By Damayanthi Joan Lee
In May 2016, life took an unexpected turn for my family when a loved one was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, given only six months to live. Faced with this daunting reality, we found ourselves at a crossroads, forced to explore alternatives to conventional treatments. This journey led us to the remarkable Moringa tree, a silent hero in the realm of holistic healing.
Discovering Moringa: Nature’s Miracle
Rejecting the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, my family member turned to natural herbal remedies, and among these, Moringa stood out. Known for its incredible nutritional profile, Moringa is a treasure trove of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and minerals. Its benefits are vast, ranging from being a nutrient-rich energy source to addressing global food and malnutrition challenges. As we delved deeper, we uncovered Moringa’s anti-aging properties, antioxidant richness, and its potential as a natural multi-vitamin medicine cabinet.
With Mariko Gifford: Marking National Moringa Day on April 18
The connection to Moringa grew stronger, especially since it flourished in the heart of Sri Lanka. The more research we conducted, the clearer it became that Moringa had the potential to transform lives, families, and communities.
A Journey to Empowerment
Determined to learn more, I embarked on a journey to California, where I underwent ten days of intensive training on a Moringa farm. This experience culminated in my certification as a Moringa Ambassador from ‘Moringa For Life.’
In 2018, I transformed family land in Kanniya, Trincomalee, into a thriving Moringa haven. Armed with insights from California, I planted 1,000 Moringa trees, marking the beginning of a green revolution. This journey evolved into a communal effort, collaborating with local war widows, women, children, and schools. Our focus shifted to supplying, teaching, and empowering communities through sustainable home gardening.
Moringa: More Than Just a Supplement
Moringa is not merely a dietary supplement; it represents a holistic approach to well-being. The tree offers a variety of products, including Moringa leaves, leaf powder, seedlings, seeds, oil, and even Moringa-infused items like biscuits, honey, compost, livestock fodder, and soap. Its influence extends across various domains, from utilizing its seeds for water purification and nitrogen fixation to enriching soil and enhancing agricultural practices.
As we progressed into 2020, our vision expanded beyond personal wellness to collective well-being. We aspired to see a Moringa tree in every home, promoting health and sustainability.
Overcoming Challenges
However, our journey was not without challenges. We faced significant issues such as soil degradation, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the detrimental impact of pollutants and flooding. To combat these challenges, I undertook a Soil Foundation Course led by Dr. Elaine R. Ingham at the Soil Food Web School in the USA. This comprehensive curriculum covered soil biology, composting, and permaculture principles.
Applying these principles to our farm yielded remarkable results. Within a year, we witnessed a tangible improvement in soil biology and structure, transforming our entire farm into a thriving ecosystem.
Celebrating Moringa: A National Movement
In April 2023, Mariko Gifford, affectionately known as “Moringa Mamma,” visited Sri Lanka to expand the Moringa movement. She led the inaugural Moringa training course at our farm, fostering a deeper understanding of Moringa cultivation and its benefits.
A meeting with Sisira Jayakody, the then State Minister of Indigenous Medicine, proved fruitful. His ministry became an indispensable partner in organizing and promoting the inaugural National Moringa Day on April 18, 2024. This event was celebrated with immense enthusiasm, uniting communities across the island to plant trees, share knowledge, and celebrate Moringa.
Moringa’s benefits range from being a nutrient-rich energy source to a solution for global food and malnutrition challenges
The Future of Moringa in Sri Lanka
As I delve deeper into Moringa’s potential, my determination to see it thrive in Sri Lanka grows stronger. The vision of a “Moringa Green Revolution” is not just a dream; it is a pathway toward restoring our nation’s well-being and prosperity.
We are currently in the process of creating a Sinhala-language documentary with filmmaker Wasantha Kulathunga, aimed at educating Sri Lankans on Moringa’s nutritional, agricultural, and medicinal benefits. This documentary will explore essential topics such as cultivation, utilization of Moringa’s various parts, and its medical properties, while addressing past misconceptions in Moringa cultivation.
A Call to Action
As we move forward, our responsibility to promote Moringa continues. Governments, food companies, and healthcare professionals must prioritize research into Moringa’s medicinal applications. The food industry should embrace Moringa’s potential, driving product innovation to meet the rising global demand.
With the global Moringa market expected to reach USD 7.9 billion by 2025, Sri Lanka has a unique opportunity to become a leading supplier of organic, sustainably grown Moringa. By planting millions of trees, we can sustain our population and export this miracle crop to the world.
For more information, please visit moringaforlife.com.
The journey of Moringa is a testament to the power of nature, community, and resilience. Together, we can cultivate a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.
Pure and Natural Moringa with Utter Nutrition Feed
Moringa is an extremely powerful nutritional food for animals, packed with vitamins, minerals, vital proteins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and omega oils 3, 6 and 9. Moringa also has a high absorption rate, so your pet absorbs all the nutrients necessary, resulting in: a good digestion strengthening joints, muscles bones, and teeth.
