Moringa is a fast-growing tree native to South Asia and now found all throughout the tropics. It’s also known as Mulunggay, or the Miracle Tree, as it is so high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential amino acids.
It’s well-known and highly regarded for its ability to increase breastmilk production in nursing mothers.
It has:
- 12 times the Vitamin C of oranges
- 10 times the Vitamin A of carrots
- 17 times the Calcium of milk
- 15 times the Potassium of bananas
- 9 times the protein of yogurt
- 25 times more iron than spinach
It is used as a superfood and valuable food source for many regions around the world. Along with its ability to increase breastmilk production, the Ayurvedic system of medicine associates it with the “cure or prevention of about 300 different diseases”.
Along with its high concentration of vital nutrients, it also has been shown to have the following actions:
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-viral
- Anti-tumor
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-fungal
- Lowers cholesterol
- Improves liver function
- Reduces blood pressure
- Eliminates water weight
- Supports the thyroid
- Aphrodisiac
It can safely be used by pregnant women after the first trimester to help provide nutrition. It should not pose a risk of starting breastmilk production prematurely. Other than the note below, there are no known contraindications or drug interactions found with this herb.
NOTE: It should NOT be used by women who are trying to conceive, as it may prevent implantation of the fertilized egg. It should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.
This herb is available from Herb Lore in the tincture form and also as part of our Nursing Tea and Nursing Tincture.
Written by Pam Caldwell
Certified Herbalist; Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum & Lactation Specialist