Drumstick Leaves Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Have you ever heard about the “miracle tree?”

You may or may not say, “Yes.” However, if we ask if you have ever heard of the “moringa tree” or “drumstick tree,” your answer might be yes. 

The miracle tree, the Moringa tree, or the drumstick tree, is native to Asia, Africa, and South America. Every part of the drumstick tree—leaves, fruits, pods, flowers, and roots—is beneficial. Today’s article sheds light on the benefits of drumstick leaves, which are particularly fit for consumption. 

Drumstick Leaves Fact: You May Like to Know! 

• The scientific name of the drumstick is Moringa oleifera. Amazingly, India is the highest producer of drumsticks, producing at the level of 1,30,00,00 tons annually. The top drumstick-producing state in India is Andhra Pradesh, followed by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 
• Aravakurichi in Tamil Nadu is the drumstick capital of India. 
• Moringa, or drumstick leaves, have about the same amount of vitamin C as an orange and as much potassium as a banana.

Stay here with us on this page to learn about drumstick leaves' nutritional and health benefits. 

Nutritional Value of Drumstick Leaves

Moringa, or drumstick leaves, are nutritionally rich and contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help promote good health and prevent diseases. Rich in vitamin C, A, potassium, and iron, and high protein content, these leaves are a go-to option for vegetarians and vegans. 

Drumstick leaves have earned recognition worldwide, including a special place in Indian cuisine due to their versatility. They are most prominently used in culinary dishes, teas, smoothies, and supplements. 

Below is a table showing the Nutrition Facts of Drumstick Leaves with a 21g portion size. 

Amount Per Portion	Portion Size
Calories	13
Total Fat	0.3g (0% Daily Value)
Sodium	1.9 mg (0% DV)
Total Carbohydrate Dietary Fiber	1.7g (1% DV) 0.4 g (1% DV)
		Protein	2 g (4% DV)
Vitamin D	O mcg (0% DV)
Calcium	39 mg (3% DV)
Iron	0.8 mg (4% DV)
Potassium	71 mg (2% DV)

• Vitamins and minerals: Moringa, or drumstick leaves, contain a host of vitamins and minerals such as provitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin K, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. 
• Amino acids: Out of 18 amino acids, drumstick leaves contain 10 essential amino acids, such as lysine, leucine, and isoleucine, among others. 
• Antioxidants: Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene are antioxidants in moringa or drumstick leaves. They help protect the body’s cells against free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent cell damage. 

Top 12 Drumstick Leaves Health Benefits

Drumstick leaves are a powerhouse of nutrition, which makes them a valuable addition to the diet. Let’s discover the health benefits of drumstick leaves in detail.

1. Protect and nourish your skin. 

Moringa, or drumstick, leaves are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that benefit. They make the skin supple and shinierrinkles, as well as early signs of aging. 

How do you use drumstick leaves on your skin? 

Tip 1: Drumstick leaves powder and multani mitti face pack

One of the easiest ways is to mix 1 tbsp of moringa leaves powder with 1 tbsp of multani mitti and add a few drops of rose water. Mix them well. This face pack helps clean impurities from your face and adds glow. Besides, it also moisturizes your skin and keeps it soft.

Tip 2: Apply Drumstick or Moringa Oil

If you have dry skin, apply moringa oil. It is a natural moisturizer that deeply nourishes the skin. The oleic acid in moringa oil penetrates the skin and keeps it hydrated without clogging pores. 

Tip 3: Use drumstick or moringa leaves toner 

Steep the leaves in plain water, strain them and transfer them to a spray bottle. Apply this toner to your face to tighten pores and smooth the texture. Refrigerate the toner and use it morning and night to keep the skin hydrated. 

Tip 4: Add to your smoothies

Adding moringa to your smoothies or salads is a healthier way to detoxify your insides. Further, being rich in vitamin A and vitamin C can improve your digestion due to their laxative effect. 

Tip 5: Use as an exfoliator

Dried Drumstick or moringa leaves can help exfoliate your skin, making it gentle and rejuvenated. 

2. Improve eye health

Another significant benefit of drumstick leaves is improving eye health. The high vitamin A and lutein concentrations in moringa leaves help prevent night blindness, delay cataract formation, and treat other eye problems. 

