Moringa is a miracle tree that is widely used for centuries as a home remedy for various illnesses. However, like any other traditional medicine, some people are cautious about the effectiveness and safety of moringa products. So, what are the side effects of taking moringa? Let’s look further into the matter, shall we?
What are the Benefits of Moringa?
Before questioning what are the side effects of taking moringa, let’s see the positive effects of the drumstick tree first. Moringa is packed with vitamins and minerals, including antibacterial and antioxidant properties, that may help with numerous health issues.
Moringa is especially popular for treating stomach disorders in traditional medicine. Other functions of moringa include curing blood-related diseases, diabetes, breathing problems, kidney and liver issues, cardiovascular disorders and even helping with sexual health in men.
What are the Side Effects of Moringa?
Although moringa has been used for ages in traditional medicine, there is not enough information covering the negative effects of the miracle plant. Moringa is proven to be safe when the seeds, leaves, and fruits are consumed as food. When treated as medicine, the products of moringa seeds and leaves are likely safe to be used only for a short period. Always seek advice from your doctor before adding moringa into your health program.
The roots and root barks of moringa are known to possess some toxic substances so it is possibly unsafe to use these parts of the drumstick tree. Special precautions are intended for pregnant women as most parts of moringa can trigger uterus contractions and cause miscarriages. When taken for breastfeeding, some people believe moringa can increase breast-milk production.
Regarding the effects of moringa in children, it is possibly safe to give products containing moringa leaves to children to take by mouth but only for the short term. It is safe for children to consume moringa leaves for up to two months. However, always ask your pediatrician first before giving moringa to your children.
If you have allergies related to the consumption of any other herbal products, it is best to seek advice from your doctor before trying any moringa products. Taking moringa in low dosage and only for the short-term may be best to keep on the safe side and to avoid any allergies or complications. So, regarding what are the side effects of taking moringa, future studies are still needed to answer this question with confidence.
What are the Risks of Taking Moringa with Other Medications?
If you are taking any type of medication, it is always best to seek advice from your doctor before adding moringa into your diet or treatment program. This is because other than asking about what are the side effects of taking moringa, you should also be aware of the risks of moringa caused by interactions with other drugs. As moringa is part of traditional medicine, it may not go well with some modern medicine.
- Taking moringa with diabetes medications: If you are already taking diabetes medications, it is possibly unsafe to add moringa into your program. Moringa is known to be effective in lowering blood sugar, meaning your blood sugar levels will be down twice the amount if taking both diabetes medications and moringa products.
- Taking moringa with high blood pressure medications: Like the above point, taking moringa alongside high blood pressure drugs may backfire as both will interact and make the effects stronger than intended.
- Taking moringa with drugs required to be broken down by the liver: Certain medications need extra work in the breaking down process by the liver. Moringa products may slow down the process of those drugs breaking down, thus triggering unwanted complications.
- Taking levothyroxine: This drug is used to treat thyroid problems, and moringa leaves possess the substances that combat thyroid issues as well. This means the combination of levothyroxine or any other thyroid medications with moringa may cause negative effects instead of helping with thyroid function. People suffering from hypothyroidism are not recommended to take moringa as the herbal might make the condition worse.
How to Prepare Moringa for Consumption?
Taking moringa in raw form is not recommended because it may cause illness. Moringa seeds, flowers, and leaves had to be cooked properly first before consumption. It is advised to add moringa into other food or beverages as the taste of moringa itself may not be too pleasant and can even trigger a gag reflex.
Products of moringa seeds are safe to use for up to three weeks while products of moringa leaves are known to be safe to use for up to 90 days. Store moringa products in air-tight containers away from direct light and heat. The easiest way to take moringa is by buying the powder form as it is already handled by professionals and ready to use for human consumption.
The consumption of moringa root and barks are not recommended as they contain toxic substances. The consumption of moringa products during breastfeeding may be safe under professionals’ advice. Moringa is considered dangerous during pregnancy as it may trigger contractions and miscarriages.
The best way to consume moringa is probably by taking the moringa powder and boiling it into herbal tea or mixing it with smoothies. Adding the powder to your dressings or soups may also give a different taste. The most common way to enjoy moringa is by drinking moringa tea but you may also add only a bit of moringa here and there into your food to mask the bitter taste but get the benefits nevertheless.
What are the Side Effects of Taking Moringa?
Like any other herbal plant, moringa may have unwanted effects, especially if used for the long term, as stated in the above explanation. However, what moringa can cure seem to outweigh the downsides it may carry. Being dubbed as a miracle plant for a reason, moringa holds the potential to aid with diseases—and that is enough reason to buy the moringa powder from a reputable supplier such as Nusagro to ensure your moringa’s quality at an affordable price.
