Monday 18 December 2017

MORINGA, THE MIRACLES TREE THAT CURES 300 DISEASES



Photo credit: Courtesy

Moringa is a plant whose origin is believed to be India. It is used in the treatment of arthritis, cancer, asthma, stomach pains, heart problems and parasitic infections, among other diseases.

*Allow me to the forester i am just a bit...*

The Moringa Oleifera tree is a fast growing, drought resistant tree producing a tuberous taproot, whose origin is believed to be India.

In the wild it ranges in height from 5 to 12 metres with a straight trunk (10 - 30 cm thick) with corky whitish bark and an open, umbrella shaped crown .

When grown in orchards, the tree is normally cut back every year or two (ratooning) and allowed to regrow to encourage vigorous leaf and pod production and so that the pods and leaves remain within arms reach.

The Moringa Tree grows best in well drained sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acid pH of 6.2 to neutral 7.0 . It can tolerate poor soil including coastal areas.


Photo credit: Courtesy

The plant is small and reaches up to 15 metres in height. It is exceptionally nutritious and can tolerate hostile conditions and poor soils" said one agronomist

Kisumu residents call it mti mboga because of its diverse benefits.

 Botanical name: moringa oleifera
Trade name: moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish tree, ben oil tree, or benzoil tree
The Moringa seeds:


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  • Moringa seeds have more vitamin C than oranges
  • Four times more Vitamin 4 than carrots
  • Four times more Calcium than a glass of milk
  • Three times more Potassium than a banana
  • And two times more Protein than yoghurt.
  • The Moringa Powder have:
  • 17 times Calcium of Milk
  • 15 times Potassium of Banana
  • 10 times Vitamin A of Carrot
  • 9 times Protein of Yogurt
  • 4 times chlorophyll of wheatgrass
  • 25 times Iron of Spinach
  • Vitamin A to Z, Omega 3, 6, 9 Oil and Zeatin.

#Moringa - Most Nutritious Plant On Land

The Moringa is the world’s most powerful natural multi vitamins and antioxidant. It does not contain just one or two vitamins or antioxidants: Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients, 46 types of antioxidants and vitamins A-Z. The next closest plant on earth has only 28 nutrients. 

Moringa has almost all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables and most in larger proportions. 36 Anti-Inflammatories, 18 Amino Acids, 9 Essential Amino Acids.
#Prevents and Cures Over 300 Illness
Moringa nourish your whole body, kidney, liver, heart, eye, blood vessels. It cures and prevent over 300 illness including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, stroke and cancers. It is also commonly use for energy, slimming, beautiful skin, sleep and strengthening teeth. When taken, it makes you feel good, fresh and energized. Many people who take Moringa live healthily past the age of 90.

HOW TO GROW MORINGA


There are two ways to grow moringa.
“If the ground is wet, you can soak the seeds overnight, then plant the following day. If dry soak for 24 hours to break dormancy.

From Seeds

Farmers are encouraged to soak the seeds to hasten germination.

Soaked seeds take about four to five days to germinate.

1. Make a cutting at least 1" (2.5cm) in diameter and at least six feet (1.8m) long.

2. Dig a hole 3 ft. (1m) x 3 ft. (1m) and 3 ft. (1m) deep.

3. Place cutting in this hole and fill with a mixture of soil, sand and composted manure and pack firmly around base of the cutting.

4. Water generously, but do not drown the cutting in water.

NB: Form a slight dome or cone shape, sloping down away from the cutting. It is desirable that water not touch the stem of the new tree.

From Cuttings

A farmer can also plant 20 to 30cm moringa stems, just as it happens with cassava.

The best method is direct planting from cuttings

They grow quickly even in poor soil and bloom 8 months after planting.

Make a cutting at least 1" (2.5cm) in diameter and at least six feet (1.8m) long. Dig a hole 3 ft. (1m) x 3 ft. (1m) and 3 ft. (1m) deep.

NB: The young seedlings are fragile and often cannot survive transplanting.

1. Choose an area with light and sandy soil, not heavy with clay or water-logged.

2. Dig holes 1 ft (30 cm) square and 1 ft deep. Back-fill the holes with loose soil. Compost or manure will help the tree grow better, even though Moringa trees can grow in poor soils.

