THE MIRACLE TREE

A tree that should be better known because of its almost miraculous life giving qualities is almost unknown in America. In Africa it is a different story. It is called Moringa Oleifer, or simply Moringa, the Miracle Tree.


For centuries, the natives of northern India and many parts of Africa have known of the many benefits of Moringa oleifera. Its uses are as unique as the names it is known by, such as clarifier tree, horseradish tree and drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods) and in East Africa it is called "mother's best friend”. Virtually every part of the tree can be used.

Mark Fritz, Staff Writer for Los Angeles Times writes an exciting article, Gnarly Tree Can Cure the Ill, Purify Water, and Feed the Hungry, and adds, A Common Tree with Rare Power.

“Scientifically speaking”, he says,” Moringa sounds like magic. It can rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby. Ounce for ounce, it has the calcium of four glasses of milk, the Vitamin C of seven oranges and the potassium of three bananas.”

Many world hunger organizations have made great efforts in utilization of this tree and a growing interest is developing, but it is still unknown or under reported by government agencies.

A shortage of clean drinking water in some parts of the world is one of the most serious health problems facing millions of people. Fritz notes that Moringa leaves can purify water. This alone would make it a miracle tree, but doctors have used parts of the tree to treat diabetes and high blood pressure as well as skin infections. It makes efficient fuel, fertilizer, and livestock feed. In a humorous remark to Popeye he notes that the leaves have triple the iron of spinach and it is delicious; and has more impressive attributes than olive oil.

Seedlings are easily started in warm climates and can be mass produced More information can be found on many websites.