3. Prevent liver disease

Researchers say that a drumstick, or moringa, may protect the liver, including protecting it from getting damaged. In fact, it is believed that consuming moringa leaves is beneficial for people already diagnosed with liver diseases such as tuberculosis, fatty liver, etc. 

Additionally, the moringa or drumstick leaves contain polyphenols that protect your liver against oxidative stress. 

4. Help manage lower blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

One of the primary benefits of drumstick leaves is they help manage high blood pressure. Drumsticks are a potent source of potassium, an essential mineral to keep your heart and blood pressure stable. Additionally, potassium negates the negative effects of sodium, which increases blood pressure. 

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the drumstick leaves contribute to promoting good heart health. 

5. It may lower blood sugar levels. 

If you are a diabetic, chewing moringa or drumstick leaves can be useful. Diabetes is a chronic health issue, putting people with diabetes at a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Eating drumstick leaves with diabetes can help manage the condition well. 

6. Treat Oedema

Oedema is when fluid builds up in the body's tissues due to inflammation. Ear oedema is common, causing swelling around the ear. 

A study in 2022 revealed that applying drumstick leaf oil can reduce skin inflammation in mice with ear oedema. Although more research is needed, moringa's anti-inflammatory properties can help treat ear oedema. 

7. Treat sickle cell anemia

Among other benefits of drumstick tree leaves, they help treat blood-related disorders such as anemia and sickle-cell disease. It is due to its antioxidant properties. Research also says that taking Moringa as a food or medicine could help manage sickle cell disease. 

8. Prevent nervous system disorders

Moringa or Drumstick leaves contain a high content of vitamins C and E, which help treat degenerative neurological diseases. The leaves reduce oxidative stress. In addition, the drumstick tree leaves act as a mood stabilizer by enhancing the production of neurotransmitters. 

Other benefits of Drumstick leaves include: 

Drumstick Tree leaves a one-stop solution for several of your problems. Apart from the ones mentioned above, the consumption of leaves is vital because: 

• It prevents the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory disorders due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 
• The drumstick leaves, bark, and other parts of the tree might help prevent the progression of cancer cells. 
• Eating moringa leaves can also maintain kidney health. They prevent the build-up of minerals that can cause kidney stones. 
• Consuming drumstick leaves is also good during pregnancy and lactation. 
• It helps lower cholesterol levels, potentially minimizing the risk of heart disease.
• Drumstick leaves contain vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. 

Are there any side benefits of consuming drumstick leaves?

Every product has its pros and cons. Similarly, consuming drumstick leaves can offer several health benefits. However, too much consumption can cause side effects, including: 

• Discomfort in your tummy, such as abdominal pain, gas, or diarrhea. 
• High doses of moringa or drumstick leaves could damage the liver and kidneys in rats. 
• Consult your doctor before consuming drumstick leaves if you are pregnant. 
• The leaves of the drumstick may interact with specific drugs and cause complications. 

5 Best Ways to Include Drumstick Leaves Juice to Your Diet

Moringa or drumstick leaves impart several health benefits. So, here are some exciting ways to add them to your diet: 

• Moringa or drumstick powder: Grind moringa leaves and sprinkle the powder over smoothies, yogurt, or soups. 
• Drumstick tea: A drumstick tea can be prepared by steeping dried leaves in hot water. You can also add honey or lemon to enhance the taste. 
• Drumstick salads: Fresh drumstick leaves can be added to salads. This is an excellent way to boost nutrition. 
• Drumstick or Moringa soup: Chopped fresh or dried drumstick leaves can enhance the taste of various soup recipes. 
• Sauteed dishes: You can also use chopped fresh drumstick leaves to sauté dishes. 

Conclusion

Drumstick or moringa leaves contain essential nutrients that can benefit your health in various ways. These leaves are worthy additions to your diet because they can improve your immunity, aid in digestion, manage blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and support overall well-being. 

Whether you consume fresh, dried, or powdered drumstick leaves or include them in various dishes and beverages, it stands out as a natural and wholesome way to enhance health and vitality.