Moringa and Inflammation- A Natural Inflammation Fighter?

Chronic inflammatory diseases compose some of the most prevalent illnesses in the world. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis impacts over 50 million adults and over 300,000 children, and that is only in the United States.

As a result, members of the Western world have continuously turned to over-the-counter and prescription medications, and while they can be effective, they often contain a number of side effects.

What’s even more concerning is that these drugs often lose potency over time, forcing patients to increase their dosages, rendering them dependent on these medications and often making their side effects worse. 

In response, however, Americans have increasingly begun to seek out relief in nature, often by incorporating diets designed for reducing inflammation, utilizing supplements, and, especially in recent years, CBD has made an appearance as a potential treatment.

Since then, CBD experts have increased their research, not only working to further prove the efficacy of CBD, but also how to enhance it with other plants known for their medicinal purposes.

In comes Moringa. 

What is Moringa?

Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant harvested from trees in North India, also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree. In addition to being high in vitamins and minerals, moringa is a prized medicinal plant, frequently used to boost the immune system and reduce swelling.

How is it Grown/Produced/Extracted?  

Though moringa is a plant native to India, its cultivation has become far more prevalent in recent years as agriculture specialists have introduced it to Latin America. The seeds, roots and leaves are edible, but the two most common ways this plant is enjoyed is by consuming moringa powder, which is made up of finely-crushed moringa leaves (often placed in capsules), or as an oil derived from the seeds.

Benefits of Moringa

• Moringa is Rich in Antioxidants

Moringa leaves have been shown to contain an unusually wide variety of antioxidant compounds, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid.

• Moringa Can Reduce Blood Sugar

A study conducted that included thirty women demonstrated that ingesting 1.5 teaspoons (or 7 grams) of moringa powder daily for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 13.5%.

• Moringa is Highly Nutritious

All parts of the plant are highly nutritious, and incorporating moringa oil or capsules into your diet will introduce a wealth of vitamins and minerals into your regimen. Moringa leaves contain iron, riboflavin, vitamin C. Moringa seeds contain proteins, lipids, and soluble soluble vitamins, while the leaves are especially rich in riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, vitamin A and magnesium.

 What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a function performed by the body as a natural response to injury or infection. As a crucial component of the immune system, inflammation is the process by which white blood cells protect our bodies from pathogens and infection. However, some individuals experience disorders in which their immune system inflicts inflammation when there are no bodily threats present, leading to symptoms of increased joint pain and immobility. These disorders are known as autoimmune diseases, which include arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Effects of Chronic Inflammation to the Body 

Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune response becomes recurring, often triggered by unknown stimuli. Long-term inflammation itself is painful, incorporating symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chest pain and mouth sores. But what’s worse is that it can manifest into other diseases.

In the past century, individuals who suffer from chronic inflammation have turned to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, which work by blocking the hormones that cause inflammation. 

While these drugs may work for a number of people, many autoimmune disease patients require stronger relief, often in the form of corticosteroids, which often carry side effects like weight gain, brittle bones and water retention.

Moreover, even over-the-counter NSAIDs can have long term side-effects like liver damage and an increased risk of stroke, rendering them unsuitable for many chronic inflammation patients.

As a response to this, an increasing number of people are turning to natural remedies that pose fewer and gentler side effects, such as turmeric, willow bark and, of course, moringa. What’s even more interesting is the way in which people are beginning to combine superfoods like moringa with CBD oils, capsules and tinctures.

Moringa for Inflammation

Due to its extraordinary nutritional value, moringa may be used to assist in treating inflammation.

One study showed that moringa oleifera seed extract significantly reduced inflammation and colitis in rats. This is largely due to the extraordinary amount and variety of antioxidants found in moringa; the seeds especially contain polyphenols, like those found in berries, cloves, and red wine, as well as isothiocyanates, which are found in cruciferous vegetables (i.e., broccoli), which helps to fight inflammation.

Moringa Oil vs. Moringa Capsules for Inflammation

The most beneficial part of the plant has been contested, but while both moringa oil and moringa powder are highly nutritious and display anti-inflammatory properties, more promising research on the leaves have been conducted, such as this 2019 study suggesting that the anti-inflammatory properties of the leaf extract is potent enough that it was shown to decrease the production of cancer cells HepG2 and MCF-7.

CBD for Inflammation

Cannabidiol, or CBD, a chemical component taken from the cannabis plant, and while it won’t make you high like its psychoactive counterpart THC, CBD has been known for its ability to deliver pain relief thanks to is cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. 

When CBD is taken, these components interact with our endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate pain/pleasure sensations along with appetite and mood. Additionally, CBD may be able to provide relief from inflammation. Moreover, it may even reduce the neurotransmitter known as glutamate, which relays the feeling of pain, in the brain and spinal cord. 

Moringa and CBD for Inflammation

While there is still very little research on the effects of CBD and moringa when taken in tandem, very few risks can be expected from experimentation, considering that both of these supplements are regarded as safe.

That being said, one study conducted in 2016 showed that when cannabis sativa and moringa were taken together, it produced an increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory affect, suggesting that wellness products containing both CBD and moringa may deliver promising results for those who seek symptom relief. 

How to Take Moringa and CBD

While CBD can be taken in a variety of ways, such as capsules, gummies and even chewing gum, moringa’s most popular form to take is in capsules, though it is also available in the form of tinctures and oils as well. 

Determining the most effective dosage can be tricky on one’s own, as both moringa and CBD lack a standard dosage. However, one study involved patients taking up to 6 grams of moringa for a period of three weeks with no side effects. 

As for CBD, it’s best to start with a low dose, like 10mg and work your way up. Nonetheless, it’s always recommended to consult a physician when considering a natural supplement regimen, and strongly urged if the individual wishes to eventually replace their prescription medication with it (note that completely replacing a corticosteroid prescription may not be possible, and often takes time before one can gradually come off).

Where to Find Products with Both CBD and Moringa

A wide variety of CBD products are readily available online, but some are higher-quality than the rest. Of course, the higher-quality products are what you want and deserve, so keep an eye out for reputable brands like Every Day Optimal, who include third-party lab reports verifying the legitimacy and quality of their products.

Moringa can be purchased online or in stores that sell natural supplements. If you’re seeking supplements which contain CBD and moringa together, sign up for Every Day Optimal’s newsletter to be notified when our CBD and moringa products become available.

Final Thoughts on the topic 

Both CBD and moringa have been recognized for their adeptness at relieving inflammation, and while research on their effects when combined is still in its infancy, their benefits may overlap, creating a stronger anti-inflammatory treatment.

Moringa For Inflammation FAQ