Herbarium · Vitality

Moringa (Shigru)Śigru

Reduces Kapha and Vata; can mildly aggravate Pitta in excess (heating).

Common name: Moringa (Shigru)
Sanskrit (IAST): Śigru
Latin botanical: Moringa oleifera
Form: Tablet (Vati / Guggulu)
Category tags: VitalityNutritive · Iron-rich

Overview & dosha effects

Reduces Kapha and Vata; can mildly aggravate Pitta in excess (heating).

Traditional uses

The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.

·Traditionally used for iron-deficiency anaemia and low energy^[1]
·Traditionally used for general nutritive tonic — vitamins a, c, calcium, protein^[2]
·Traditionally used for supports healthy circulation and lactation^[3]
·Traditionally used for mild anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar support^[1]

How it is taken

500 mg leaf powder or 1 capsule once or twice daily with food. Usage: warm water; avoid taking with tea/coffee (impairs iron absorption).

Classical text references

^[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu
Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
^[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu
Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
^[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

Safety notes — read before use

Contraindications

As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.

✕Pregnancy (root, bark, flowers especially — uterine stimulant)
✕With antidiabetic, antihypertensive or thyroid medication without supervision
✕Active Pitta heat conditions (severe gastritis, hyperacidity)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.

Drug interactions

May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.

Specific to Moringa (Shigru): Seeds and root bark contain alkaloids and should NOT be used internally — leaf only. May lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

Allergies

Moringaceae family. Rare GI upset, heartburn or skin rash reported.

This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.

Classical alternatives

Punarnava for oedema with anaemia; Amalaki for Pitta-friendly iron and vitamin-C support.

References

[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu — Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu — Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

Related herbs