The Drumstick Tree – a plant for “all seasons”

Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera is known by many common names: Horseradish tree, Drumstick tree, Ben tree, Marango, Murunga, Kelor and more....

It is a native of the foothills of the Himalayas in north-western India. This small legume tree is fast growing and drought hardy, grows to 8 metres if allowed.

The wood is soft and easily broken by commuting possums, the foliage is a ferny looking arrangement of tripinnate leaves. The small creamy flowers form in clusters on terminal stems which (if you are lucky) turn into long round pods; hence the moniker Drumstick Tree. Moringa are grown extensively in a variety of climates from tropical to temperate areas: Africa, India, SE Asia, South America and tropical islands. Propagation by seed is possible; while cuttings of 10cm circumference will readily root in well drained soil. Plant in sunny, frost-free position. Protect from strong winds when young. Fertilise moderately. Harvest the leaves as needed and prune fairly hard to encourage bushing up, keep the leaves easily accessible and prevent the tree from becoming lanky. The leaves are best used when young as they toughen with age. It is loaded with goodness from head to toe: Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C Minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium Actions: tonic, digestive, vermifuge, diuretic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory.

The leaves contain 38% protein and nearly all essential amino acids (vegetarians take note). The drumstick tree is listed as having the highest protein ratio of any plant on earth. Medicinal Uses Used as folk remedy for many conditions: stomach complaints, oedema, headaches, sore gums, liver, gall bladder and is used to strengthen the immune system as a blood cleanser. Leaves are used as a poultice on the abdomen to expel worms. Oil from the seed, also known as Oil of Ben, is used for earaches and ointments for skin conditions. Rubbing the oil on the skin is said to prevent mosquito bites. The flowers, infused in honey are used as a cough remedy Potential uses are as antibiotic, and immune system booster, also as fungicide (from the root bark). Culinary uses: The leaves can be eaten fresh, but they can be an acquired taste. Steam as spinach. Add to salads, stir fries, curries, soups and even chilli con carne or bolognaise. Use the seed of young pods as peas. Slice young green pods into savoury and meat dishes.

The leaves can be dried and used as a tea. The roots of young seedlings can be grated and used as horseradish; with the proviso that no bark at all should remain as it is toxic! Some suggest using the flowers in salads, while I have found others say they must be cooked (steamed) first. Oil of Ben, a by-product of the seed is a fine grade oil used in salads, cooking, perfumery and to lubricate watches and fine machinery. It does not go rancid.

Other uses: -Powdered seeds can be used to clarify turbid water. The powder carries particles to the bottom by force of gravity and research shows that it carries with it over 90% of bacteria and viruses. This method is being used to purify water, notably in Sudan and Peru. -Bio-diesel. Moringa is salt tolerant and can be grown on marginal land, not usable for other crops. It is considered as “ethical” land use. An oil company in the Pilbara is trialling use of biodiesel made from used cooking-oil : “...making around 10,000 litres of biodiesel fuel per week from the used cooking oil in the mining accommodation camps”. Interestingly the “oil cake and leaves’ (by-product) are excellent stock feed”.-Forage for livestock-Trees can be planted closely to serve as living fences or stakes for climbing plants and are used as mottled shade for protection of smaller crops. My Moringa story When I found out about this tree (don’t remember when or how), I just had to get one! The jolly thing cost me $26 for a “stick”. The stick grew for a while, I pruned as instructed... then it “died”. A thin stick 1.5m tall, just stood there in my garden for about 12 month. Then June visited me and when introduced to “Stick” gave it a friendly scratch... and it started growing again (currently 5m tall). It flowered. I harvested leaves.

I waited for the flowers to turn into drumsticks, five years later... I’m still waiting! In my quest to find out and use everything Moringa I have spoken to many people; who all have a different experience.

Some only eat the Drumstick, some only the leaves. Some species of Moringa don’t set drumsticks, if they are to be believed. I have not yet found oil of Ben in Australia. It is imported and used by organic cosmetic companies but I have been unable to purchase household quantities of it anywhere. June eats the raw leaves and finds it relieves her arthritic pains. So the story continues and I will no doubt find out more ‘stuff’ about it. Just call me the Moringa Lady”.Jacqueline

Lift and divide plants every couple of years in autumn. French tarragon rarely flowers and does not produce viable seed. Propagation is by cuttings or root division. True French tarragon gives a numbing sensation on the tongue and the leaves can be chewed to relieve the pain of toothaches.

It has bitter warming properties and is used to stimulate digestion, increase the appetite and expel intestinal worms. A leaf poultice can be applied to bring relief to rheumatism and arthritis.

French Tarragon has a warm subtle flavour with a hint of pepper and licorice.

Use in salads, fish, chicken and boiled or poached eggs.

Add to white wine vinegar, pickles, mustards and butter.

The French use tarragon in many sauces, such as béarnaise sauce, tartar and hollandaise sauce.

Along with chives, chervil and parsley, it is used as an aromatic seasoning blend called “Fines Herbes.” This classic French mix is frequently used to flavour eggs, fish, chicken, light sauces and dressings.

It also combines well with mild cheeses and is a tasty addition to herb butters and is the basis for ravigote sauce, a warm herbed veloute (veloute is a white sauce based on a white roux to which either chicken,veal or fish stock is added) served over fish or poultry.