Moringa Tea in Ghana: A Tale of Tradition, Growth, and Wellness

In the heart of Ghana, where tradition and modernity converge, the moringa tree stands tall, a symbol of resilience and healing. Known as the "miracle tree," its leaves are rich in nutrients and therapeutic benefits. For generations, Ghanaians have harnessed the power of moringa in their daily lives—boiling its leaves in stews, sprinkling its powder in dishes, and brewing it into tea to treat ailments. But what was once a deeply local tradition is now gaining global recognition, fueled by the rising interest in natural remedies and wellness practices.

At Aguma Tea, we've been at the forefront of this shift, watching as moringa tea transforms from a regional health remedy into a globally sought-after wellness beverage. But the journey of moringa tea isn't just about health benefits; it’s a story of cultural identity, changing consumer perceptions, and a growing movement toward holistic wellbeing.

A Hidden Gem: The Rise of Moringa in Ghana

The moringa tree is ubiquitous in Ghana, its benefits well-known but often taken for granted. Traditionally, moringa tea was consumed when one was ill—a soothing remedy for colds, digestive issues, and general fatigue. It was the tea mothers brewed when their children had fevers, and the infusion people turned to when they felt run-down. But, as Clarissa from Aguma Tea explains, the perception of moringa as a “medicine tea” has been one of the biggest barriers to its wider adoption.

"Many people in West Africa know about moringa’s incredible health properties, but they see it as something you drink only when you're sick," says Clarissa. “With the onset of COVID-19, however, that mindset began to change. The pandemic brought an increased awareness of immune-boosting herbs, and moringa quickly became a sought-after remedy, not just in Ghana but globally.”

Suddenly, Clarissa found herself receiving requests from around the world—not just for moringa tea, but for moringa seeds, powders, and leaves. People everywhere were searching for ways to strengthen their immune systems, and moringa, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, was an obvious choice.

"The interest in moringa grew immensely during the pandemic. We saw inquiries skyrocket, not only from health-conscious individuals but also from retailers, spas, and wellness spaces seeking to offer something unique to their customers,” Clarissa recalls. "This surge in demand was both a challenge and an opportunity. It allowed us to educate a broader audience on the everyday benefits of moringa—showing people that it's not just a tea to drink when you're unwell but a daily tonic for overall health."

Making Moringa Accessible: Innovation in Packaging

One of the key challenges in popularizing moringa tea outside of its traditional context was making it accessible in a modern, convenient way. At Aguma Tea, Clarissa knew that packaging was essential to bridging this gap.

“When we first started packaging moringa in string and tag tea bags, individually wrapped in envelopes, it was a relatively new concept in Ghana,” she explains. "Moringa tea, in its loose-leaf form, was what most people were familiar with. But we wanted to make it more than just something you brew at home. By packaging it in this way, we made it easier for moringa tea to be consumed in public spaces—hotels, offices, spas, and cafes. It’s a small change that has made a big difference.”

The individually wrapped tea bags not only offer convenience but also preserve the tea’s freshness, protecting it from oxidation and contamination. Initially, it was a slow climb to convince Ghanaians and other consumers to invest in a slightly more expensive, premium version of moringa tea. But through education at expos, workshops, and social media campaigns, the appeal grew, and the rate of sales increased significantly over the past two years.

Shifting Tastes and Trends: Moringa Beyond Tea

As moringa tea gained popularity, something interesting began to happen. Consumers, both in Ghana and globally, started experimenting with how they consumed moringa. No longer just satisfied with drinking it as tea, people began adding moringa powder to smoothies or incorporating the whole leaves into their meals. This shift in consumer behavior aligns with a broader trend of integrating natural remedies into everyday life in versatile, dynamic ways.

Clarissa reflects on this shift with excitement. “We’ve had requests for moringa powder to add to smoothies or for whole leaf moringa to use in cooking. In many parts of West Africa, moringa leaves have always been used in stews and soups, much like spinach. But now, this idea is spreading globally. People are discovering that moringa can be used in curries, salads, and even baked goods.”

And when it comes to moringa as a tea, consumers are becoming more adventurous, blending it with other herbs to create more palatable, flavorful combinations. Popular blends include moringa and lemongrass, moringa and ginger, and moringa with peppermint. These blends not only enhance the taste but also add additional health benefits, catering to a market that is increasingly focused on wellbeing.

“There are some who don’t enjoy the natural taste of moringa—it’s slightly bitter, with a mild sweetness, much like matcha. But when it’s blended with lemongrass or ginger, it becomes a much more enjoyable experience for those who drink tea primarily for taste,” Clarissa explains. “Still, there are those who drink moringa tea strictly for its health benefits. For them, flavor is secondary, and they often add their own touches like grated ginger or a slice of lemon.”

The Future of Moringa: Beyond the Cup

Looking ahead, Clarissa sees endless possibilities for moringa tea and its integration into the wellness market. The rise of preventative health measures and a desire for natural remedies has solidified moringa’s place in the global health scene, but she believes we’ve only just scratched the surface of its potential.

“Moringa tea is just the beginning,” she says with a smile. "I envision moringa being used in even more diverse ways—beyond tea bags and into bottled iced teas, herbal infusions, and perhaps one day, moringa lattes, just like matcha. Why not?"

In fact, Clarissa is already working on new moringa-based products. "We’re trialing a series of moringa infusions that we plan to launch next year, blending moringa with other herbs to create unique wellness teas. And in our tea blending workshops, we always highlight moringa’s benefits, helping people understand how it can be used in various ways."

As the world embraces natural remedies and sustainable wellness practices, moringa tea from Ghana is finding its place on the global stage—thanks to entrepreneurs like Clarissa who are bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. Aguma Tea's journey with moringa is not just a story of growth in the market, but a testament to the power of education, innovation, and a deep connection to the land and its natural treasures.

And in every cup of moringa tea, there’s a taste of Ghana’s rich heritage, blended with a vision for a healthier, more connected future.