While we can certainly go to the store or order Moringa powder or premade capsules online, there’s something so nice to being able to harvest the plant from your very own homestead. This tree does great in hot climates like Florida, but our cold weather knocks it out and we see it return as the soil warms and spring once again returns.
There are some individuals who are snake oil salesmen that profess Moringa can cure all sorts of ailments, but I would recommend you doing your own investigation before buying up a large portion off the internet or in the store. If you are interested in growing the actual plant, you will need to find a location within your property that has full sun which will be between 6-8 hours daily. Do stop and consider further that this is a tree that can grow upwards of over 30 feet tall and around 20 feet wide, so putting it against a wall or fence could cause issues.
I’ve heard it said that it typically grows best in zones 10-11 but there are some folks in zones 8-9 who have successfully planted their moringa in a specific location which allowed the plant to successfully grow well. However, while mine does grow trunk and leaves, it has yet to produce the “drumstick” pods that we associate with this specific tree. At this time, we want the leaves for medicinal purposes.
While you can grow the larger varieties outside, the dwarf varieties can be grown in a pot and brought in during the winter season. Though, you should not expect that these will even get to the height advertised due to being indoors which will reduce their height. Be sure that you thoroughly look amongst the leaves and soil so that that you avoid bringing in any gnats or stinging insects.
This tree is packed with all sorts of nutrients like Quercetin, B6, Vitamin C, Iron, B2, potassium, calcium, B1, Vitamin E, Magnesium and Vitamin A. It is currently being studied for lowering blood sugar, reducing inflammation in the body, lowering cholesterol, decreasing constipation, treating skin cancer and reducing arsenic uptake. There are positive studies currently being done with individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV.
We can certainly acknowledge the benefits of this wonderful plants but there are some folks who will not be able to take it due to certain circumstances. If you decide to use moringa in powdered pill form, please be careful with the dosage as a high dose can potentially cause a person to have terrible diarrhea or constipation. There are some medications that can have issues when moringa is taken, so please do consult with your physician or pharmacist if you take prescription medication. If you have diabetes or Hemochromatosis, please consult your doctor before taking moringa as it can cause health complications.
Lastly, there are some individuals who have a concern that moringa is an abortifacient and certain parts of the plant can cause uterine contractions in some individuals so if you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant you should clearly speak to your physician before you attempt to consume certain parts of the plant. Be aware that some women’s vitamins actually contain moringa so be sure to read your supplement labels beforehand.
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