Moringa: The "Miracle Tree" for Vitality
This month's plant medicine is so highly regarded and known as the "Miracle Tree". Do you know what herb is this? It's Moringa oleifera - a tree that has been cherished across cultures for thousands of years to nourish, cleanse, and rejuvenate the entire body.
As a wellness clinic owner and Dunsborough herbalist, I personally love it as a "daily green" supplement because it nourishes the body's tissues and helps cleanse away toxic residues in the tissues at the same time.
Why People Are Loving Moringa Right Now
This bright green herb is often taken as a powder or in a capsule and is gaining in popularity for three powerful reasons:
It's incredibly nutrient-dense.
Gram for gram, moringa leaves can contain more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach.
It also contains all nine essential amino acids - a rarity among plants.
It's a gentle detoxifier.
Moringa naturally supports the liver, lymphatic system, and digestion, helping the body clear toxins that contribute to inflammation, tiredness, and skin breakouts.
It deeply nourishes depleted bodies.
Thanks to its antioxidants, mineral, and protein-rich profile, moringa helps "rebuild" at a cellular level, making it a favourite among those struggling with fatigue, chronic stress, or post-illness recovery. You just feel better when taking it.
A Long History of Healing
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is native to the foothills of the Himalayas but has been used for more than 4,000 years in traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda, Unani, and African folk medicine. Villagers use the ground powder to purify their water and it also takes a purification role in the body.
While not common in Australia, Moringa leaves are a common addiction to stir-fry recipes, curries, omelettes, etc. A bit like spinach or silverbeet might be used.
Historically, moringa leaves, seeds, pods are used to support:
Digestive function
Blood purification
Skin health
Energy and stamina
Lactation
Fever, joint pain, and inflammation
Do any of these sound like you? Skin breakouts, fatigue, joint stiffness or pain, bad breath, brain fog, or a coated tongue? These are all signs of toxicity build up in the body. Ayurveda describes these toxins as "ama" or as toxic residues that accumulate in the blood and tissues when digestion or detox pathways become sluggish.
The good news? Moringa helps to clear revitalise the liver, cleanse blood of "ama" and clear toxic residue from the gut and tissues.
In Ayurvedic energetics, moringa is heating (ushna), light (laghu), and dry (ruksha). This means it is especially balancing for Kapha and Vata doshas, helping to reduce heaviness, sluggish digestion, mucous congestion, and stiffness.
For Kapha:
Moringa breaks up stagnation, supports weight balance, improves circulation, and stimulates sluggish digestion.
For Vata:
Its nutrient density helps nourish depleted tissues, support energy levels, and calm nervous system weakness - though it should be taken with warmth or alongside healthy fats for best results.
For Pitta:
Because it is heating, those with high Pitta should use moringa in small doses, ideally blended with cooling herbs like aloe vera, coriander, or neem.
Scientific Studies on Moringa
Modern research continues to validate many of moringa's traditional uses:
Rich in antioxidants: Moringa contains quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene - compounds that neutralise free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Research shows moringa's ability to reduce inflammatory markers, which supports joint health, gut health, and metabolic balance.
Blood sugar regulation: Several clinical studies have found that moringa may help balance blood glucose levels.
How to Use Moringa Daily
Powder: Add ½–1 tsp to warm water, smoothies, soups, or energy balls.
Capsules: 1-2 capsules daily for easy, travel-friendly use.
Tea: Steep dried leaves for a gentle daily tonic.
Cooking: Add fresh, washed Moringa leaves to stir-fries, curries, and dinner recipes.
For detoxification, take moringa in the morning. For extra cell nourishment, follow your daily moringa dose with a tablespoon of ghee, tahini, or coconut oil taken on a spoon.
Wishing you wonderful health.
Jess x