Herb library

Shigru (Drumstick Tree / Moringa)

Moringa (Drumstick Tree / Moringa)

Moringa oleifera

The drumstick tree — leaf powder dense in iron, calcium and protein, used for depletion and anaemia.

Drumstick tree · Tree · Parts: Leaf, Pod, Seed, Bark

Taste (rasa)
Pungent, Bitter
Energy (virya)
Heating
Balances
Kapha, Vata

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Nutrient-dense leaf used for tiredness, low iron and poor appetite
  • Anti-inflammatory support for joints and swelling
  • Helps steady blood sugar and lipids alongside diet

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Shigru is described as light, sharp and penetrating — a shothahara (anti-swelling) tree used where the body is both depleted and clogged.

Traditional uses

  • Rebuilding after illness, poor appetite or low haemoglobin
  • Swelling, water retention and stiff, aching joints
  • Clearing kapha from the sinuses and chest

Practical guidance

  1. 1Treat the leaf as food first: a spoon of powder in dal or a handful of leaves cooked with ghee.
  2. 2Its sharpness suits Kapha; add ghee or lemon if you run dry and Vata-type.
  3. 3Use leaf and pod only — the root and root bark are not for home use.

How much

Dosage

Leaf powder 2-4 g (about half to one teaspoon) daily; fresh leaves and pods as food.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Leaf powder

Stir half a teaspoon into warm water, dal or a smoothie.

With breakfast or lunch

Drumstick pods

Simmer the pods in sambar or a light soup until tender.

Midday meal

Read this first

Precautions

  • Avoid root and root bark entirely, and avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy
  • May add to the effect of blood-pressure, thyroid and diabetes medication
  • Large amounts on an empty stomach can loosen the bowels

Where this comes from

Sources

Common questions

What is Moringa used for?

The drumstick tree — leaf powder dense in iron, calcium and protein, used for depletion and anaemia. In traditional use the main applications are: Nutrient-dense leaf used for tiredness, low iron and poor appetite; Anti-inflammatory support for joints and swelling; Helps steady blood sugar and lipids alongside diet.

What is the typical dosage of Moringa?

Leaf powder 2-4 g (about half to one teaspoon) daily; fresh leaves and pods as food. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Moringa be taken?

Leaf powder: Stir half a teaspoon into warm water, dal or a smoothie. Timing — With breakfast or lunch

Are there any precautions with Moringa?

Avoid root and root bark entirely, and avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy May add to the effect of blood-pressure, thyroid and diabetes medication Large amounts on an empty stomach can loosen the bowels Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Moringa replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

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