Moringa oleifera is not something that a therapist typically recommends to people who come to them for psychological assistance. Nevertheless, it provides some benefits that may prevent individuals from dealing with physical conditions that tend to cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
“Depression is a disorder that develops from environmental and biological issues that are unique to each person. Only one out of four individuals [with depression] seeks treatment. The reason more don’t go for psychotherapy or medication is stigma,” says Deborah Serani PsyD.
“Anxiety can become unhealthy if it starts to overwhelm and harasses you with a myriad of thoughts that leave you feeling crippled, intensely fearful, or concerned for your health,” says Alicia H. Clark Psy.D.
“Chronic stress is thought to be a risk factor for conditions as diverse as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, autoimmune disorders, and even the common cold. The link between chronic stress and opioid addiction may be a contributor to the nation’s opioid crisis,” says Mithu Storoni MD, Ph.D.
Some of the things mentioned above are mental health disorders that need immediate attention and treatment.
Introduction
Moringa oleifera is a tropical tree from the Moringaceae family that can grow without specific cultivation requirements. Its origin can be rooted back to the Himalayan region of India, which remains to be the biggest producer of the plant’s fresh products all over the world.
Moringa germinates from either the limb cuttings or the seeds. The farmers only have to wait for 12 days to see the early stages of its development. It can live off of rainwater and sunlight, but it will wither if planted in a cold place. The flowers start to show after six months, and the fruits can be harvested soon after.
Uses
It is called the “miracle tree” because every part of the Moringa oleifera has a culinary or medicinal use. They are commonly found in South and Southeast Asian dishes and treated as vegetables. For instance, in Thailand, there is a favorite curry recipe that mixes fish with green pods. Indonesians, on the other hand, add the leaves to the soup to make it healthier.
The crushed leaves are also used as a cleaning agent in some countries. The oil that it generates can be wetted before washing your hands so that it can work as a soap. The inhabitants of Nigeria have utilized it as well for dishwashing and for scrubbing down walls.
Moringa oleifera is an excellent source of dark pigment. African nations obtain blue dye from its bark. The gum of the tree has been employed in the past for calico printing, tanning leather, and making condiment.
Its roots have medicinal properties. They have been known to serve as an antibiotic for people who suffer from gout, arthritis, and sexually transmitted diseases. The pulverized roots are combined with salt before applying to the affected area. Mixing its juice with milk, on the one hand, turns it into medicine for coughs, swollen liver, and lumbago.
The animal growers feed Moringa leaves to their pigs, cattle and goat, among others. The plant contains enough nutrients that the animals to grow. It also allows the producers to raise them organically. In the Philippines, all the foods that breastfeeding mothers consume are incorporated with the leaves, because the folks believe that Moringa oleifera helps in generating more milk for the babies.
Leaf juice gets drank as is or made into a concoction by those who have gonorrhea, diabetes, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.
The pulp of the bark is not wasted either, as it can be used to create rope or paper.
Benefits
Moringa oleifera, particularly its leaves, are full of antioxidants that may regulate your blood sugar levels. It has isothiocyanates and chlorogenic acid, which are compounds that reduce the body’s sugar absorption. The benefit that diabetics will get from this is that the leaves can be fused with any food; thus, they may keep the disease at bay.
It is considered a superfood in a lot of countries, for the reason that it comprises of various minerals, protein, and vitamins that people need in their healthy diet. The vitamins A and C strengthen a person’s immune system, while vitamin E can shield you from pollutants, eye cataracts, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Moringa oleifera is a powerful antiseptic that can eliminate fungal and bacterial infections, as well as diminish skin damage, on humans. A 2014 study has assessed the effectivity of a cream, which has the plant’s leaf extract as the main ingredient, in terms of facial skin regeneration. They have found out that aside from it being useful as a skin revitalizer, it also has the potential of decreasing the signs of aging.
The polyphenols that are in the Moringa oleifera have the capability of defending you from liver-related illnesses. Those who excessively drink alcoholic beverages are more at risk of having this organ damaged. Eating or drinking a Moringa product, however, can lower your chances of acquiring oxidative stress, which will eventually evolve into a rather severe liver problem if left untreated.
Moringa oleifera can shrink inflammation that has been caused by enduring illnesses. One research has shown as well that it has anticoagulating properties because of the possible attendance of plasmin- and thrombin-like enzymes in the plant. It entails that the blood in your open wound can clot more easily and stimulate healing.
In Conclusion
Moringa oleifera deserves to be known around the globe as the tree that gives life. It has saved millions of men, women, and children in the impoverished places from famine, as well as a few diseases. The leaves, fruits, flowers, roots, and barks of the plant have their essential uses for both humans and animals. Moringa contains a substantial number of vitamins, antioxidants, protein, minerals, and other chemical compounds that have a considerable probability of curing various illnesses and increasing vitality provided that the scientists can find a way to introduce them to the nations. There is no doubt, therefore, that it is a miracle tree.