They have bombarded my email and voicemail.
Their passionate plea was, “when you gine write bout the tree of life?” Without any more hesitation I will now remove that gridlock.
Silent doctor tree of life is known scientifically as Moringa oleifea.
It is also known in English as miracle tree, moringa, ben-oil-tree, clarifier tree, horseradish tree, or drumstick tree.
Research shows that this tree was used by my ancestors in Africa, the ancient Egyptians. Here in Barbados, some of us who are descendants of those glorious Africans can state with absolute certainty that we have used Moringa oleifea in salads, teas, and as a cooked bean.
I once had a small tree in my garden and other trees do exist in Barbados. In fact, a large tree of life is located opposite Government Information Service, near the Police Girls’ and Boys’ Club. This powerful healing tree is unfamiliar to many people and thus is underutilized. The entire tree can be used for healing.
Commercially sold Moringa oleifea products are popular. It is used in hair, cooking, perfume and other products. My experience with moringa has been so pleasant that I have even donated some of its long brown pods to my neighbours. In some cultures the seeds are used to purify water or are roasted like nuts.
Our ancestors, from their experiences, decided to refer to Moringa oleifea as the tree of life. Why did they refer to it as the tree of life?
Interestingly in Genesis 3:22, Revelations 2:7 and 22:2, and Proverbs 11:30 references are made to a tree of life. Is there a spiritual connection?
However, my favourite reference is Revelations 22:2: “On each side of the river stood the tree of life . . . and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of nations.”
Research shows that in some cultures, at the folklore level, it is used to heal skin cancer, other cancers, high blood pressure, impotence and used by women who want to cure excessive sexual activity.
It is also used for diabetes, asthma, gout, spasms, constipation, external ulcers, rheumatism, earaches, hoarseness, some skin challenges, swelling, insomnia, gonorrhoea and sore throat. It can also increase the flow of breast milk and is used as a diuretic. Finally, the tree is said to be nutritionally strong and this makes it good for treating malnutrition.
The tree of life is a brilliant silent doctor and personally, I feel it can bring forth joy and healing.
Next week, read more about the tree of life.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.
