The Moringa tree (Moringa oleifera) is an extremely fast growing tree with amazing medicinal properties that originates from its leaves, pods or roots. It is said that this tree has over 90 nutrients including: vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proteins. It is gluten and caffeine free as well. It also has one of the highest ORAC values that we know of. Foods higher on the ORAC scale neutralizes free radicals (bad molecules that cause aging) and slows down the damage of oxidation or “rust” in the body. To read more about ORAC values, see What is an ORAC Scale anyways?
The Moringa tree is usually cultivated in more tropical and warmer areas and can potentially reach upwards of 20 feet or more. However, not all of us have this kind of space, so pruning or harvesting the Moringa frequently is a preferred option for those who would like to grow their own. You can buy the Moringa as well. My favorite is the organic powder form like the ones here to put into your daily smoothies. You can eat it fresh or cook the Moringa and even add as a spice over your food.
[More below on Research and the How To Plant Moringa]
What I find interesting about Moringa is that the World Health Organization and other charities, especially in Africa and India use it in their nutritional programs to help malnourished children. They have found great results within three weeks time as this plant acts as kind of a multi-vitamin for the children because of all of the nutrients. Watch this video below to learn about this amazing tree:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9tdLn_Zk1M
I’m all about the Moringa research
Here are some of the professional findings on the benefits of this Moringa tree:
- Antiasthma
- Antibacterial
- Anticancer
- Antiobesity
- Antiproliferation of cancer cells
- Antistress, Antioxidant and Scavenging Potential
- Breast cancer
- Breast feeding augmentation
- Efficacy and Safety
- High Blood Pressure
- Iron Deficiency
- Malnutrition
- Thyroid
- And more….high cholesterol, HIV, diabetes…
- This tree is even sometimes used for water purification in poorer countries, for this information, see this site.
To grow your own dwarf Moringa tree
Buy a large ceramic pot with a hole at the bottom and fill with plenty of organic rich soil only (no vermiculite). Plant your Moringa seedlings (about 8) about 1 inch down and cover with dirt. You will need plenty of sunlight, warmth and water for your plant to grown. Once your seeds have sprouted which is about 10 days, your tree will begin to grow quickly. Begin to pinch off the tops after the desired height is attained. If your leaves turn yellow, try putting a little Epsom salt around the base for a magnesium supplement. Good luck!
I live in Dallas Texas. I have moringa in a large trash can as a pot. My moringa tree is not flowering. Any suggestions how to make it flower and yield pods?
Appreciate your tips.
Typically they say you should have about 85% soil, 10% sand and 5% compost. It should have good drainage, so I don’t know if your trash can is an ideal growing environment. I like using clay or ceramic for my plants best. Maybe if you do these things you will find that your tree will flower. I would put it outside when possible. Organic fertilizer may also help. Don’t over water either and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight because they like the sun. I hope that some of these ideas help, good luck!