Shigru (Moringa oleifera Lam) commonly known as Drumstick plant or Horse Radish Tree, is a medium sized, evergreen or deciduous tree is a native to India and commonly cultivated throughout India. Every component of the Moringa tree, including the bark, leaves, blossoms, and roots, has a special function in enhancing health, which makes it extremely special. It has a pungent and bitter flavour to its juice. This plant is of high nutritional value, ecologically and economically beneficial with its unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids potentially acting as a “Super drug” or “Natural nutrition for the tropics” which can drastically enhance health and end hunger worldwide by the ease of its growth in semi-arid, tropical, and subtropical regions. A child can consume 30 grams of Shigru leaf powder every day and meet all of his needs for vitamin A, 80% of his needs for calcium, 60% of his needs for iron, and almost 40% of his needs for protein. Further the protein content of the Shigru is comparable to that of meat, making it a superior source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Ayurveda uses Shigru to treat a variety of conditions, including itching, skin problems, intestinal worms, stones (calculus) & inflammation. Moreover this “Wonder tree” is rich in phytonutrients and other potent disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as with high levels of protein & all necessary amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The raw leaves are rich in vitamin C (seven times the amount in oranges) and also a good source of vitamin B and other minerals. The Moringa tree helps in preventing infection, reducing inflammation, and encouraging healthy blood flow.
Shigru is used for its anti-helminthic, antiseptic, carminative, abortifacient and antihistamine properties. Calcium and magnesium from the Shigru is effective in protecting against bone diseases like osteoporosis. Their high fibre content and low fat and calorie content enables the leaves of Shigru to reduce blood pressure, improves digestion and promote immuneboosting effects. The antibiotic property of Shigru roots has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Paste of Shigru roots is used in renal calculus. This drug increases breast milk production by boosting prolactin levels as well as essential nutrients. Juice of leaves of Shigru is used in eye diseases while juice of roots of Shigru is used in earache.
Externally, Shigru powder nourishes the skin as they contain trace minerals which has made this drug to be a part of a lot of cosmetic products. Applying creams and lotions made from the Shigru will allow the nutrients to penetrate the skin and renew it. Its bark and leaf paste has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces abscesses. On inflammation, it is topically applied, and abscess. The seed powder is administered nasally for headaches and head heaviness brought on by phlegm. As seed oil is analgesic, it is used to treat painful conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
