MALUNGGAY (Moringa oleifera)

Malunggay as medicine

Studies have shown that malunggay can be used to treat a number of illnesses. “Malunggay leaves are good for headache, bleeding from a shallow cut, bacterial and fungal skin complaints, anti-inflammatory gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and malnutrition,”

This is one reason why the Philippine government has used malunggay in its feeding and nutrition programs.
Internal organs are said to benefit from the vegetable. “Malunggay pods are dewormers, good for treating liver and spleen problems, pain of the joints, and malnutrition. Likewise, malunggay seeds treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, STD, boils and urinary problems, and is a relaxant for epilepsy,” the senator added.
According to philippineherbalmedicine.org, the plant is anti-diabetic and anti-tumor: "There have been claims that malunggay can be used to lower blood pressure ... as well as its being an anti-tumor plant."

“Malunggay’s young leaves are edible and are commonly cooked and eaten like spinach or used to make soups and salads. They are an exceptionally good source of provitamin A, vitamins B and C, minerals (in particular iron), and the sulphur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine," said Senator Loren Legarda.

Health Benefits:

Malunggay leaves helps strengthens the immune system.
Malunggay can help restores skin condition, controls blood pressure, relieves headaches and migraines.
Malunggay tea can help strengthen the eye muscles.
Malunggay tea can help heal inflammation of the joints and tendons.
Malunggay tea can prevent intestinal worms.
Malunggay can help increase semen count.
Malunggay help normalize blood sugar level therefore preventing diabetes.
Malunggay has anti-cancer compounds (phytochemicals) that help stop the growth of cancer cells.
Malunggay helps relax and promotes good night sleep.
Malunggay tea is used to treat fever and asthma.
Malunggay help heals ulcers.
Malunggay is high in calcium (four times the calcium in milk), therefore lactating mothers are advised to consume malunggay leaves to produce more milk for their babies. The young malunggay leaves are also boiled and taken as tea.
Malunggay contains three times the potassium in bananas.
Malunggay contain four times the vitamin A in carrots.
An ounce of malunggay has the same Vitamin C content as seven oranges.
Malunggay leaves contain two times the protein in milk.
Malunggay seed is used to clean dirty or polluted water