The Philippines: A Perfect Place for Moringa to Thrive

The Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7000 islands, making it one of the most ideal places on earth for biodiversity to thrive. Agricultural products are in the top 10 exports of the Philippines, simply because the region is known to produce some of the world’s highest quality foods, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, thanks to the naturally fertile volcanic soil, agricultural expertise, and increasing government commitment. 

One of the most important agricultural products from the Philippines is the Moringa oleifera tree. Almost every part of “the Miracle tree” – from the seed pods, which produce an edible seed oil, to the Moringa leaves, which can then be turned into Moringa oleifera leaf powder or made into a tea – offers amazing nutritional benefits. For centuries, Moringa oleifera has been used to combat malnutrition in developing countries. And because it’s classified as a “galactogogue” (which stimulates lactation), it’s been turned to again and again to help nursing mothers naturally increase their breast milk supply and ensure that baby is well-fed.

The astonishing wellness benefits of the Moringa plant, and the versatile ways to enjoy them (as a powder, in a tea, or in a skin-soothing oil form) are creating ever-greater demand for quality Moringa products by a world hungry to experience the blessings of Moringa oleifera. Demand is projected to rise steadily at 7% each year through 2034. And the farms of the Philippines are perfectly positioned to take the lead on providing high-quality Moringa to the wellness market.

Moringa: A fast-growing industry

The production of Moringa oleifera Lam, locally known as “malunggay,” is seen as one of the fastest-emerging industries in the country. Because of the Moringa plant’s ability to withstand different climate events, its ease of growing and harvesting, and the fact that nearly every part of the plant can be utilized, Moringa is an excellent crop at a time when sustainability is essential in farming. It can also be used to shade other crops as high temperatures become more of an issue in agriculture.

As word continues to spread about the many health benefits of the “drumstick tree” or “horseradish tree” (alternate names for Moringa, based on the shape of its seed pods), there’s a shortage of Moringa oleifera products (teas, capsules, powders, oil, and the like) even as demand rapidly grows.

Growing and harvesting Moringa throughout the Philippines can significantly boost the local economy, even as it boosts wellness around the world.

The last 10 years have seen greater interest in the native Moringa oleifera tree from different sectors like government agencies, non-government consortiums, and private organizations coming together to advocate for "the Miracle Tree" of the Philippines. Campaigns about the amazing health benefits of Moringa trees continue to reach every corner of the globe, especially in countries where malnutrition is common. The Philippines is an exceptional source for this widely-cultivated species; it simply loves the climate and the soil.

Moringa oleifera Lam is literally everywhere in the Philippines. Moringa trees can be found at almost any local residence that has a backyard or a small patch of land to spare, especially in the provinces. The exceptional conditions and loamy soil of this region make it easy to grow Moringa. The Moringa plant is also drought-tolerant. In short, Moringa thrives in the Philippines, making it potentially one of the region’s best exports for the wellness industry.

Planting Moringa requires only the most minimal of daily upkeep, and it grows in almost all types of soil. Moringa grows practically anywhere in the region. For these reasons, it’s long been a part of Filipino life, used for local, homemade dishes that are given to lactating mothers to help boost their milk supply. It’s a natural galactagogue, a substance that stimulates the hormone prolactin to increase breast milk production. Moringa is dense with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, making it a green nutritional superfood as well as a lactation supplement. It’s truly a multipurpose tree!

With an amazing nutrient profile that covers almost the entire spectrum of daily nutritional needs, the Philippines has found gold on its shores. Moringa is a king among medicinal plants, and the islands are ready to share the myriad benefits of the humble Moringa tree with everyone. It’s truly amazing, the many ways in which this tropical tree can supercharge overall health and improve the breastfeeding journey for nursing mothers.

Go-Lacta has taken a key role in promoting organic Moringa products to support the overall wellness of breastfeeding mothers, as well as their new babies. On our farm in the Philippines, we routinely test the soil to ensure that it’s as “clean” as possible, to ensure that our Moringa meets all the standards for a certified organic product. 

We grow, harvest, process, and dry the Moringa leaves on site, ensuring that every item is at the peak of freshness before it’s sealed. We’re proud to be promoting a sustainable crop and supporting our local community, but most of all, we’re proud to nurture mothers during a beautiful time in their lives.

Farming Moringa and creating related commercial products is considered a young industry in the Philippines; there is infinite room for the commercial growth of this time-tested and effective crop. Beyond the opportunity to provide this health-boosting product to the wider world, we see a real chance to both improve our planet with a useful, sustainable crop and elevate local communities.

The Philippine government is taking the lead in creating sound policies and laws that will make the industry even more sustainable and, at the same time, will be beneficial for local farmers throughout the Philippines. 

Proudly, Sugarpod Naturals, manufacturer of Go-Lacta Philippine Moringa Capsules, Go-Lacta 100% Organic Moringa Premium Powder, and Go-Lacta 100% Organic Classic Moringa Tea, sources its products from suppliers that are members of this foundation, ensuring that best practices are in place--from farm to seal.

We invite you to explore our site to read testimonials from happy customers whose lives have been transformed by Moringa oleifera, “the Miracle Tree”!