Thursday, February 26, 2015

How to Plant Your Moringa Seeds

Germinating Seeds for Personal Use

There are several methods of germinating seeds. Some methods may work better depending on the microclimate.  We are sure that there are lots of you that have your own methods of germinating seeds so we will just tell you what we have done and what has worked for us and what has worked for growers around the world.
Moringa seeds have wings and are about the size of a large pea. Seeds don’t need sunlight in order to germinate. Here are some suggestions on germination.
  1. 1. Soak the seeds for 24 hours; the seed will imbibe the water it needs to germinate from this procedure. Remove the seeds from the solution.
  2. 2. Put the seeds in a plastic sandwich bag and store in a warm, dark place like a drawer or cabinet.  Germination times range from 3-14 days.  Do not add extra water to the bag. 
  3. 3. Check them every two days.  Once the seeds have broken loose from the winged shell, you will notice two shoots protruding from the seed.Seeding
  1. 4. Do not let the shoots get too long and thin as they may get fragile and break when handled. One of the shoots will have some ruffled growth at the extremity; this is the shoot that contains the first leaves (cotyledons) and should be the shoot exposed to the sun.   Plant the seeds about ¾ inch beneath the soil surface with the ruffled extremity to the sun. Plant the sprouted seed(s) in a commercial band or a peat pot using a high quality potting soil. Sandy loamy soils will work well also. Use a pot that is at least 18 inches deep if this is the final home for the tree.  Moringa loves the sun so make sure they get plenty. Although the tree is drought tolerant, they may be watered daily, just don’t allow the roots to get soaked for extended periods of time.  If you live in a particularly hot zone, don’t expose the baby plants to all day sun. Keep and eye on them, they will tell you if they are getting distressed from too much sun, water or lack of food.
  2. 5.It is a good idea to use pots to get the trees started since you have more control over the care of the tree. Critters will eat the moringa babies if they can. We recommend that you let the potted plants grow at least 8 weeks or longer before transplanting to the ground.  When transplanting try not to disturb the root system at all. Like many plants the roots are very vulnerable until they are established in the ground.
  3. 6. If using a plastic pot, before transplanting to the ground, use a long thin blade to loosen the soil from the inside edges of the pot. Turn the band or pot upside down to allow the entire plant and soil to slide out of the container. This prevents disturbing the roots. Have a hole already dug and gently place in the hole. If you are planting more than one tree, space the plants 7-10 feet apart for optimum access to the mature tree. The tree will branch out 3-4 feet from the trunk so this spacing will allow you to walk between trees and let the sunlight to do its job. Of course if you want a wind break, just plant them all at 1 foot intervals, like they do in Africa and India. Moringa is like any plant that appreciates plant food and fertilizers and ample supply of water
7.  Don’t forget, you can always just put the seeds in the ground or a large pot and water. We have found that Moringa is sensitive to the volume of soil in which it begins its life cycle.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Moringa, the complete vitamin for the body




The many benefits of Moringa in all of its forms....




Moringa oleifera has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Different parts of Moringa contain a profile of important minerals and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.

Moringa can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine.



Moringa Leaves Medicinal Uses and Benefits

• Leaves rubbed against the temple can relieve headaches.
• To stop bleeding from a shallow cut, apply a poultice of fresh leaves.
• There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when applied to wounds or insect bites.
• Extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints.
• Leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhoea.
• Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due to the high protein and fibre content.
* Leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, inflammation of the mucus membrane
* The iron content of the leaves is high, and they are reportedly prescribed for anemia in the Philippines.
* Dried Moringa leaves treat diarrhoea in Malawi, Africa.
* The powder ground from the seeds is also used in the treatment of scurvy skin diseases (common bacterial infections of the skin).




Moringa Flowers MedicinaUses and Benefits

• Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast feeding.
• Flower juice is useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination.
* In Haiti, villagers boil Moringa flowers in water and drink the tea as a powerful cold remedy.



Moringa Pods Medicinal Uses and Benefits

• If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and treat liver and spleen problems and pains of the joints.
• Due to high protein and fibre content they can play a useful part in treating malnutrition and diarrhoea.



Moringa Seeds Medicinal Uses and Benefits

• Used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually transmitted diseases and boils. The seeds are roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problem area. Seed oil can be used for the same ailments.
• Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination.
• They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy.
Moringa seeds are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas 
aeruginosa. They contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide terygospermin.



Moringa Roots, Bark and GumMedicinal Uses and Benefits

The roots and the bark have all of the properties described above but are more concentrated. Therefore much more care should be taken if using them as medicines.
* The roots and bark are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and for inflammation. The bark is an appetizer and digestive.
* In Senegal and India, roots are pounded and mixed with salt to make a poultice for treating rheumatism and articulars pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve lower back or kidney pain
• Fodder-branches
* The alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysant) has been found in the roots.
* The gum is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and is used against asthma.