3. Plant 3 to 5 seeds in each hole, 2 in. (5 cm) apart. Plant the seeds no deeper than three times the width of the seed (approximately ½ in. or 1.5 cm -- the size of one's thumbnail).

4. Keep the soil moist enough so that the top soil will not dry and choke the emerging saplings, but it should not be too wet or else the seeds can drown and rot.

5. When the saplings are four to six inches tall, keep the healthiest sapling in the ground and remove the rest.

NB: Termites and nematodes can kill a young sapling. Take measures to protect saplings from these two dangers.
If the soil is heavy, dig a larger hole of up to 3 ft (90 cm) in diameter and 3 ft deep, and backfill with 1 part sand and 2 parts original soil. Added compost or manure will help. This will take about one week to start germinating.

In Plastic Bags:

When it is not possible to plant directly in the ground, use the following method:

1. Fill seedling bags with light soil mixture, i.e. 3 parts soil to 1 part sand.

2. Plant two or three seeds in each bag, ¼ in. (0.5 cm) deep.

3. Keep moist but not too wet. Germination will occur within two weeks.

4. Remove extra seedlings, leaving one in each bag.

Seedlings can be transplanted after four to six months when they are 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) high.

Transplanting

When transplanting your saplings (if grown in bags) we suggest transplanting when the sapling is around 60 cm tall and is bushy and strong. Only transplant your sapling when the average temperature warms up especially the evening temperatures.

Transplanting steps:

The ground where the trees are to be planted should be light and sandy, not heavy with clay or water-logged.

Dig a hole 1 ft (30 cm) square and 1 ft deep. Backfill with loose soil. Adding compost or manure will help the trees grow better.

1. Water the planting holes one day before transplanting the seedlings.

2. Plant seedlings in the late afternoon to avoid the hot sun the first day.

3. Make a hole in the pit to accept all soil in the bag. Carefully cut open the sack and place the seedling in the planting hole. Be careful to keep the soil around the seedling's roots intact.

4. Pack soil around the seedling base.

5. Water only lightly for the first few days.
If the seedlings fall over, tie them to a stick for support. Protect young saplings from termites

How to Use Moringa Seeds



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The seeds are rather unique in appearance; with grey-ish white ‘wings’ surrounding them. However, just like other seeds, Moringa seeds can be eaten like nuts and added to cereals and trail mixes.

Alternatively, if you are able to find fresh Moringa seeds in your local health shop, serve them boiled like peas with main meals. They can also be steamed or roasted for stews and sauces.

Others suggest the seeds can be popped like popcorn but you should still be weary of how much you intake.

How much should i take?

Moringa seed

Through lab research, the current ‘ideal’ dosage seems to be 150-200mg/kg.

This equivalent to one nut per day

Moringa powder

It’s perfect recommended to sprinkle on salads, soups or blend into your favourite smoothie.

You starting with half a teaspoon per day before building up to 2-4 teaspoons (maximum).

Warnings for Using Moringa Seeds

Like any supplement or medication, there are a few warnings to be aware of before using Moringa seeds for personal benefit.
Despite this supplement being entirely natural, there can be complications and side effects, so it’s best to know a few warnings before beginning any treatment.

Do not take on an empty stomach

It is not advised to eat Moringa seeds on an empty stomach. This may cause vomiting.

Peel the seeds before eating

Some people suggest keeping the peel on and washing the seeds thorough with salt water can be beneficial when trying to lose weight and detox.
However, we would not suggest eating the seeds with the peel on.

Do not eat the seeds if you are pregnant or lactating.

Whilst eating the leaves and powders of the Moringa plant are deemed safe whilst pregnant, the seeds are very high in fibre and concentrates of vitamins so it is not advised to intake these during the pregnancy.

NB: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication, please consult a doctor before use.

Do not take more than two seeds.
In contrast however, Moringa seeds are great for improve libido and maintaining the reproductive cells. This may be helpful if you are trying to conceive.

Read more about moringa or here for more

Market of moringa seeds in kenya

A kilo of moringa powder costs Sh600 while the same quantity of seeds goes for Sh400

Edom Nutritional Solutions (ENS), a company in Kisumu, Kenya offers ready market for the product.

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