The healthful Moringa tree thrives in Antigua’s tropical climate

The ancient folks have long benefitted from a wealth of knowledge derived from their ancestors and early experiment with plants as medicine. As a result these folks are known to live longer and much healthier lives than modern day generations.

Ironically, in the times where our technology and medicines have so far advanced to bring results and new age remedies to patients at a much more rapid, effective rate, we seem to be lacking the ‘sacred ingredient.’

Every so often, we hear news of a new disease or epidemic or sad case of sickness and we’ve grown so use to accepting it as the norm that when something totally opposite evolves we are so unaware of the miracle staring us straight in the face that we fail to spread the word and act as quickly as we would if it was another sad case of sickness.

The Moringa tree has been known and used for thousands of years, yet to this day only a few people can attest to its amazing healing properties and dietary promotions. This single plant has created quite a storm amidst traditionalists, herbalists and scientists who are increasingly promoting vast experiments on the properties and outstanding potential of the Moringa tree, also known as ‘the tree of life’.

Studies worldwide have confirmed that the Moringa tree has high quantities of essential vitamins and minerals. In some cases, this is higher than from fruits and vegetables, which are said to be concentrated sources of nutrients.

The Moringa tree has seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the vitamin A of carrots, four times the calcium of milk, three times the potassium of bananas and twice the protein of yogurt.

Its leaves contain all the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for protein. It is very rare for a vegetable to contain all the essential amino acids including arginine and histidine, which are unique necessities to infants who are unable to make enough protein for their growth requirements.

Moringa is currently being used as a supplementary diet for children and people as a whole in places such as Africa and India. Results have proven that Moringa helps significantly improve and maintain body weight and overall health in malnourished individuals.

Additionally, Moringa supplements have been given to pregnant women who suffered from anaemia. These women experienced a decline in sickness, their overall health improved and babies were born with higher birth weights. Effective results can show after just three weeks of taking Moringa.

As a traditional medicine, the Moringa tree is used to combat anaemia, asthma, blood impurities, blood pressure abnormalities, chest congestion, cholera, cough, diabetes, eye and ear infections, fever, glandular swelling, gonorrhoea, headaches, intestinal worms, jaundice, lactation, joint pain, pimples, respiratory disorders, semen deficiency, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis and wounds just to name a few.

Every part of the tree can be used and various uses include ointment, cooking oil, wind barrier, fungicide, honey production, insecticide, fertiliser and water purification. As a fertiliser, when Moringa is sprayed on other plants, crop yield and plant growth increased significantly. Plants are firmer and more resistant to pests and diseases with longer lifespan and greater fruit yield.

Additionally, research has shown that adding Moringa leaves to cattle feed increased daily weight gain by up to 32 per cent. Cow’s milk production increased significantly as well.

The Moringa tree apparently originated from India and Africa though it can now be found in various parts of the world. Interestingly enough this plant can be found right here in Antigua in various parts of the island and apparently it is also sold commercially in the market place.

Just think of the possibilities; now we can improve on our health and nutrition without overly extending ourselves. It’s cheaper than a Shirley Biscuit and more nutritious than a high performance power bar!

I’m quite sure that the folks at Dunbars have caught onto the buzz about Moringa by now and the government probably has a special team on the case because this plant, which is found and can be easily grown right in our backyard, can promote both our nation’s economy and well being.

I’m quite sure the powers that be will be liaising with the science and agricultural world both locally and globally to identify the truth, myth or magic behind this Moringa tree – even if it starts with a simple phone call to studying scientists or an online search.

Additional information can be found at http://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa and http://www.explorelifeonearth.org/moringahome.html.