Across many regions of Indonesia, moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) have always been associated with mysticism and the supernatural. This belief has been passed down through generations.
Moringa leaves are believed to neutralize negative energy, ward off black magic, and ward off supernatural disturbances. For those who master black magic, moringa leaves are taboo because they are believed to remove the black magic.
With the advancement of science and changes in people's mindsets, the understanding of moringa leaves is shifting. This is especially true since scientific research shows that moringa leaves have extraordinary benefits due to their rich nutritional content.
The Little Leaf with Big Benefits
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls moringa leaves the "miracle tree" because of their extraordinary nutritional content. While superfoods have traditionally been associated with foreign foods like chia seed or salmon, moringa leaves, as a local food, also possess rich nutritional value.
Several studies have shown that moringa leaves can be an effective solution to address nutritional issues in Indonesia, which persist in several regions. Moringa leaves can be used as complementary foods for breast milk (MPASI). Moreover, moringa leaves grow easily in Indonesia and can be grown year-round.
Based on various studies, moringa leaves apparently contain:
- High levels of vitamins A, C, and E to boost immunity
- Calcium and iron, which are important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Moringa leaves can prevent anemia, support fetal organ development, reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, and alleviate morning sickness
- High in carbohydrates, protein, and potassium to support daily energy needs
- Has a calming and relaxing effect
- Can act as an antibiotic
- Lowers blood sugar levels
The popularity of moringa leaves comes in various forms, such as herbal powder, moringa flour, tea bags (moringa tisane), capsules, instant drinks, and even modern cafe menus. This demonstrates the development of moringa leaf processing, extending beyond home-cooked dishes.
One innovative example is the La Moringa café, which has several branches in Jakarta, Kupang, and Labuan Bajo. La Moringa café, which features moringa leaves as a key ingredient in various menu items, from smoothies to moringa paste. Moreover, La Moringa Café also offers skin care products, biscuits, and drip teafrom moringa leaves.
Furthermore, moringa leaves are also beginning to be used as a raw material for skincare products. Their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory compounds make them a popular ingredient in skincare products, from face masks to anti-aging creams.
Moringa leaves can also treat acne, fight wrinkles, brighten the face, and ward off free radicals. One local skincare product that uses moringa leaves as a base ingredient is Elora. In addition to maintaining healthy skin, moringa leaves also function as a natural external remedy for wounds and irritation.
Effective Anticipated for Black Magic
Although closely associated with black magic, moringa leaves are also used by a small number of communities as a home-cooked food—identified by the poor—and as animal feed. Among the Javanese and several other regions in Indonesia, moringa leaves are believed to have a warming energy, making them effective in warding off black magic and supernatural disturbances from spirits.
Therefore, if someone is affected by the effects of black magic, such as black magic or witchcraft, it is believed that if someone possesses black magic, they will have difficulty dying, and the way to remove the black magic is to use moringa leaves.
For those who possess black magic, moringa leaves are taboo to prevent the black magic from disappearing. Furthermore, if someone uses amulets (amulets), moringa leaves are also taboo.
Some rituals that can be performed with moringa leaves include patting the body with moringa leaves, bathing in water soaked in moringa leaves, drinking boiled moringa leaves, and placing moringa leaves under the pillow or around the bed. However, the role of moringa leaves can also be explained psychologically.
In medicine, there is something called the placebo effect, where a person's belief in something can affect their physical condition. If someone believes that moringa can cure them of black magic, their body may respond positively, either due to suggestion or the relaxing effects of the herbal concoction.
Although the use of moringa leaves has its roots in mystical beliefs, its role is now increasingly recognized in modern medicine and nutrition. This phenomenon reflects how local wisdom doesn't always have to be abandoned, but can be recontextualized and integrated into the needs of the times. What was once believed only spiritually is now scientifically proven.
