Household Processing

Human Food

Aside from the fresh leaves and young pods, other parts of Malunggay are useful as a human food. 

The dried leaves can be crushed or pounded (and be filtered to remove leaf stems) and then be added to sauces at the same time as other condiments or vegetables are added. 

The flowers can be cooked and mixed with other foods or be placed in hot water for 5 minutes to make tea.

The pods can be harvested for their seeds/peas, which can be used as any other green pea, from the time they appear until they turn yellow and their shells begin to harden. After removing the seeds/peas and white flesh from the pod, put them into a strainer and wash them. They may also be boiled for a few minutes; then, drained and boiled again in fresh water.

The roots of the 60cm tall-seedling can be made into a sauce. The root is ground up after the root bark is completely removed (as it contains harmful substances). After adding vinegar and salt, the sauce is ready to serve; however, it should not be eaten in excess.  It is best stored in refrigerator.

Natural Medicines

Every part of the Malunggay tree has been used around the world to remedy varying ailments and improve health conditions.  Some of the remedies are described below.  However, there is no guarantee that they will work for every case.

Headaches = rub leaves against the temple

Bleeding from a shallow cut, wounds and insect bites = dress the wounded part with fresh leaves

Bacterial or fungal skin complaints = apply affected areas with leaves extracts

Gastric ulcers and diarrhea = drink leaf tea

Malnutrition = eat Malunggay products

Breast feeding = drink flower juice to improve the quality and flow of mother’s milk

Urinary problems = drink flower juice

Worm, liver and spleen problems and joint pains = eat raw pods

Arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, STD, urinary problems, epilepsy, and boils = apply either roasted and pounded seeds mixed with coconut oil to problem area or seed oil

The roots and the bark can also resolve the above ailments but are more concentrated.  Hence, much care is need if they are to be used as medicines.

Natural Pesticide

Aside from utilizing the seed-cake as fertilizer, Malunggay leaves can be dug into the soil before planting to prevent the damping off disease (Pythium debaryanum) among the seedlings.

Domestic Cleaning Agent

Crushed leaves can be used to clean cooking utensils or even walls.

Water Purifier

Using Malunggay to purify water replaces chemicals such as aluminum sulphate which are aside from being expensive are also dangerous to people and environment. Seed powder can be used as a quick and simple method for cleaning dirty water and can

remove 90-99% of bacteria contained in water. 20 litres of water can be treated in the following way:

1. Remove the wings and brown seed coat.  Discard any seed kernels that have dark spots or any other signs of damage.

2. Pound the kernels to a fine powder.

3. Add 2 grams (2 small spoons) of powder to 1 cup of clean water.  Pour into a bottle and shake for 5 minutes.

4. Filter the solution through a clean cloth into the bucket of dirty water that is to be treated.

5. Stir the water quickly for 2 minutes and slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.  Do not use metal implements.

6. Leave the bucket undisturbed for one hour or until the water becomes clear and the impurities have sunk to the bottom.

7. Filter the water through a clean cloth.

8. Boil the water before drinking.

Water from varying sources will need different amounts of powder because of the impurities present will not be the same.  Both the seeds and the seed powder can be stored but the solution made in
stage 3 should not be stored. It should be freshly made every time water is to be purified.

Malunggay Oil

The mature seeds can be pressed for oil extraction. If a press is not available, the seeds can be browned or roasted, ground, and added to boiling water. Oil is then separated when it floats to the surface. The seed-cake left from the extraction can still be used for water treatment.

Animal Fodder 

Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry browse the bark, leaves, and young shoots of Malunggay. The best diet for pigs is 70% Malunggay, 10% Leucaena, and 20% other leaves. If trees are intended for animal fodder, it is useful to prune them to 4m high; otherwise, they should be pruned to 6m so harvesting for human consumption can be easily carried out.