Moringa Oleifera
About
A nutritional tree native of northern India. Also known as the Drumstick Tree, Moringa is cultivated widely in South India and Srilanka. Moringa contains anti-cancer compounds (phytochemicals) that help stop the growth of cancer cells.It is said to be effective in treating ovarian cancer, among a host of other diseases like arthritis, anemia, heart complications, kidney problems, scurvy, asthma, and digestive disorders (ulcer, gastritis, diarrhea, colitis, dysentery). Aside from these, Moringa helps lactating mothers produce more milk.
The Moringa plant is also a proven water purifier with its remarkable antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Its crushed seeds can be used to clean dirty or polluted water. When added to water, the crushed seeds attract particles of dirt that are floating in the water, including certain disease organisms. However the dirtier the water, the more seeds you will need to clean the water.
Moringa pods/drumsticks are commonly used as a vegetable in the spicy south Indian lentil stew, the Sambhar and the leaves are used in quick, stir-fry side dishes like the Amaranth and Spinach.
