FROM lowly herbs, western medical science is rediscovering and utilizing their benefits. Today, Moringa and other natural antioxidants are considered as potent weapons for many afflictions experienced by many people. Here are some of them:
Malunggay
India’s ancient tradition of Ayurveda medicine cites 300 diseases that are treated with the pure Moringa oleifera powder. According to scientific studies, Moringa contains 46 antioxidants and 36 anti-inflammatory compounds. It also has all eight essential amino acids. Add to that, it is rich in Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 oils.
People taking the pure, potent Moringa leaf powder describes the following health benefits: extra energy, better sleep, smoother healthier-looking skin, lower cholesterol, relief from muscle and joint pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome, balanced blood sugar levels, improved mental clarity, weight loss, less anxiety, normal blood pressure levels, allergy relief among many others.
Clinical studies on Moringa (Malunggay) conducted in January 2008 reveals that the dried leaves of the Moringa are a great source of vitamins and minerals for people irregardless of age. In addition to supplying crucial amounts of calcium, Vitamin A and protein to women and children. Taking dried Moringa leaves were found to satisfy a third of their daily nutritional requirement for calcium, as well as important quantities of iron, protein and B-vitamins.
A recent John Hopkins study found that Moringa dried leaves contain five times the Vitamin C found in Oranges, 10 times the Vitamin A found in Carrots, 25 times the Iron found in Spinach, 17 times the Calcium found in Milk, 15 times the Potassium found in Bananas, 9 times the Protein found in Yogurt, and more Protein than Soy.
Moringa leaves have been processed into capsules with basically the same attributes as taking Moringa leaves. They are organic and absolutely safe with no known side effects. In fact the World Health Organization has been administering powdered Moringa leaves to malnourished babies in Africa.
Also, it’s one of the performance-enhancing products taken by athletes today which helps them endure physical and mental rigors. Aside from athletes, it’s also great for people of all ages, especially to the aged with fading senses. Moringa gives you added energy, mental clarity, and enhanced endurance which are alternative to caffeine or drugs.
Another of Moringa’s medicinal role is that it is also a detoxifier that comes from its ability to purify water. It acts as a coagulant attaching itself to harmful material and bacteria.
Sambong
The plant is a strong aromatic herb prescribed by doctors to treat health concerns including kidney stones, hypertension and congestive heart failure. It is also known as a diuretic that helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.
Approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders. Sambong functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found to have anti-diarrhea and anti-spasm properties.
Sambong herbal medicine is promoted by the National Kidney Institute for renal patient’s usage aimed in delaying or averting the need for dialysis or organ transplant. With these benefits it is considered by DOH as one of the top herbs used in treating certain disorders.
Banaba
The herbal extract known as banaba leaf can be a powerful weapon in the fight against high blood sugar levels. Banaba leaf comes from a tree typically found in the Philippines. Long ago Filipino folk medicine have recognized its therapeutic effects on diabetics.
It is famous in the U.S. and Japan as a natural form of insulin which aids glucose transport and utilization. It is a popular remedy for blood sugar, kidney and liver health in traditional cultures. It was often brewed as a tea, but today can be found in the market as food supplements.
Research has shown banaba leaf is effective for lowering blood glucose in people with regularly high blood sugar. It may also aid weight loss if high blood sugar has led to obesity.
Banaba is also known to help cure UTI or urinary tract infection. Active ingredients include corsolic acid and tannins, including lagerstroemin. These ingredients are thought to stimulate glucose uptake and have insulin-like activity.
Goji
Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India for their unmatched healing and anti-ageing properties. They are used to protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function and fertility, strengthen the legs, reduce blood pressure, aid digestion, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, boost immune function, improve circulation and promote longevity.
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant.
In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeaxanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.
