Moringa Tea: A Rare Botanical

Steeping edible plant parts in hot water produces a beverage that goes by several names including herbal tea, tisane, botanical, and infusion. The plant pieces utilized to create these beautiful, flavorsome, and aromatic refreshments include leaves, flowers, bark, roots, fruits, seeds, and spices.

Many herbal teas are commonly found in homes, stores, and restaurants globally. Others are rare and precious, exclusive to their native land and surrounding areas. Moringa tea is one of these gems. The plant utilized for this tisane is native to the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. Harvested and consumed since 2000 B.C., it’s believed this plant has a wide range of potential health benefits. Today, this variety is primarily enjoyed in Eastern countries such as its native India, Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nepal, and Taiwan. Parts of Africa, Central America, and Oceania also have access to moringa tea.

Cultivation & Harvesting

Moringa tea is made by steeping the leaves of the Moringa oleifera plant, which thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. When fully mature, this tree can reach heights up to 39 feet. Some countries also consider it an invasive species due to the rate at which it grows. 

The tree, which has light gray bark, produces small green leaves that can be harvested every 6 to 8 weeks or roughly every 2 months. Since the roots of this tree run deep into the ground, it’s equipped to survive droughts and other types of severe weather. 

Nicknames

The Moringa oleifera plant is often referred to as the horseradish tree and the drumstick tree. It’s given the name horseradish tree because the roots tasted like horseradish. The nickname drumstick tree was coined because the seed pods are the same shape as a drumstick. 

This perennial has been dubbed the miracle tree. Although there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back this up, it’s believed by some that the tree was highly beneficial for treating various ailments. Herbalists even regard the tea that is produced from the moringa leaves to be crucial for preventing certain health issues.

Brewing & Nutrition

Moringa tea can be purchased as loose leaf, in sachets, and ground down into a powder. Regardless of what form is used to brew a cup of tea, each serving is caffeine-free and contains zero calories, fats, proteins, and sugars. One serving of moringa tea contains approximately 1 gram of carbs and fiber.

Dried Loose Leaf

For this set of directions, it’s suggested to use 10 oz of water for every teaspoon of dried moringa leaves. You will also need a kettle or pot to boil water, a tea ball or infuser to contain the loose leaves, and a cup to enjoy it from.

  1. Bring the water to a rapid boil.
  2. While the water temperature is rising, place the tea leaves into the tea ball or infuser.
  3. Once the water has reached the correct temperature, pour it into a cup. Then, place the tea ball or infuser into the cup as well. Allow the leaves to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove them.
  4. If desired, you can sweeten the tea or savor it as is.

Fresh Leaf Tea

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on fresh moringa leaves, they can also be used to make a great cup of tea. Depending on how strong you would like it, the directions for this recommend between 1/2 cup to 1 cup of fresh leaves for every 3 cups of water. You will also need a kettle or pot, a strainer, and a cup.

  1. Place 3 cups of water and the fresh leaves into a pot or kettle.
  2. Bring this water-leaf mixture to a boil. Allow it to continue to boil for five minutes.
  3. After five minutes remove the pot or kettle from the stove and allow the tea to cool down.
  4. Once cooled, strain out the leaves and pour the tea into a cup. You can also add sweeteners to the cup or enjoy it as is.

Powder Tea

If you are making tea with moringa tea powder, it is recommended to use 1 tsp for every cup of water. Simply bring one cup of water to a boil and pour it into a glass. Place the moringa tea powder into the glass and mix well. Then, cover the glass and allow it to sit for five minutes. When the time is up, sweeteners can be added or it can be enjoyed just as it is.

Flavor & Aroma

The flavor of moringa tea has been described as earthy and comparable to that of green tea. Unlike green tea, however, the intense yellow brew of moringa tea is less bitter or sharp-tasting.

The aroma of a freshly brewed cup of this tisane made from loose leaves or sachets has been described as mild, earthy, and similar to dry leaves. Moringa tea that has been made from powder tends to have a stronger aroma with detectable nutty notes. It has also been described as smelling similar to black coffee.

Flavor Enhancers

For some, the flavor of moringa tea needs a little extra kick or sweetness. Some popular additives to jazz up the taste include:

  • Honey
  • Mint
  • Cinnamon
  • Agave
  • Ginger root
  • Turmeric root

Potential Benefits

Moringa contains vitamins A, B1, and C. It also contains calcium and iron. Although not enough research has been done on the benefits of drinking moringa tea, herbalists and those who practice traditional medicine believe this tisane is beneficial for:

  • Heart and liver health
  • Regulating blood glucose
  • Supporting brain health
  • Reducing inflammation

Conclusion

This herbal tisane is hard for people in the Western side of the world to obtain. Cultivated and produced in subtropical and tropical climates in the East, moringa tea is considered a rare gem in the herbal tea world. Native to India with roots dating back to 2000 B.C., it’s often regarded as a miracle tea for its potential benefits. More research needs to be done, however, to support these ideas.

The aroma of this freshly brewed tisane is often described as mild, earthy, and similar to that of dry leaves. The earthy flavor is like green tea, just less bitter. With its low nutritional value and caffeine-free nature, moringa tea makes an excellent choice for those who have caffeine sensitivities. Since it can be enjoyed day or night, it makes for a great alternative to other beverages.