Malunggay - "A Miracle Palnt"

Health is wealth, a very popular saying which has widely influenced people in many aspect. People aspire to have a healthy and strong body - being able to fight against all kinds of harmful diseases. And the good news is that there is one plant that is able to help you achieve this goal and is definitely worth keeping - that is Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera). Malunggay is a popular plant and considered as a "Miracle Plant". Aside from giving wonders in your health, Malunggay is also a multi-purpose plant where you can reap all its health benefits in various forms, as well as using its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark of the tree . Malunggay plant grows in the tropical climates such as Philippines, India, and Africa.It is also referred to as Drumstick Tree by the Britishers. 

Malunggay, Nutrition and Herbal Medicine

Malunggay leaves - are widely used as a vegetable ingredient in many cookings, can be also be used in making vegetable salads.

Malunggay pods - is the most widely used part of this plant. It can be fried and may produce “Ben Oil”, clear, odorless and sweet aromatic oil which contains essential amino acids. It can also be eaten raw or may be prepared or cooked.

Malunggayflowers - are cooked and eaten either mixed with other foods or fried in batter.

Malunggay Health Benefits

·        Antibacterial; Anti Fungal - Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera leaves contain a compound "pterygospermin" that is known in medical science as having antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti fungal properties.

·        Malunggay -used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron and protein

·        Anti Cancer- Malunggay or Moringa has known to have an anti-tumor capacity. Malunggay contains benzyl isothiocyanate. There are many studies that have shown that this chemical and compounds to have anti-cancer and chemoprotective capabilities. This chemoprotective helps strengthen cells so that they can tolerate chemotherapy. Malunggay is also considered int he treatment of prostate cancer and skin cancer. 

·        Anti-inflamatory: Malunggay is traditionally used to prevent and treat inflammations associated with rheumatism, arthritis and joint pains.

·        Reproductive health:  Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera is widely believed to have an aphrodisiac action that enhances the sexual activity. Its leaves are also widely used to increase the flow of milk for lactating mothers.

Malunggay Preparation 

As food – cooking ingredients for different kinds of viands

Washing sores and wounds - Boil Malunggay roots and let it cool to tolerable warm temperature and use it to wash wounds and sores, it may also be used to wash mouth sores and sore throats.

As poultice - Grounded Malunggay seeds, leaves and bark may be applied topically as poultice onto swollen flesh to relieve inflammation.

As oil – May also be taken internally as mixed with foods, it is known to be a powerful antioxidant even used by the early people from Egypt. Malunggay oil also known as Ben oil is widely used as oil base for perfumes and cosmetics. The oil is extracted from Malunggay seeds by pressing.