Drumstick is obtained from an evergreen, drought tolerant and medium-sized tree. Its botanical name is Moringa oleifera. The flowers of this tree develop into long slender, dark green seed-edible pods. These pods are called drumsticks. These pods can range in length from 6 to 18 inches and have constrictions at the seed nodes, appearing like a typical drumstick. Pods have fleshy pulp and round pea-sized seeds covered with a hull. When it comes to health, these pods are highly beneficial. Below we have discussed some of the top home remedies using drumsticks along with popular gains one could get out of using this herb.
The entire tree is known to provide various health benefits and have traditionally been used for nutritional, medicinal and industrial uses. Its pods are commonly used in cooking soups and curries in Southern India and many other Asian countries. Its seeds produce oil which is called Ben oil that does not become rancid and used in hair care, perfumes, salads and also for lubricating machines. The leaves of drumstick tree will help get rid of many medical problems related to skin and stomach. Due to their multiple benefits, it is said that if you have Moringa tree at home, you have a doctor at home.
Health Benefits of Drumstick
The following are a few reasons why you must include drumstick in diet:
- Blood Purification: Drumstick pods contain properties which can purify blood and also act as a powerful antibiotic agent. Thus, if you include these pods in soups or juice, it can also help cure acne and various other skin related issues.
- Strong bones: Drumsticks are high in iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, copper, selenium and vitamins which help build strong bones. If you take it with milk or in the form of juice regularly, it is seen that these pods help elevate the bone density and also improve bone health in children.
- Reduces blood sugar: Drumstick leaves help control diabetes by reducing the blood sugar level. It also helps enhance gall bladder functioning, leading to lowering the blood sugar level. Thus, it is highly beneficial for people suffering from diabetes.
- Protect from infections: The flowers and leaves of drumstick contain antibacterial properties which aid in preventing various infections associated with skin and throat. It also helps increase the body immunity and eliminates the free radicals from the body due to its richness in vitamin C.
- Promotes digestion: The leaves and pods of drumstick are rich in B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyrodoxine and folic acid. These vitamins plays an important role in digestion as they help breakdown of complex carbohydrates, fats and proteins into more simpler forms.
- Mouth ulcers: In order to cure existing mouth ulcers or prevent recurring one, chew leaves of the tree after properly washing it. Chew the leaves liberally for relief from the problem
- Sore throat: The best home remedy for sore throat is gargle with lukewarm water mixed with salt. Prepare a paste of drumstick leaves and add pinch of lime to it. Apply this paste at the base of throat before going to bed
- Running Nose: Boil the roots of the plant in water. Inhale the vapors and it would clear the nasal passage and also help in getting the mucous out
- Stomach ulcers: Make a paste out of the leaves of the plant and mix it with curd or plain yogurt. Take this preparation daily to get relief from the problem
Besides, having these health benefits, drumstick also help in easing various respiratory problems, enhances sexual health and also good for expecting mothers as it helps in pre and post-delivery health issues. If you can not get fresh drumstick leaves and pods, you can get its leaf powder and capsules and take on a regular basis to get maximum health benefits.
Other Names for Drumstick
Latin: Moringa Oleifera
English: Drumstick, Horseradish tree, Benzoil tree
Hindi: Sahijan (सहीज़न)
Telugu: Munaga
Kannada: Murunga, Nuggegida (ನುಗ್ಗೇಗಿಡ)
Tamil: Murungai
Malayalam: Muringa (മുരിങ്ങ)
