Tag: plant compounds

A medicinal plant called Moringa

Todays post is about a medicinal plant called Moringa, or specifically Moringa oleifera.

We were recently made aware of the existence of the plant, which seems to have several medicinal benefits.

So Scott has done research and I have shared some of what he has found.

First, what is Moringa?

It’s a tropical tree that can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions. It is widely cultivated across the world and there are several varieties. It is a plant native to India and other countries, however the most studied variety, Moringa oleifera, comes from south Asia. It has many common names, such as mother’s best friend, the miracle tree, the never die tree, the ben oil tree and is also often called the drumstick tree or ‘horseradish tree’ because of its skinny, foot-long pods.

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. It can be grown cheaply and easily, and retains much of its nutritional value when dried. Almost all of the plant is edible and every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes.

It has a long history

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years. It was discovered in northern India around 2000 BC. Traditional doctors quickly discovered its medicinal impact and called it “The Miracle Tree”. Aristocracy and members of royal families were taking Moringa for its beneficial effects on mental alertness and healthy skin.

The ancient Egyptians highly valued Moringa oil or Ben Oil, which was used instead of sunscreen. However, it was the ancient Greeks, who discovered a number of other valuable Moringa effects on human health.

Today, you can find quality Moringa in Australia, the Philippines, eastern India, China, South Africa and Southeast Asia.

So, what are its health benefits?

Since its discovery, Indians and Africans have used nearly every part of this plant to treat more than 300 different ailments. Recent research is also indicating that several of its active constituents have validity in modern medicine.

The plant is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. The presence of these phytochemicals makes it a good medicinal agent.

Several studies have shown that, Moringa leaves can act as an anti-diabetic agent. This is due to the presence of certain flavanoids. It’s the presence of these flavanoids that also give the leaves the anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

As a food source in some parts of the world, the plant’s peppery leaves are often eaten as a vegetable. They’re also dried and ground into a powder used in soups and curries. They alone are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. They contain Protein, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin A, Calcium and Magnesium. The presence of these minerals and vitamins can help in boosting the immune system.

Compared to the leaves, the pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals. However, they are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. The seeds are also beneficial, containing oleic acid (Ben oil), an antibiotic called pterygospermin, and fatty acids.

In many Western countries, the dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.

 

So it would seem that this plant really does have a lot to offer; however more study is required regarding its medicinal benefits in this modern world.

As always, it is recommended that you seek advise from your chosen health professional before consuming this product as a supplement.

 

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – (Science Direct – Academic Journals  –Healthline – Web MD )

A plant called White Yarrow

Todays post is about a plant called White Yarrow.

We have been given this plant as a gift from my mother. At the time she gave it to us, she said that it was just our type of plant as it had health benefits. Not having heard of it at all, I have done some research. As usual I am sharing what I found.

What is White Yarrow?

The common yarrow plant, White Yarrow, also called Achillea Millefolium is a perennial herb. It grows naturally in northern hemisphere and is grown around the world as a medicinal and ornamental plant. With feathery leaves that spread along the ground, it has flower stems that grow up to 60cm.

There are multiple species of Yarrow including some varieties of wild natives. Several ornamental varieties feature a wide range of colourful flowers including pale pink, purple, red and yellow.

There are records showing that this plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years in many cultures around the world. The Latin name Achillea comes from the mythical Greek warrior Achilles. This is due to legends in which Achilles used this plant to heal soldiers wounded in war. In the Middle Ages it was used as an ingredient in gruit, a herbal mixture used to flavour ale prior to the use of hops.

The flowers and leaves are still used in some types of bitters and liqueurs.

What else can it be used for?

Studies indicate that this plant may have various benefits as an herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.

It is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs. When researching the health benefits, the list is quite extensive. I have shared the most researched uses.

Due to its styptic and antimicrobial properties, it is famously known for its ability to stop bleeding (when applied directly to a wound). It can prevent infection, and aid blood circulation when taken internally.

It is often used as a poultice, wash, soak, or salve to relieve pain, and help to heal wounds and injuries of various types.

One study, conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna, demonstrated that its antispasmodic effects might help to soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Long considered by herbalists to be a “blood-moving herb,” yarrow has been used to stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

Historically, it has been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms of which include stomach pain, diarrhoea, bloating, and constipation. Yarrow contains several flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant compounds known to relieve digestive complaints.

Research has also found that plant-based alkaloids like those in yarrow tea reduce the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that’s high during chronic stress

The next time you have a toothache, try chewing on a yarrow leaf. Its analgesic properties can help to numb the affected area.

The anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow are thought to be helpful for dull, pounding headaches or migraines.

Yarrow is most often taken as a tea or a tincture to support digestion and soothe stomach aches.

How else can it be used?

In manufacturing, yarrow is used in shampoos and as a cosmetic cleanser. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads or to decorate foods.

Yarrow is safe for most individuals. However, you should avoid it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing surgery. You should also avoid it if you have a bleeding disorder or are allergic to ragweed.

 I find that I walk around nurseries looking at plants in a whole new way after doing research like this. I hope you have also found this information interesting.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

(Sources – The Gardeners Path – Healthline – WebMD )