by Terza Luna
Plant Lovers