Moringa tree or Moringa oleifera is a superfood. All of its parts from leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and stems are consumed for potential health benefits. The other common names of the tree are the miracle tree, the tree of life, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, and horseradish tree. The moringa leaves powder, dried moringa seeds, and dried moringa leaves are consumed for treating various ailments. Moringa leaves work wonders for skin and hair.
The moringa tea prepared from dried leaves or powder is now a popular beverage. It is becoming the first choice among ‘health and fitness freaks‘. Though the Southern Asian Countries have used the moringa plant in their regional cuisines, the rest of the world just started witnessing the emerging benefits of the moringa plant.
Moringa tea is considered a magical drink and superfood because of its antioxidant properties and vitamin C which is more important for skin health.
Antioxidants are playing a major role in preventing chronic diseases like heart attacks, strokes, premature aging, cancers, and other severe disorders. As an antioxidant-rich drink, moringa tea may help in preventing the risks of the above-said diseases, aid in weight loss, treat inflammation on wounds and reduce recovery time.
This energy-boosting drink nourishes the body and mind both internally and externally. It may provide relief from health conditions including diarrhea, stomach upsets, gout, nausea, and gout.
Let’s look into the possible health benefits of Moringa tea, how to brew, its nutrition facts, and dosage.
Nutritional Profile of Moringa
Moringa seed and moringa leaves are filled with nutrients and essential vitamins. It is proven that moringa leaves have the maximum nutritional values compared to their other parts.
Read more: Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) admitted the presence of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in the fresh moringa leaves.
Moringa leaves are a rich source of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. The drumstick tree leaves also have a rich amount of essential amino acids, powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene, polyphenols, and flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol. The moringa tea leaves are high in minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
The healthy compounds in Moringa leaves are,
- Vitamin A – Four times higher than a carrot
- Calcium – Four times higher than a glass of milk
- Potassium – Three times higher than a banana
- Iron – Three times higher than spinach
- Protein – Two times higher than regular and plain yogurt
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- B2 (riboflavin)
- B3 (niacin), B-6
- Folate and Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
20 Health Benefits of Moringa Tea
Antioxidant-rich
Moringa leaves are filled with antioxidants and plant compounds that have helped treat a wide range of health ailments. The antioxidants remove free radicals and prevent damages from oxidative stress which is highly linked to cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s diseases, aging, and cancer.
The two powerful antioxidants in moringa are vitamin C and beta-carotene which improve immunity. It has been tested in animal studies and human trials. The diabetic-friendly antioxidant, quercetin may potentially reduce hypertension.
Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is the protective action of our body’s response to harmful agents like viruses and bacteria. However, chronic inflammation can lead to severe conditions like high BP, pain, and sometimes even strokes.
The anti-inflammatory activity is mostly found in plants and vegetables. These compounds are categorized into different types based on the chemical compound’s composition. In this way, moringa tea prepared from fresh moringa leaves or its powder contain anti-inflammatory properties, including isothiocyanate.
An animal study proved that moringa leaf extract can reduce inflammation pain.
Another two lab studies found phenolic glycosides and plant compounds in moringa leaves act as immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents.
Related: Benefits of Moringa Oil for Inflammation
Cardiovascular Health
Animal studies have proved that moringa leaf extract can improve heart health. A study showed the moringa leaves reduced cholesterol and the formation of plaque in arteries.
Also, the potassium level in the tea is great for reducing blood pressure. It is a vasodilator that eases tension in blood vessels and arteries thus improving heart health. Adding moringa tea to your dietary supplements may prevent the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Brain Health
An animal study showed positive results in the brain health of animals when tested with moringa leaf extract. Studies are going on with moringa extract to be used in Alzheimer’s treatment.
The neuroprotective vitamins, nutrients with powerful antioxidants make the moringa tea a cognition booster. Research shows that moringa leaf tea can regulate neurotransmitter levels which can improve memory and cognitive behavior.
Gut Health
The antibacterial activities in the moringa tea may help to balance the intestinal flora and improve gut health. It further removes gas, bloating, and cramping. The anti-inflammatory properties provide a soothing effect for stomach upsets and cramps by improving gastrointestinal health.
Diabetes
Moringa tea extract may regulate blood glucose levels so it can help diabetic patients. Many animal studies have proved this fact. Still, human studies are less consistent about it. Some say consuming moringa extract or moringa tea after food may lower glucose levels. Based on the varieties of moringa trees and preparation methods, the results may vary.
Also, chlorogenic acid in the leaves, which is a polyphenol (antioxidant) can keep the blood sugar levels in check. The moringa leaves are rich in Vitamin C which is proven to lower blood sugar and pressure in Type-2 diabetes.
