Have you heard of moringa? I first caught wind of this nutrient-rich, leafy herb a few years ago from my naturopath. I wasnโt exactly the healthiest of twenty-somethings and was constantly plagued by weird skin rashes and autoimmune flare-ups as a result. Since my diet mostly consisted of cold cuts and carbs (and that was on a good day), I nearly lost it when she recommended I drink it as a teaโnot even a green smoothieโbut a tea! So I bit the bullet and sipped it religiously. And years later, moringa has remained one of my favorite supplements.
Some say that moringa is one of the most nutritious plants on the planet. It has historically been referred to as the โWonder Treeโ or โMiracle Treeโ [source] in many parts of the worldโthanks to its restorative properties. Just a teaspoon a day can work wonders on everything from hair to hormones. And unlike its distant cousin, matcha, itโs caffeine-free, so you donโt have to worry about side effects like jitters or adrenal fatigue.
Note that if youโre pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, you should talk with your physician before using moringa.
What is moringa, exactly?
Moringa oleifera is a small tree often found in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Itโs said to have been discovered in India over 5,000 years ago and has been used ever since for a myriad of diseases. While the roots, bark, and seeds are edible, itโs usually the leaves of the plant that are consumed. Like matcha, youโll often find it in health food stores as a powdered supplement that you can eat or drink.
What moringa is good for
In recent years, moringa has become one of the most researched supplements on the market. Studies have started to confirm what anecdotal accounts have been saying for years: that moringa is a potent antioxidant and nutritional powerhouse that can help bring the body back into alignment [source]. Here are some ways it can help:
Vitamin deficiencies
Most of moringaโs superpowers come from its impressive nutrient profile [source]. In addition to antioxidants, itโs high in B vitamins, vitamins C and A, iron, magnesium, and zinc. And since most of us are considered โoverfed but undernourished,โ moringa can help balance a whole host of nutrient deficiencies when used as a supplement.
Inflammation
Because itโs so high in antioxidants, moringa is a potent anti-inflammatory [source]. Itโs chock full of quercetin, a natural antihistamine [source] that is used in the treatment of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and other inflammatory conditions. It also contains chlorogenic acid, which balances blood sugar and prevents cortisol spikes in the body [source].
Skin Irritation
When applied directly to skin, moringa acts as an astringent that helps kill bacteria. It has been shown to be a skin anti-inflammatory [source] that can also work to lubricate and hydrate dry skin by restoring its natural moisture barrier.
Hormones
Moringa powder contains an impressive amount of fiber, which can improve digestion and aid in regulating hormone levels [source]. Moringa supports the digestive tract and liver by allowing excess hormones to leave the body rather than circulating back into the bloodstream.
How to Use It
Moringa Latte
As I mentioned earlier, moringa can be steeped in hot water to make tea. But it wasnโt until I started making moringa lattes that I really fell in love with it.
โ1 cup almond milk
โ1 teaspoon moringa powder
โ1 teaspoon honey
Combine moringa and honey in the bottom of a mug. Pour 1 cup of hot almond milk into the mug and stir to combine. Or, if you would prefer to go the tea route, simply replace the almond milk with boiling water and steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
Moringa Face Mask
Apply moringa directly to your skin to restore moisture, soothe inflammation, and reduce fine lines. This mask even works on hair. So, if you have any left over, apply directly to wet hair and let it sink in.
โ1 teaspoon moringa powder
โ1/4 cup Greek yogurt
โJuice from 1/4 lemon
Blend yogurt, honey, and moringa together until you get a creamy paste. Apply liberally to the face and neck. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Green Detox Smoothie
If youโd prefer to eat your moringa but arenโt a fan of the taste, your best bet is to hide it in a smoothie. This green detox smoothie is a great way to give your body a quick boost and get your nutrients on the go.
โ1 tablespoon moringa powder
โ1 cup loosely packed cilantro
โ1 cup loosely packed spinach
โ1 cup cucumber
โ1 cup pineapple
โ1/2 banana
โJuice of 1 lemon
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board-certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glowโs medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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I use Moringa Oil which is really good!
If you have any Filipino friends or neighbors they most likely will be growing a moringa tree also known as malunggay in the Philippines. Here in Hawaii the trees are everywhere and so easy to grow! You can stick a branch in soil and it’ll likely grow on its own. I like to eat the leaves in soup. Most people do a chicken soup with green papaya or squash and the leaves of the moringa and often times the fruit. This plant has so much health benefits and it’s also an anti-parasitic and can be used to get rid of parasites in humans as well as cats and dogs. Do some research online and you’ll find more in depth uses and benefits. I’m so amazed! I grew up with this tree and did not know the benefits until I found a local juicer with pricey drinks serving this as a tonic which made me look it up…wow!
Muy buenos xq baja el azรบcar
I have breast cancer and have already undergone chemo and surgery. I would like to know if moringa has any anti-cancer properties. Thank you.
Ruthie
I have alopecia areata, and since having a cup of moringa tea everyday, my hair has stopped shedding and helping what’s growing back. I love it, never felt better too.
I have plenty of Moringa seed and leaf,for any enquiries use the following, mbinjimartin@gmail.com , mobile, +260966605971
I also drink it for making milk as it is a galactagogue. My milk had refused to coming but after I started taking moringa Iโve got no problems nursing my 3 month old.
Will it help with fibroids
Will moringa help in fibroid or excess weight?
Please send me more on you products
I Like to know where to find this. No I never heard of it but it sounds very interesting
Hi Marilyn! I’ve been consuming dried moringa leaves, seeds, and fruit for over three years and have never been healthier at 59! Would you like some information on the products?
Hi, I will like some information on the product s, please, Harry
Yes please
I would like more onto also. My neighbors tell me it’s growth all over my yard. Is it also called a prayer plant because its leaves close up at night? Thanks, Janie