Suhanjana / Moringa
Suhanjana / Moringa is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree. It’s botanical name is Moringa oleifera and it belongs to Moringaceae family. The tree is native to India but also grows in Asia, Africa, and South America.
It is also known as Shobhanjana and Sahijan in hindi.
Nutritional Value –
Suhanjana / Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as:
• vitamin A
• vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B3 (niacin), B-6
• folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• calcium
• potassium
• iron
• magnesium
• phosphorus
• zinc
It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.
The leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas.
Properties –
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent
• Hypolipidemic
• Appetizer
• Digestive
• Aphrodisiac
• Galactagogue
Parts Used –
Drumstick’s plant root bark, stem bark, leaves, fruits and seeds are used for therapeutic purposes.
Dosage –
• Moringa Capsule – 1-2 capsules twice a day.
• Moringa Tablet – 1-2 tablets twice a day.
• Moringa Powder – ¼-½ teaspoon twice day.
• Moringa Juice – 2-4 teaspoons once or twice a day.
• Moringa Syrup – 1-2 teaspoons twice a day.
• Moringa Tea – 1-2 cup in a day.
Benefits –
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Moringa leaf extract may lower fluid swelling, redness, and pain.
• Bronchial Asthma
Moringa might be beneficial in the management of bronchial asthma.It reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
This reduces the severity of symptoms and improves breathing.
• Stomach Ulcers
Tannins in Moringa promote vasoconstriction. This prevents ulcer development. Tannins also have astringent property. It promotes the precipitation of proteins. Thus, Moringa helps to protect the gastric mucosa.
• Hypertension
Nitrile, mustard oil glycosides and thiocarbamate glycosides from Moringa have blood pressure lowering property. It blocks the calcium ion channels. It also acts as a diuretic agent. Together, it helps to maintain normal blood pressure level.
• Diabetes
It helps to decrease the elevated blood glucose levels. It helps in the insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cells. It also reduces insulin resistance.
• Hyperthyroidism
It helps to regulate the level of thyroid hormone. It inhibits the conversion of T4 hormone to T3 hormone.
Thus, there is a decrease in the the level of T3 hormone and increase in the level of T4 hormone.
• Atherosclerosis
It has hypolipidemic activity. It lowers the level of cholesterol. This prevents deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Thus, Moringa prevents plaque formation and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Kidney Stone
It reduces the increased levels of oxalate in the urine. This in turn regulates the oxalate synthesis in the body. It also lowers the deposition of calcium and oxalate in the kidneys. Thus, prevents kidney stone formation.
• Increase Libido
Moringa is good to increase sex drive in men. It helps to manage loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. It might also help to control premature ejaculation in which semen is expelled soon after a sexual activity.
• Helps in breastfeeding
It improves breast milk production by increasing prolactin hormone and helps breastfeeding mothers.
• Obesity
Suhanjana / Moringa have been evidenced to have weight loss properties thus it has been part of so many weight management programs.
Side Effects –
It causes increase in burning sensation and is pungent. Hence, people with gastritis or sensitive stomach should use this vegetable carefully.
It is not ideal to be taken during periods, since it increases Pitta and vitiates blood.
It is also not ideal to be taken during bleeding disorders.
Drumstick fruit is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants. Hence it can be used during pregnancy. But drumstick leaves, root bark and flowers are not indicated during pregnancy.
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