The many uses of the Moringa treeThe Moringa tree, Saragwa, or Drumstick tree, is relatively, unknow in the West, despite the fact that it is incredibly useful. Miriam Tayne reports about its culinary, medicinal and other uses.The Moringa tree is a relatively small tree that typically grows to between three and ten metres tall. Its flowers are creamy-coloured and have been compared to small orchids. The plant has long and round green pods that can grow to 30cms and which look a bit like drumsticks, hence the tree’s common name. The pods consist of three parts, which contain round, dark brown seeds. Planting needs to be done in sandy or muddy soil, using these seeds or tree cuttings. The plants does not tolerate frost but thrives in hot climates. It is very common in South and South-east Asia, Africa and America.The leaves are reputed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, so are used for eye and ear infections, fevers, etc. They are also held against the forehead to reduce headaches, or made into tea to treat stomach complaints. As they contain a lot of iron they have been used for the treatment of anaemia, a medical condition in which there are too few red cells in the blood, causing tiredness. The plant also contains many other nutrients, such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. The ground-up seeds are commonly used to treat certain skin infections, but can be used for much more. Ground seeds can be mixed with salt or oils to apply to the body to treat cramp, back ache and forms of arthritis, a medical condition in which the joints are swollen and painful. The oil, called Ben oil because it contains behenic acid, is also used as a hair treatment or a perfume, and to deter mosquitoes and treat their bites. The by-products of the oil manufacturing process are used for fertilization and water purification. The roots work in exactly the same way as the seeds, but are much stronger, so are not used as often. They have additional uses for heart and circulation problems, whereas the gum is sometimes used to treat asthma. The bark has quite a pleasant taste and is sometimes eaten to encourage digestion.The plant’s main use is as food: for livestock, and for human beings, because it contains high concentrations of fibre and protein. The drumsticks are eaten in soup and/or as green beans, often in combination with shrimp (see picture), whereas the seads are eaten like peas, or roasted. The leaves are eaten fresh or cooked in similar ways to spinach. Chopped, they are used as a garnish on soups and salads. They are often pickled or dried so that they are always available to use in sauces, stir-fries, soups and in sweet and sour or spicy curries.Like every other part of the tree, its flowers are not just decorative but also functional. They taste a bit like wild mushrooms and are considered a delicacy. They are used to make tea to treat the common cold, mixed with honey to make cough medicine, and made into juice to be drunk during breastfeeding as it is said to increase milk flow.There is not a part of the tree that is not used. The Moringa tree is probably the most beneficial tree in the world.
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