NEEM

Introduction:

Neem tree grows very high with strong stems and is found all over India. Leaves are green with triangular pattern on border. Gets white coloured flowers, fruits are greenish yellow having one seed. The neem tree becomes a large shade tree with a dense, round canopy and can live for over 100 years. Possess powerful health promoting properties hence used for centuries. Every part of it possess unique therapeutic value.

Neem is treated as ‘Kalpataru’ by our sages hence recommended to consume neem leaves and flower on First day of Chaitra Shukla (Varsh Pratipada) as per Hindu calendar. Neem is traditionally used in ayurvedic remedies as an antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent to fight viruses and bacteria, for urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever, skin diseases, burns and inflammatory diseases.

Uses:

1. Skin problems: Used in treating eczema, ringworm, burns, wounds, ulcers, acne and other skin diseases. Leaves are crushed into a paste and applied directly on the affected part. Also, boiled water added with leaves is used for similar effect. On ringworm, ash of burnt leaves added with Karanj oil is more effective. Adding neem powder in bathing water helps in curing skin and nail diseases.

2. Hair and scalp:  Used to treat hair/scalp problems like, dandruff, lice, hair fall etc. Shampoo/ conditioners with neem extract is available. May add neem leaves in warm water while taking bath.

3. On inflammation, crushed leaves are directly applied for relief. Used to reduce pain and discomfort. Hence used for treating arthritis.

4.  Fever: Decoction of leaves and bark added with ginger powder and coriander powder is effective. Useful in Malaria and dengue.

5. Jaundice: Juice of inner part of bark added with honey and ginger and juice of leaves in warm water is effective.

6. Snake bite: Leaves are given for eating or juice of leaves and inner part of bark is given for drinking till treatment is given for venom. Patient do not feel bitterness till venom has effect in body. In villages people consume leaves daily as preemptive measure so that venom has less effect in case of snake bite.

7. Skin health: Promote healthy skin and clear complexion. It has cooling effect on body hence prevent blemishes on skin.

8. Its detoxifying effects on the body make it a great immune booster. Relieves tiredness of body.

9. Oral hygiene: Useful in maintaining healthy Teeth and gums. Neem toothpaste may be used for overall oral hygiene. In villages twig of Neem is chewed and used to brush the teeth.

10. Insect & Mosquito Repellent: Burn few neem leaves to ward off the insects and different types of mosquitoes. Used as natural disinfectant.

11. Diabetes: Lowers blood glucose level.

12. Respiratory disorders: Relieves Cough clearing breathing.

13. Digestion: Improves digestion and appetite. Relieves Nausea and vomiting. Useful for intestinal worms.

(Neem seeds and oil should not be consumed internally. Avoid use of neem internally during pregnancy.)