Cancer
Studies conducted in a lab showed an evident reduction in pancreatic cancer cell growth and improved the effect of drugs on cancer cells. Still, we need enough human studies to prove the safety of moringa for cancer patients.
Chronic Conditions
The essential acids, minerals, vitamins, and plant nutrients in moringa leaves keep the chronics diseases at bay. The presence of healthy compounds including polyphenols, tannins, and saponins helps in combating organ damages and failures, chronic conditions like diabetes, aging, and inflammation.
Hypertension
The dried and ground moringa leaves powder can suppress blood pressure. So, moringa prepared from this powder may lower high blood pressure or hypertension. The credit goes to quercetin which is a plant pigment (flavonoid). This antioxidant can effectively reduce the inflammation associated with hypertension.
Immunity Power
The presence of ascorbic acid and antioxidants in the drumstick tea make it an effective herbal drink to fight off the common cold and flu symptoms. The vitamin C in the tea increases white blood cells and reduces oxidative stress and thus improves immunity power.
Fast Healing Rate
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for new cell generation in the body. As the ascorbic acid increases, collagen creation is increased and blood clotting time is decreased. It will provide a fast healing rate and reduce the recovery time of injury.
Body Fat
The nutrients in the moringa tea help move the visceral fat in the body. Antioxidants like polyphenols or plant compounds are high in moringa tea and help weight loss. The tea increases energy and reduces fat production.
Hormonal System
Moringa tea may help balance hormones. The therapeutic effects of leaf tea prevent hormonal imbalance and its complications during post-menopause. The tea also helps in regulating the thyroid glands and preventing hyperthyroidism.
Menstrual Problems
A cup of hot moringa tea is suggested in Folk medicine during the menstruation cycle saying it may reduce cramps, treat bloating, nausea, migraines, and manage mood swings. The analgesic properties of drumstick leaves alleviate pain.
Sex Booster
Moringa leaves are the best sexual booster for men and women. Have a cup of moringa tea every morning to boost your sexual desire. Moringa leaves and seeds showed their ability to increase male and female libido. In Folk medicine, moringa is an important medicine used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and less sexual drive.
Related: Benefits of Moringa for Men’s Sexual Health
Lactation
Moringa leaves may act as a natural galactagogue. They are often recommended to nursing mothers to increase lactation. However, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements and drinks.
Combat Malnutrition
Moringa is a drought-resistant tree which makes it a staple food for drained parts of Asia and Africa. Moringa is a wholesome food that can combat malnutrition in impoverished countries with contaminated water, soil, and less production of nutritious food. The plant leaves and pods with packed minerals, vitamins, and compounds fight poverty.
Additionally, it improves the livelihood of underprivileged people in poor regions. Moringa trees do not need a lot of water but grow quickly. The harvest is possible all year. All of its parts can be sold.
Arsenic Toxicity
Arsenic toxicity is caused because of drinking and using contaminated water for cooking and food crops. If this activity continues, it may lead to chronic conditions like cancer and skin lesions.
The problem is highly possible in impoverished regions. Also, the chemical industries which contaminate the groundwater and food crops with their waste are another reason for arsenic toxicity in a country. The possible health symptoms caused by the toxicity are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and acute poisoning which is fatal as it causes organ failures.
As known already, the moringa trees can purify the groundwater. In fact, in some places, the trees are cultivated to purify the water. In this way, moringa prevents arsenic toxicity.
A study published in an Asian medicine journal showed that a diet including moringa leaves lowered levels of glucose and triglyceride linked to the arsenic effect. An animal study on rats published in an Environmental journal found that moringa powder showed therapeutic effects on rats affected by arsenic poison. Further, the powder helped them to restore the healthy glutathione levels in the blood.
Skin Care
Antioxidants are important for skin health as they prevent oxidative stress, cell damage, and remove toxins, which may instead lead to premature aging and its symptoms. The antioxidants fight off inflammation and improve skin health. The moringa leaves paste or powder is often recommended as a face pack to clear the skin from impurities, acne, blemishes, and pimples.
Related: Benefits of Moringa for Skin
Hair Care
The moringa tea prepared from fresh leaves has iron, vitamin B-complex, and vitamin c with maximum essential amino acids. All these nutrients when added to a healthy diet can promote hair growth and treat caused by dryness and dandruff. It regulates sebum and prevents split ends.
The moringa leaves paste can be used as a hair pack that nourishes hair and strengthens the root.
Read more: Health benefits of Moringa for Hair growth
How to brew Moringa Tea?
Moringa tea is prepared by steeping the moringa leaves in hot water. The leaf powder and tea bags can also be used. The moringa tree is free of caffeine and is best consumed during the day. Hot moringa tea is consumed to improve vitality and energy. You can prepare Moringa tea in three ways.
Way 1: Fresh moringa leaf tea
- Take a bunch of required fresh moringa leaves with stalks and wash them.
