More Uses of Moringa

Other Uses

Here are several more uses of the Moringa tree from around the world.* If you know more about any of these methods, please email us.

Alley cropping: With their rapid growth, long taproot, few lateral roots, minimal shade and large production of high-protein biomass, Moringa trees are well-suited for use in alley cropping systems.
Animal forage: Leaves are readily eaten by cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and rabbits. Leaves can also be used as food for carp and other fish.
Domestic cleaning agent: Crushed leaves are used in some parts of Nigeria to scrub cooking utensils or to clean walls.
Dye: The wood yields a blue dye which was used in Jamaica and Senegal.
Fertilizer: The seed cake, although unsuitable as animal feed without treatment to remove the alkaloid and saponin content, can be used as a protein-rich plant fertilizer.
Gum: The gum produced from a cut tree trunk has been used in calico printing, in making medicines and as a bland-tasting condiment.
Honey clarifier: Powdered seeds can be used to clarify honey without boiling. Seed powder can also be used to clarify sugarcane juice.
Honey producer: Flowers are a good source of nectar for honey-producing bees.
Live fencing: A common use of Moringa trees is to produce live supports for fencing around gardens.
Ornamental: In many countries, Moringa trees are planted in gardens and along avenues as ornamental trees.
Plant disease prevention: Incorporating Moringa leaves into the soil before planting can prevent damping off disease (Pythium debaryanum) among seedlings.
Pulp: The soft, spongy wood makes a poor firewood, but the wood pulp is suitable for making newsprint and writing paper.
Rope-making: The bark of the tree can be beaten into a fiber for production of ropes or mats.
Tannin: The bark and gum can be used in tanning hides.