Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera; Lam.)

Common names; Ben-oil tree, Horseradish-tree

This tree is full of nutrients and vitamins in its leaves, flowers, bark and seeds for mankind and animals. It is particularly used in India, North and West Africa, Sri Lanka, Mexico and in parts of the East Indies. The trees are found here in Jamaica, particularly in St. Catherine, and the drier southern parishes of the island, but are not utilised and unknown to many Jamaicans.

Traditional uses

The leaves (especially the young shoots) are chopped up finely and eaten as spinach. As a food, it is known to be high in protein. The powder from the leaves can be added to sauces, condiments, vegetables and infant formulas. (One tablespoon contains 8 grams of powder). The leaf tea is used for gastric ulcers and diarrhoea.

The juice extracted from the flowers, leaves, and roots are mixed with honey and used for nervous disorders.

The root is chewed for gingival ulcers, and the root pulp grounded and applied as a chest poultice for two minutes for pulmonary ailments, as well as for rheumatism and arthritis (when heated).

The flowers are a good source of nectar for honey-producing bees, and the juice improves the quality and flow of mother's milk when breastfeeding.

The seeds, when fully matured and hardened, can be pressed for oil extraction that does not turn rancid and also burns without smoking. The seed powder is used for water purification, particularly cleaning dirty river water removing 90 to 99 per cent of bacteria contained in water.

Moringa seed powder replaces chemicals such as aluminium sulphate (which are dangerous to people and the environment).

The seeds are used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat arthritis, gout, cramps, and sexually transmitted diseases and boils. They are roasted, pounded and mixed with coconut oil and applied to the affected area. The seed oil is also used for soap making and skin protectant products.

Powders and pastries

A group of us were introduced to this plant and its benefits at a special meeting by a Peace Corps couple working with a community group in Old Harbour, St. Catherine. They were using their creative skills to make teas, and pastries from the powder of the leaves.

This plant has all the potentials for economic viability for a community, country and a nation. The potential for nutraceutical development is paramount, as well as its contribution to the environment. Foliage can be used for seasoning, as well as used in baby formulae and fruit juice combinations. Here is a plant waiting to 'exhale' for economic development and sustainability.