HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRUMSTICK AND LEAVES

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muringa elai (moringa oleifera

The drumstick plant is also known by its scientific name moringa oleifera or by its name the horseradish tree, or, has been known to have many health benefits. The Health benefits of drumstick flowers and leaves and other parts of the tree are use in traditional medicine, various culinary applications, use for cleaning dirty water and its extraordinary nutritional value. There are many benefits that come from this tree and these are obtained from its flowers, leaves, juice and seeds.


 

The main health benefits of drumstick flowers and leaves are in the nutritional quality of these parts of the plant as well as the seeds. These parts of the plant are rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B3, Vitamin A, and vitamin C. There are also the minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium to be found in these parts of the tree as well. The juice is highly nutritious and an ounce of it is said to contain the same quantity of calcium as 4 glasses of milk, the vitamin C of 7 oranges and the potassium of seven bananas, and a reasonable level of iron. Added to a glass of milk it may help promote energy, strengthen children's bones, aid in purifying the blood and adds to the nutrition of pregnant women.

The leaves are also said to be very nutritious and the health benefits of drumstick flowers and leaves are found in the levels of protein compared to other vegetables. This may be a very good source for vegetarians and it is said to have the highest protein amount of any other plant situated on Earth. In the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa where there is malnutrition, it is reported that it only requires two tablespoons of crushed leaves added to the daily diet to help overcome nutritional problems.

The seeds have been used as a crushed powder to help purify water that contains dirt. It was found when researched by the University of Leicester UK that the powder combines with the dirt and bacteria then sinks to the very bottom effectively clearing 99% of the debris. The seeds have also been used in traditional medicine for all types of ailments from infections to cramps. The oil from the seeds is a rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids which is useful for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cancer, it is equivalent to olive oil in health benefits. The oil has many uses as it does not turn rancid and is odourless.

Almost all parts of the drumstick tree have medicinal value. The small, round leaves are especially beneficial in treating many ailments because of their high iron content and many medicinal properties.

Drumstick or moringa leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. Where starvation is imminent, consuming the drumstick-leaf powder can be life-saving.

According to the Trees for Life organization, “ounce-for-ounce, Moringa leaves contain more Vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas,” and that the protein quality of Moringa leaves rivals that of milk and eggs.

Because of the high calcium, iron, and vitamins, drumstick leaves can be used as a wonderful tonic for infant and growing kids and teens to promote strong and healthy bones and for purifying the bloodstream. To prepare the tonic, drumstick leaves should be ground with water, filtered, and mixed with milk.

Drumstick-leaf juice is also very beneficial for pregnant women as it can help them overcome sluggishness of the uterus, ease delivery, and reduce post-delivery complications. In India, drumstick leaves are boiled in water and salt, the water is drained, and the leaves are served with ghee (clarified butter) to lactating mothers to increase breast milk.

Drumstick leaves are very useful in treating wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. A soup prepared by boiling a handful of leaves in 3/4 cup water for 5 minutes and cooled is served to those with respiratory problems. A little salt, pepper, and lime juice can be added to this soup.

Drumstick has antibacterial properties and as such is very useful in preventing infections such as those of the throat, chest, and skin. Drumstick soup can be prepared from the leaves, flowers, and pods and used for this purpose as an antibiotic. Dried and powdered bark of the drumstick root can also be used for fungal skin infections.

Drumstick leaves, flowers, and seeds are useful in treating sexual debility and weakness.

A teaspoonful of fresh drumstick-leaf juice mixed with honey and a glass of tender coconut water taken 2-3 times a day is a wonderful remedy for digestive disorders like diarrhea, dysentary, colitis, jaundice, and cholera. Drumstick-leaf juice is also effective in treating urinary diorders such as excessive urination.

Drumstick-seed oil is useful in treating conjunctivitis.

Fresh drumstick-leaf juice mixed with lime juice can also be applied to treat pimples, acne, and blackheads.