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add cleaned leaves and stalks to boiled water.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Filter the mixture.
- Add lemon or honey (optional).
- Stir well and drink hot.
If you don’t know where to buy the fresh moringa leaves, find them here.
Way 2: Dried moringa leaf tea
- Take a bunch of required fresh moringa leaves with stalks and wash them.
- Dry the leaves and stalks in the sun or the dryer.
- Crush the dried leaves or grind them in a mixer.
- Add crushed or ground moringa leaves to a cup of boiled water.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Filter the mixture.
- Add lemon or honey (optional).
- Stir well and drink hot.
If you are too busy to dry and ground leaves, buy dried moringa leaves or dried moringa leaf powder here.
Way 3: Use Readymade moringa tea bag or moringa tea powder
- Take a cup of boiled water.
- Add a tea bag or 1 tsp of tea powder and steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the teabag or filter the powder.
- Add lemon or honey (optional).
- Stir well and drink hot.
Here are the natural moringa tea and its varieties to satisfy your tastebuds.
Moringa Tea Flavor
Moringa tea has an earthy and grassy flavor. It is astringent and has a bitter taste. Unlike green teas, moringa tea leaves can be brewed for a long time at a high temperature. The tea can be consumed plain but you can add sweet and refreshing flavors to the drink by adding honey, cinnamon, or mint leaves. The earthy taste notes of these ingredients balance the bitterness of moringa tea.
Side Effects of Moringa Tea
Let’s look into the potential risks of moringa tea.
All the animal, human, test-tube, and lab studies about moringa found that it is generally safe. Still, there are possibilities it can create a risk in individuals. So, it is best to seek medical advice and consult a doctor before consuming herbal products and teas. The herbal teas may interact with medications and could pose risks to nursing mothers, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The FDA does not approve moringa plant parts to treatments and regulates moringa supplements. Additional research and human studies are required to confirm the safety measure and health benefits of moringa tea.
If you are planning to consume moringa tea, here are a few things you should know before you do it.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women and those who are trying to get pregnant should not consume moringa products without medical approval. Some animal studies showed that moringa rhizomes and flowers contain certain compounds that provoke contractions and uterus tightness which may cause miscarriage or premature births. Though moringa tea is not prepared from rhizome or flowers, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about taking it.
Medical Interactions
Moringa can interact with diabetes drugs. It can reduce the effect of a minimum of one diabetes medicine. The moringa leaves have alkaloids that may lower heart rate and blood pressure.
If you are taking medication for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or hypotension, and heart problems, you must get advice from a doctor before you use moringa products.
During Chemotherapy
Moringa has shown a positive push in the effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. However, If you are under chemotherapy you should not use herbal products before your doctor approves them.
Moringa Tea: Is it a magic drink?
Relatively, moringa is new to the western world. Applauds to the Asian people who discovered the nutritious nature of moringa and brought it to the market.
Research proves that moringa leaves and seeds contain health-boosting compounds. But, we need further detailed research to establish the health benefits of moringa tea and other moringa herbal products.
Until unless Drink moringa tea for its soothing effect, refreshing flavor, and earthy aroma. Have a sip and comfy yourself.
Ponnatharam Stone (Raw) | For Permanent Hair Removal
Vengai Paal | Black Bindi | Dhrishti Pottu | Vengai Pottu for Babies | 100% Natural
Dried Avaram Senna Flower / Cassia Senna Auriculata / Aavaram Poo / Tarwar / Amaltas Leaves / Senna Auriculata / Avaram Poo / Sanay / Alexandrina / Tanner’s Cassia flower
Natural Dried Moringa Flower – Moringa Oleifera – Drumstick Tree Flower – Murungai Poo – Munagaku Flower
Akasa Garudan Kilangu / Redfruit Creeper / Corallocarpus Epigaeus
Original Edible Camphor | Pacha Karpooram | Bhimseni Camphor
Saussurea Obvallata Seeds / Brahmakamal Seeds / Queen of the night / Sacred Saussurea Kon Kapfu / Brahma Kamalam / Nishagandha
Insulin Leaf Powder / Chamaecostus Cuspidatus / Costus Pictus / Spiral Ginger / Insulin Powder / Costus Igneus
Achu Pottu for Babies | Bindi Mould Set | Baby Seratta – 1 Set
Kaunch Beej Powder |Poonaikali | Velvet Bean Powder | Mucuna Pruriens | Kapikacchu | Natural Nervine Tonic & Muscle Builder
Aalam Pazham / Banyan Fruit Powder / Ficus Benghalensis / Marri Palu / Bargad / Dodda Alada Mara / Peraal / Vat Vriksha Powder
Traditional Vasambu Valayal for Babies | Calamus Bracelet | 100 % Pure & Natural