What is Moringa?

Native to Africa and South Asia, Moringa is an edible plant used as both food and medicine. Thought of as a miracle plant, its nutrient-dense leaves have one of the highest ORAC (oxidative radical absorbance capacity) values found in plants and contain 92 nutrients and 46 antioxidants, as well as protein. Considered a "new" superfood in the West, Moringa's healing properties are well known to doctors, researchers, healers, nutritionists, and athletes.

Health Benefits of Moringa

A rapidly growing number of published studies have shown that Moringa leaves possess a wide range of health benefits. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, Moringa is used to treat an unbelievable number of ailments including but not limited to: anemia, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, cancer, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, stomach pain, ulcers, intestinal spasms, headache, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney stones, fluid retention, thyroid disorders, and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. Moringa is sometimes applied directly to the skin for abscesses, athlete’s foot, dandruff, gum disease, snakebites, warts, and wounds. It is also thought to reduce swelling, increase sex drive (as an aphrodisiac), prevent pregnancy, boost the immune system, and increase breast milk production. *Note: According to WebMD, Moringa is possible unsafe for pregnant women.

How to Prepare Moringa Tea

Simply steep 1 heaping teaspoon of dried leaves in 8 oz of boiled spring water for 5 minutes. The herbal tisane will be herbaceous and bittersweet. Tea Sommelier's Tip: For added flavor and antioxidants combine with 1 teaspoon of naturally sweet rooibos.