The Miracle Tree

Moringa Oleifera : The Miracle Tree

Moringa is known in 82 countries by 210 different names, but the one name that fully encompasses all its attributes is "the Miracle Tree". The indigenous knowledge and use of Moringa Oleifera is referenced in more than 80 countries and known in over 200 local languages. Moringa has been used by various societies (Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Indian to mention a few) for thousands of years with writings dating as far back as 150 AD.



Moringa Oleifera Nutritional Facts

7 times the vitamin C found in oranges
Vitamin C strengthens our immune system and fights infectious diseases including colds and flu. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are full of vitamin C. Moringa leaves have even more.

4 times the calcium found in milk
Calcium builds strong bones and teeth, and helps prevent osteoporosis. Milk provides a lot of calcium, but Moringa leaves provide even more.

4 times the Vitamin A found in carrots
Vitamin A acts as a shield against diseases of the eyes, skin and heart, diarrhea, and many other ailments. Carrots are very high in vitamin A, with Moringa leaves even higher.

3 times the potassium found in bananas
Potassium is essential for the brain and nerves. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Moringa leaves are even better.

2 times the protein found in yogurt
Proteins, the building blocks of our bodies, are made of amino acids. Usually only animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy contain all the essential amino acids. Amazingly, Moringa leaves also contain them all.

.75 times the iron found in spinach
Iron is an essential nutrient because it's a central part of hemoglobin in blood which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Spinach is well known for its iron content. Moringa leaves also contain iron

Other names for Moringa in English include:

• "Drumstick tree", from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed pods.
• "Horseradish tree", from the taste of the leaves, which can serve as a rough substitute for horseradish.
• "Ben oil tree", from the oil derived from the seeds

The Chinese name of the Moringa (辣木), pronounced "la mu" in Mandarin and "lat mok" in Cantonese, means "spicy (hot) wood", and is reminiscent of the English name "horseradish tree".

In some Indian languages, the name is phonetically somewhat similar to Moringa, while in others it is quite different:

• In sinhalese, it is called Murunga
• In Assamese, it is called Sojina.
• In Punjabi, it is called Surajana.
• In Tamil, the tree is called Murungai Maram (முருங்கை மரம்) and the fruit is called Murungai-kaai (முருங்கைக்காய்).
• In Hindi, it is called sahjan.
• In Marathi, it is called Shevga.
• In Malayalam, it is known as Muringa, and the fruit is called Muringakaya or Muringakka.
• In Kannada, it is known as Nuggekayee.
• In Tulu, it is known as Noorggaee.
• In Telugu, it is called Mulakkaya.
• In Konkani, it is called Mushinga Saang.
• In Gujarati, it is called Saragvo.
• In Oriya, it is called Sajana or Sujuna.
• In Bengali, it is called Sojne danta.
• In Nepali, it is known as Sajiwan or Swejan.
• In Guyana, it is called Sijan
• In Hausa language, it is called Zogale

In Thai, it is called "ma rum มะรุม".

The Tagalog name in the Philippines - Malunggay - is also phonetically similar to "Moringa". In Ilocano, another Filipino language, it is calledMarungay. It is called Kamunggay in Bisaya.

In Haiti, the Moringa is called the benzolive (or benzolivier).

In Nicaragua, the plant is referred to as Marango.

In Indonesian, the Moringa is called kelor (kalor in Malay). In Javanese, it is called limaran.

In Mooré (Burkina Faso), it is called "Arzan Tiiga," which means "tree of paradise".

In Zarma (Niger), it is called Windi Bundu which means, loosely, "fencepost wood", a reference to its use as live fencing. The leaves are the primary part eaten, and in fact are so common that the Zarma word "kopto", or "leaf", is synonymous with cooked Moringa leaves.

In Dioula (Côte D'Ivoire), it is called "Arjanayiiri".

In Mauritius, it is "Brede Mouroum", popular among the poor.

The MMPND entry for Moringa gives names in many other languages.

[edit]Popular beliefs

There are several popular beliefs associated with the tree and the fruit in southern India without any medical proof.

• The fruit is said to increase sexual libido in men. This belief is so common in the state of Tamil Nadu that there have been passive references to this in its legislative assembly.