Meet Moringa Oleifera – Also Known As ‘The Miracle Tree’.
I first met Moringa early in 2023. It was a chance encounter that was to change the course of the Baliba brand (and another brand I have that works in the active treatment skincare space).
It was in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. I was in Raro with Jennie – owner of Experience Rarotonga. Do check Experience Rarotonga out if you are planning a holiday in Raro. It’s an awesome place.
Anyway, we visited the moringa tree, with a view to grab some leaves to make moringa tea – we knew this would help fight inflammation & was ‘good for us’. Raro is that kind of place.
What we didn’t anticipate is happening upon Jennie’s friend (and now my friend) – the owner of the tree, who told us of his health journey from super-high ‘about to have a stroke at any moment’ cholesterol levels, back to normal levels in 6 months by drinking tea from his trees – specifically, moringa & soursop leaf tea. Amazing.
That story and his positive energy stayed with us for the entire trip and beyond.
How could a tree make such a profound change in a person’s life…
Needless to say, we drank lots of tea, dried a bunch of leaves and got them through customs back to NZ, and started experimenting with the power of moringa.
Here’s your short version of what I learned, and how I came to appreciate why moringa is known as The Miracle Tree, and what inspired me to create the Baliba Apothecary & carve an entirely new direction for the Baliba brand using the power of natural ingredients, partnered with the power of essential oils. Now The Miracle Tree has also changed my life – in a very different way:
Nutrient-Rich: Moringa leaves are chocka-block with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that play a pivotal role in nurturing skin (and body) health.
Among these, the presence of Vitamin A is particularly notable. Vitamin A supports skin cell regeneration and repair, promoting a smoother and more youthful complexion. It aids in maintaining the skin’s integrity by encouraging the production of new skin cells while shedding old ones. This process helps to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath.
Antioxidants: Moringa is renowned for its potent antioxidants like quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene. These antioxidants counteract the damaging effects of free radicals, which are notorious for causing premature aging and skin damage. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, Moringa helps maintain youthful and vibrant skin.
Inflammation Soother: Inflammation is often at the root of various skin issues, from acne to eczema. Moringa contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as isothiocyanates and flavonoids. These components help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, contributing to a calmer complexion.
Detoxification: Clear, glowing skin is a reflection of the body’s internal health. Moringa aids in detoxification by supporting the liver’s natural function and aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. This internal cleansing is mirrored in the skin’s clarity and radiance.
Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining supple and youthful skin. Moringa’s high water content, combined with its abundance of nutrients, assists in keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. This can help alleviate dryness and create a natural, healthy glow.
Collagen Booster: Collagen is the protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure and firmness. Moringa is a source of the amino acids proline and hydroxyproline, which are essential for collagen production. By providing the building blocks for collagen synthesis, Moringa contributes to plump and youthful-looking skin.
Nourishing from Within: The saying “You are what you eat” resonates deeply when it comes to skin health. Moringa’s dense nutritional profile positively impacts overall health, which in turn reflects on the skin. When the body is well-nourished, the skin reaps its benefits, radiating health and vitality.
I’ve now created a number of products that include moringa oil and moringa extract, and am moving to create more that focus solely on moringa, simply due to its superior performance.
Now, 5 months later, I use moringa daily in my diet, and twice daily in my own skincare regime. I’ve worked in the beauty industry for decades – and have used top salon-only skincare brands & treatments.
I can honestly say that non of them come even close to what the simple serums & balms that I’ve created with moringa and other active ingredients & my skin has never looked better. I’m a firm advocate of natural + actives (peptides), where the actives/peptides replicate natural skin functions, but for the Baliba brand, I’ve stayed with natural only & used my knowledge of essential oils to add even more to the bounty of the natural ingredients. It’s my happy place without a doubt.