Our Farewell Gathering with Bernadette, Alan, Jordan and Debra took place at Augustine's Restaurant, "Vive Mexico". His lovely open garden area and the warmth and love he shares so graciously makes San Juan Cosala a magical place at night. The streets are alive with children playing, decorations in brightly coloured paper hanging on cords that cross each road high above shops and homes.
Vive Mexico serves up delicious Mexican food. Augustine's love of art is reflected on the walls which display local paintings that change each month. He cares deeply for his town, and is not only a chef, but an architect, builder and organizer. He finds innovative community projects and generously offers his land to support woman now growing Moringa Trees in a garden that are sold in the US. It empowers the women, the leaves are transported to the US and sell for $100. a kilo. This is just one of the many projects he helps plan, initiate and sustain enthusiasm for that provide his fellow Mexicans with hope and inspiration.
Moringa Trees- Information Re: Health
ten benefits of the moringa oleifera tree
The Moringa Oliefera is one of many trees that we here at tentree are planting incountries around the world. It also happens to be one of the most useful trees around. Here’s a list of the top ten benefits of the Moringa Oleifera Tree!
1. In most cultures, the Moringa Oleifera is referred to as the miracle tree or the tree of life and the majority of it is edible and can be consumed by all ages. We’re off to a good start.
2. Moringa contains more that 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and 36 anti-inflammatory compounds. It also has 18 amino acids, including the 8 essentials that our bodies need to survive but cannot manufacture ourselves (and must be supplied through diet). All this is 100% naturally occurring in the Moringa, whereas most multivitamins and calcium supplements available on the market are made using synthetic ingredients that the human body absorbs very minimal nutrients from.
3. The flowers can be cooked down and are said to taste of mushrooms. The flower juice is useful for treating urinary problems and as a natural laxative. Tea made from the flowers has also been used as a common cold remedy.
4. The seeds can be eaten like peas or roasted like nuts but are often ground into powder and used in treatment of scurvy skin diseases, insect bites, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramps, STDs, and boils due to their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used as a relaxant for epilepsy. And after oil has been extracted, the seed cake can be used as fertilizer or a flocculent to purify water.
5. The oil extracted from the seeds can resist rancidity and is used to treat bladder and prostate problems, as well as stomach disorders. It can relieve headaches when rubbed on the temples and is also used in perfumes, skin care, and hair oil. It is also being studied for its potential as a biofuel.
6. The leaves are commonly known as the most nutritious part of the Moringa and have no proven side effects to this date. Gram for gram, these leaves have 7 times the Vitamin C of an orange, 4 times the Vitamin A of carrots and calcium of milk, 3 times the potassium of bananas, the Vitamin E of spinach, and the iron of almonds, and 2 times the protein of yogurt. Regularly consuming Moringa leaves has been linked to a boosted immune system, lower blood pressure, improved digestion and mood, and weight loss due to its high fiber and low fat and calorie levels. They’re also regularly used to treat fevers, bronchitis, anemia, and eye and ear infections.
7. The roots and bark are used to relieve lower back or kidney pain, for cardiac and circulatory problems, and as a condiment (much like horseradish), tonic, or tea for inflammation and digestion. (the roots and bark have all of the properties above but are more concentrated and should have more care taken when used as a medicine because the alkaloid spirachin (a nerve-paralyzer) has been found in the roots).
8. Moringa has been used as a sexual virility drug to treat erectile dysfunction in men and increase sex drive (as an aphrodisiac) in women. It has also been known to prevent pregnancy; But in the case of having a baby, it will increase and nourish breast milk production.
9. In Jamaica, the sap is used for a blue dye and in Haiti the trees are grown as windbreaks and to help reduce soil erosion because it is fast growing (flowering begins within the first 6 months of planting) and drought resistant. It is also in full-leaf at the end of the dry season when most other foods are typically scarce.
