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Moringa

Shigru · Moringa oleifera

Rasa (Taste) Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
Virya (Energy) Ushna (heating)
Vipaka Katu (pungent)
Part Used Leaves (primary), seeds, bark, root, flowers, seed oil (Ben oil)
Dosha Effect Balances Vata and Kapha. May aggravate Pitta in excess due to its heating, pungent nature. The leaves are somewhat milder than the bark and root.
Family Moringaceae

Traditional Uses

The Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita both classify Shigru in the Krimighna (antiparasitic) group and prescribe it for a variety of conditions. The classical texts emphasize its action on Kapha and Vata disorders, particularly Shotha (inflammation and edema), Gulma (abdominal masses), Vidradhi (abscess), Granthi (nodular swellings), and Galaganda (goiter and thyroid enlargements). The bark and root were traditionally prepared as decoctions or pastes for these more serious conditions, while the leaves and flowers served as milder, more nutritive preparations suitable for daily use.

Preparations

Leaf powder (Churna): 3-6g with warm water, milk, or honey daily. Fresh leaves: cooked as a vegetable or added to soups and dal. Capsules: leaf powder or extract, 500mg-1g twice daily.

Dosage

Leaf powder: 3-6g daily (approximately 1-2 teaspoons) in divided doses. Fresh leaves: a generous handful cooked into meals.

Dosha Guidance

Moringa is best suited for Kapha and Vata types. Kapha individuals benefit from its heating, pungent, and penetrating properties, which directly counter Kapha's cold, heavy, and congested tendencies. The leaf powder is an excellent daily supplement for Kapha types, taken with warm water or honey.

Synergistic Combinations

Combined with Guggulu in Shigru Guggulu for joint inflammation and arthritis. Paired with Ashwagandha for comprehensive nutritive and adaptogenic support.

Contraindications

The leaves are generally very safe and widely consumed as food. Bark and root preparations have more potent therapeutic actions and should be used more cautiously. Avoid bark and root preparations during pregnancy, as they have traditionally been associated with uterine-stimulating properties.

Tissues & Channels

Dhatus: Asthi dhatu (bone tissue), Mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), Rakta dhatu (blood tissue), Meda dhatu (fat tissue)

Srotas: Anna vaha srotas (digestive channel), Asthi vaha srotas (bone channel), Rakta vaha srotas (blood channel), Mutra vaha srotas (urinary channel)

Where to Buy

For leaf powder, look for a vibrant green color, which indicates careful drying that preserved nutritional content. Powder that is brownish or yellowish has been degraded by excess heat or light during processing.

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