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Moringa, especially Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose plant, with uses including food (leaves, fruit and seeds[verification needed]) and water purification (the powdered seed as a flocculant).
The most notable use of the Moringa tree is in treating malnutrition. The leaves are highly nutritious, containing up to 30% protein by dry weight. The leaf powder contains a significant quantity of vitamins and minerals, especially Calcium and Potassium. It is an ideal food supliment for pregnant and nursing mothers, and babies who are being weaned. The recommended dose, is one table spoon of dryed leaf powder mixed into each meal portion after cooking.
Moringa leaves are also attributed to having a large number of medicinal uses including anti-parasite qualities, and the ability to regulate blood sugar in diabetics. Oil extracted from the seed has antibiotic properties, and has been used to treat staph infections.
Moringa is extremely fast growing tropical tree (up to 15 feet in the first year). It is drought resistant, and grows even in poor quality soil. Moringa does not tolerate flooding or frost.
Agriculture development workers can obtain a trial packet of Moringa seeds free of charge from ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization). See their website: www.echotech.org.
See also
External links
- The Moringa Tree - ECHO Technical Note, Dr. Martin Price
- Field Guide for Emergency Water Treatment with Moringa
- Moringa oleifera Lam. - the many uses of Moringa oleifera - James A. Duke. 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops, unpublished.