Moringa Oil Medicinal Uses and Benefits

* Oil of Ben is used for hysteria, scurvy, prostate problems and bladder troubles.
* Villagers in Oman use Moringa oil to treat stomach disorders. They also use it in perfume and hair oil.



Moringa & Ayurveda Medicinal Uses and Benefits

Uses every part of the Moringa Tree and considers it one of the most valuable and useful plants. The ayurvedic medicine of India has many uses for Moringa Tree products, such as a natural antibiotic, an aid in childbirth, for treating liver disorders, and many other uses.


Moringa & Siddha MedicinalUses and Benefits

In Siddha medicine says that the leaves are full of medicinal properties. The drumstick seeds are used as a sexual virility drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men and also in women for prolonging sexual activity.


To get your Moringa Oleifera products visit us at www.moringaamerica.com today!!! 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Malunggay (Moringa) & Spinach Cheese Dip

Malunggay & Spinach Cheese dip is nutritious greens in a creamy, cheesy brûleé best served with crispy crostini. This is a signature appetizer in Aracama Filipino Cuisine, one of Chef Fernando “Fern” Aracama’s restaurants. I was glad he shared the recipe with us during a cooking demo at the Maya Kitchen because I have always wanted to serve this to my guests.
Chef Fern says this is a great base where you can add canned artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, black olives, capers, smoked salmon, tinapa but keep it whole. It tastes really good with pasta too.
Malunggay & Cheese dip
Here is the recipe:
50 grams blanched and chopped malunggay leaves ** (see blanching tip below)
50grams blanched & chopped Spinach leaves ** (see blanching tip below)
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese, room temperature (or substitute for Greek Yoghurt + cottage cheese)
¼ tsp. ground white pepper
1 tsp onion powder (optional but delicious. Fried shallots as substitute)
1/4 tsp sea salt
140 grams grated cheese, your choice- cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan or blue cheese.
spinach and malunggay
Procedure
1. In a food processor bowl: put in the blanched and chopped malungay & spinach. Process to chop further. (if you don’t have a processor, just chop it more)
cut spinach
2. Add in the heavy cream, cream cheese ground pepper, onion powder and sea salt, Process until the mixture is smooth & well blended. (if you are in a hurry, use mayonnaise or sour cream)
malunggay dip
3. Spoon the mixture on to a bake proof dish and spread out evenly. Top with grated cheese and broil in the oven or an oven toasted until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
malunggay and spinach dip
4. Serve with crostinis (little pieces of baguette that you toast) or warm toasted bread or crackers.
Serves four
** Note: Blanching technique : ( you need boiling water and ice water)
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add some sea salt and then blanch the malungay and spinach leaves for no more than 30 seconds.
3. Immediately remove, drain and shock in a bowl of ice water. ( you stop immediately the cooking, preserve nutrients and color)
4. Drain the blanched leaves and gently squeeze out excess water

Friday, February 20, 2015

Moringa & Medicine


Moringa Oleifera has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Different parts of Moringa contain a profile of important minerals and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol. 

Moringa can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine.




Moringa Leaves Medicinal Uses and Benefits • Leaves rubbed against the temple can relieve headaches.
• To stop bleeding from a shallow cut, apply a poultice of fresh leaves.
• There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when applied to wounds or insect bites.
• Extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints.
• Leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhea.
• Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due to the high protein and fiber content.
* Leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, inflammation of the mucus membrane
* The iron content of the leaves is high, and they are reportedly prescribed for anemia in the Philippines. 
* Dried Moringa leaves treat diarrhea in Malawi, Africa.
* The powder ground from the seeds is also used in the treatment of scurvy skin diseases (common bacterial infections of the skin). 



Moringa Flowers Medicinal Uses and Benefits • Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast feeding.
• Flower juice is useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination.
* In Haiti, villagers boil Moringa flowers in water and drink the tea as a powerful cold remedy. 



Moringa Pods Medicinal Uses and Benefits • If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and treat liver and spleen problems and pains of the joints.
• Due to high protein and fiber content they can play a useful part in treating malnutrition and diarrhea.

Moringa Seeds Medicinal Uses and Benefits • Used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually transmitted diseases and boils. The seeds are roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problem area. Seed oil can be used for the same ailments.
• Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination.
• They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy.

Moringa seeds are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide terygospermin. 

Moringa Roots, Bark and Gum Medicinal Uses and Benefits The roots and the bark have all of the properties described above but are more concentrated. Therefore much more care should be taken if using them as medicines.
* The roots and bark are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and for inflammation. The bark is an appetizer and digestive. 
* In Senegal and India, roots are pounded and mixed with salt to make a poultice for treating rheumatism and articular pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve lower back or kidney pain
• Fodder-branches
* The alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysing) has been found in the roots. 
* The gum is diuretic, astringent and is used against asthma. 

