the wonders of malunggay

Gbex says:- It is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. It is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential uses.

The tree itself is rather slender, with drooping branches that grow to approximately 10 m in height. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1 meter or less and allowed to regrow so that pods and leaves remain within arm's reach.

In the Philippines, Moringa is commonly grown for its leaves, which are used in soup. The leaves (called dahon ng malunggay in Tagalog or dahon sa kamunggay in Cebuano) are commonly sold in local markets. Moringa is also actively cultivated by the AVRDC in Taiwan.

The AVRDC is "the principal international center for vegetable research and development in the world.

Its mission is to reduce poverty and malnutrition in developing countries through improved production and consumption of vegetables."

Medicinal Use of malunggay:
Young leaves increases the flow of milk. Pods for intestinal parasitism.

Constipation: Leaves and fruit

Decoction of boiled roots used to wash sores and ulcers.

Decoction of the bark used for excitement, restlessness.

Pounded roots used as poultice for inflammatory swelling.

Juice of roots is used for otalgia.

Decoction of roots is use as gargle for hoarseness and sore throat.

Boiled leaves used to help increase lactation.

Seeds for hypertension, gout, asthma, hiccups, and as a diuretic.

Rheumatic complaints: Decoction of seeds; or, powdered roasted seeds applied to affected area.

Juice of the root with milk used for asthma, hiccups, gout, lumbago.

Poultice of leaves applied for glandular swelling.

Pounded fresh leaves mixed with coconut oil applied to wounds and cuts.

The flowers boiled with soy milk thought to have aphrodisiac quality.