While many parts of Moringa Oleifera trees are deemed useful, the seeds are especially prized for their medicinal powers. The seeds have valuable properties that enable them to treat a wide array of illnesses and conditions. These include rheumatism, gout, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary infections, boils, and even epilepsy. When used as medicine, the seeds are pounded and mixed with coconut oil. Often, seed oil derived from the Moringa Oleifera seeds will be used in place of the mashed seeds. Moringa Oleifera seeds, when fresh, are eaten like green peas. The peas are harvested until they harden and strained or boiled to remove the bitter coating.
Moringa Oleifera seed powder is particularly effective in purifying water. This is important in many societies, where the only drinking water available may come from a dirty river or lake. The Moringa Oleifera seed powder removes dirt by joining with the particles and sinking to the bottom. It also is extremely effective in removing harmful bacteria from bodies of water. Moringa Oleifera seed powder is much more economical, and arguably, safer than aluminum sulfate (ALUM) and other chemicals traditionally used in water purification. No wonder the Nigerian Government has set up a water treatment plant in Kaduna State which utilizes moringa seeds. Moringa Oleifera seeds treat illness, purify water and provide delicious meals. These useful seeds prove the need for traditional medicine in today's world.