Moringaceae
Moringa
Moringa oleifera
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Northwestern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
Also known as: Drumstick Tree, Horseradish Tree, Ben Oil Tree, Miracle Tree
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafSeedRoot
Therapeutic Uses
Malnutrition (exceptional nutritional density), type 2 diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory conditions, liver protection, thyroid support. Called 'miracle tree' — leaves contain 7x vitamin C of oranges, 4x calcium of milk, 3x potassium of bananas.
Herbal Actions
Nutritive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, adaptogen
Active Constituents
Isothiocyanates (moringin, 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl glucosinolate), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), vitamins (A, C, E — exceptional amounts), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), protein (all EAAs), chlorogenic acid
Preparation Methods
💊 CapsulePowder☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried leaf powder per 250ml, steep 5 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | Powder: 2–6g daily. Extract: 200–400mg standardized 2x daily. |
| Notes | Leaf powder most nutritious. Avoid cooking at high heat (destroys isothiocyanates). Fresh leaves more potent than dried. Root contains spirochin (toxic compound) — avoid root in large amounts. Seed pods edible as vegetable. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Root in large amounts: toxic (spirochin). Caution with antidiabetics and antihypertensives. Caution in pregnancy at therapeutic doses (root uterotonic).
Side Effects: GI upset at high doses. Anticoagulant effects. Generally very safe at culinary/therapeutic leaf doses.