I can tell you that I have always
seen this plant all around me, but I had always seen it as just any other plant
until recently when its popularity suddenly grew beyond imagination. The recent
discovery of Moringa Oleifera species
was just as this plant never existed; at least that is how it seems among
Nigerians. It came like a wild fire as everywhere I go in town and even in the
rural hinterlands, the story is the same. The sudden wave of the Moringa magic
– the super healing and nutritious potency it has, I would say, has struck and
stuck with everyone like a bug.
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| The Moringa Tree |
The fact is that the Moringa
issue is not really a myth because the use of Moringa (Oleifera) plant can be traced back to many centuries when
traditional folks have used it to achieve all manner of treatments for all
manner of ailments as well. Dating back to as early as 2000 BC, the Egyptians,Greeks and Romans had been used to this miracle plant as some natives referred
to it. But here in Nigeria, I have discovered that even the use of Moringa
plant has been well known amongst the northerners who have always made use of
it both as medicine and food in their cooking.
Documented facts of Moringa plant
and all that can be done with it date back to 150 AD; these documents of ancient
writings buttress the fact that every part of this plant such as the seed,
root, leaves, bark, and even the flower are highly medicinal as well as useful
in cooking. Thus I recall seeing these malams
(Hausa traders) coming around my neighbourhood to buy off the leaves from the nearby farms and
bushes.
The Moringa fame has continued to
soar in recent times just because there has been a new awakening; Moringa has
just been re-discovered I think. An interesting fact about this ‘miracle’ plant
is that almost every part of it is useful either for one thing or the other.
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| Moringa Seeds |
The Moringa plant is rich in
anti-oxidants that are able to fight off free radicals that are responsible for
all manner of health debilities resulting from lifestyle related disorders
including cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. Therefore, this findings
according to experts, implies that the Moringa plant can be used to boost
immunity, fight malnourishment, cure headache and arthritis. Hence the Moringa
products are now widely available in packed tea bags, seeds, powdered seeds and
leaves. Also, the bark of the tree is used to render cures. But I will advise
that you consult carefully before going out of your way to use Moringa products
because for instance, the roots have
been seen to be somewhat poisonous if not properly, or misguidedly consumed in
whatever form.
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