MUKAZA, August 6 (ABP) – Moringa is known as a traditional medicinal plant that can help regenerate the body, especially for elderly people and those who are seriously sick, according to information obtained by ABP last week during an interview with Sister Marie Pélagie Miburo, a traditional practitioner.
As for Sister Miburo, who works at the Saint-Michel Health Center in Bujumbura, there are two types of moringa: Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala. She indicated that both types can be used as food and medicine.
Sister Miburo explained that this medicinal plant contains various essential nutrients for human health. It can be consumed as a food (either as fresh or green vegetables) because it is rich in protein. It also contains calcium, comparable to that found in cow’s milk. Furthermore, she noted that moringa is rich in iron, which is beneficial to the overall health of pregnant women, particularly in preventing and treating anemia, along with other minerals.
She continued that moringa can help treat several diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and stomach issues. She added that its leaves may also assist girls who experience irregular menstrual cycles. In cases of sleep disturbances and fatigue, moringa can also be consumed, she revealed.
As for potential side effects resulting from improper use, she noted that moringa generally has few side effects because it is mild. However, she advised users to avoid overdosing and to follow prescribed dosages, emphasizing that dosage should be based on age and body weight.
For adults, she recommended taking two tablespoons of moringa powder in one and a half liters of hot water, to be consumed in the morning and evening for one month (especially for diabetics).
She stressed that after a month, individuals should consult a doctor to check blood sugar levels. For children, she continued, moringa should be given starting at the age of one, with one teaspoon three times a day.