Health and wellness are a lifelong journey.  We have only one body and one lifetime to find our path.  The proposed Moringa Source brand is my primary selection in nature's Superfood. Let's nature lead the way.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Malunggay Cupcake (Moringa Oleifera)

This lowly Malunggay may not be top of mind when it comes to vegetables but scientific research confirms that this humble leaves are a powerhouse of nutritional value. See benefits here. Thus, Malunggay is also a very good source of Calcium, a nutrient that stimulate's milk production. Research also shows that it is likewise rich in iron, phosphorous and vitamins A, B and C, nutrients that are good for the baby.







Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs, room tempt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/8 tsp fine salt
3 tsp of blended malunggay leaves

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Put about a cup of maluggay leaves in a food processor. Set aside.
Cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix well using a ladle or spatula. Stir in the milk until batter is smooth then add blended malunggay and mix until combined. Pour into cupcake liners about 3/4 full and bake for 20-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.


Get your Moringa Oleifera products at www.moringaamerica.com

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Moringa Oleifera More Than Just A Tree, A Lifestyle



A True Testimonial


Moringa Leaf Powder Replaces Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Medication


I have used Moringa Tea Powder for my diabetes and high blood pressure.  At my last doctor check-up my doctor said he could lower my medication because my sugar level was better and my blood  pressure was much better.  I told him I had not been taking my medication  When he asked my what I have been doing for it, I told, “I take Moringa now instead of pills.”
Hisako T.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

What is Moringa Oleifera?



The Moringa Tree is a plant native to parts of Africa and Asia renowned for its nutritional value – each leaf contains seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the vitamin A of carrots, four times the calcium of milk, three times the potassium of bananas and twice the protein of yogurt.
Moringa oleifera, the most widely cultivated species of moringa, is a multipurpose tree native to the Himalayan foothills in northwestern India. According to the ancient Indian medicinal tradition of ayurveda, the leaves of the Moringa tree can prevent 300 diseases – and modern science confirms these claims have credence.
The somewhat tattered-looking tree grows fast, is resistant to drought and almost all of its parts are edible, tasty and highly nutritious – which include leaves, leaf powder, pods, seeds, flowers, roots and bark offering a complement of protein, calcium, minerals, iron and several important vitamins.
Interestingly (and tragically), Moringa grows in subtropical areas where malnutrition is most prevalent – particularly in West Africa. The problem is, the people living in these regions are largely unaware of the nutritional goldmine sitting in their backyards.



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Bloom to Life

Moringa Flowers



Moringa oleifera flowers are creamy white with yellow stems. It blooms from April to September. It is edible, mixed into salads or fried in butter and eaten as a snack. Another way is to make delicious tea.
Moringa oleifera flowers tea Moringa oleifera
In traditional medicine these flowers are brewed into a very strong tea or pressed into juice to treat urinary infection, cold symptoms, as a supplement for breast-feeding women to increase the milk flow, to support weight loss because it contain strong diuretic, and also strengthening the liver function. Flowers are considered to be useful for impotence, lack of sexual desire, and other sexual dysfunctions.
Recent studies in modern medicine showed that Moringa flowers can be used to reduce swelings.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

FREE Moringa Powder!!

Buy a Food for Gladiators or Diet & Energy for Women and get a FREE 8oz Moringa America Moringa Powder!!


OR


Get Free!



What do I do with Moringa Powder you ask?? 

Plenty! Add it to your shakes, soup, make sauces, dips, and salads with it! The possibilities are endless! 

Here's a recipe to get you started:

Moringa Guacamole


Ingredients
2-4 Tsp Moringa America Moringa Powder
3 Ripe avocados
1 Small red onion, finely chopped
Handful of cherry tomatoes, washed and finely chopped
3 Leafy branches of coriander, washed and finely chopped - plus a few roughly chopped leaves to sprinkle
Extra virgin olive oil (to drizzle)
Juice of 1 lime
Spices: salt, pepper, dried oregano, paprika and crushed coriander seeds
Method
Halve, stone and roughly chop the avocados. Leave a handful of roughly chopped avocados aside. Pour the rest of the ingredients into a large bowl and use a fork to mash the guacamole and stir well. Add in the rest of the avocados and sprinkle some corianger leaves on top.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Moringa America Superfood Pesto


RAW Moringa Superfood Pesto
Moringa America Spinach Pesto
♡ Use this pesto in pasta, salads, on grilled chicken or salmon and even as a  dip.

Ingredients
3 tightly packed cups baby spinach leaves, washed and trimmed
2 tbsps of Moringa America Moringa Powder
1 cup packed basil leaves
1 cup toasted walnuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves (raw or roasted)
½ cup organic Coconut Oil or Flaxseed Oil
Juice of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon of Himalayan rock salt or Herbamare
Freshly ground black pepper
Method: Start with garlic in food processor, add leaves, nuts and moringa powder, finally add lemon juice and oil. Makes approx 1 cup of pesto
It will keep in the refrigerator for several days.
Impress your guests with this tasty RAW recipe.
Prep Time – 10

*Recipe curtesy of http://www.detox-in-a-box.com.au/category/recipes/