NEEM

NEEM
(Azadirachta Indica)

Neem

Neem is a tree whose bark, leaves and seeds are used to make medicine. Neem is a versatile herb that is beneficial for plants, animals  and humans. Its health and beauty treasures have been exploited for centuries in the Indian subcontinent and are slowly becoming known to the rest of the world.

USES:

Are you ready to be blown away by what this curbside tree has to offer?

  • In the allopathic, homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicine. The Neem extracts are used for several pathologies, dermatological, breathing, and digestive treatments. The Neem also has some antiseptic properties.
  • In the cosmetic industry, the Neem oil is mixed in creams, body oils, shampoos, body washes, soaps, repellents, sun screens and toothpastes.
  • The use of Neem oil considerably reduces the presence of mosquitoes at home.
  • It acts as vermifuge, insecticide, astringent, tonic and antiseptic.
  • It possess anti diabetic, anti bacterial and anti viral properties and used successfully in cases of stomach, worms and ulcers.
  • Root barks possess astringent, tonic and antiperiodic properties.
  • It is also useful in malarial fever.
  • The oil is used in making neem-based soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.
  • Leaves are used to cure chicken pox. It is also used in the treatment of acne and has blood purifying property.
  • It is a natural blood purifier.

NEEM OIL:

Neem oil is an excellent:

  • natural insect repellent
  • safe pesticide
  • fertilizer
  • skin care ingredient
  • contraceptive
  • medicine with hundreds of different uses…

It makes your bathroom tiles sparkle and adds flavour to exotic stir frys.

If you choose to buy Neem Oil, make sure to look for extra virgin, first cold-pressed as it contains over a hundred compounds. The best known compound is Azadirachtin, the residual content of which is an indicator of the product’s active ingredient. Be aware that a good oil is not automatically the one which has the highest Azadirachtin content as it can always be increased artificially. Reputable brand name, smell, manufacturing date and dilution levels should all be considered. The oil is best purchased in an undiluted form. It smells strong but not unpleasant.

It is also important to know the difference between Neem extract and Neem virgin oil. Extract is manufactured in the laboratory,  and has no stimulating organic qualities. Labs can also extract just a single active molecule from the plant. Neem oil is a 100% natural product.

HOW TO USE IT

Although all parts of Neem tree can be used, but Neem leaves are especially beneficial for their various benefits and ease of use. They aid in treating ailments like diabetes, ulcer, piles, malaria, hypertension, heart ailments, hair problems, and skin conditions. Neem leaves are used both fresh and dried. Be aware that Neem is a very bitter herb and just biting it can leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

  1. Neem Leaves for Skin

 Neem is commercially being used in soaps, skin creams, face, body washes and lotions to treat various skin conditions. You don’t have to buy the products instead you can easily use neem leaves at home to treat acne, brown spots, scars and pigmentation.

Acne:
Make a paste by grinding 10-12 fresh neem leaves. Apply the paste on affected areas and wash off in 15 minutes with lukewarm water.

Skin Allergies:
Boil 250 grams of Neem leaves in 2 liters of water. Boil for 5-7 minutes on medium heat while keeping the pot covered. Strain the liquid, add ¼ cup rose water to it and wash your body with it after a bath.

Eczema:
Make a paste of 50 grams of fresh Neem leaves. Mix it with yogurt or curd and apply it to affected area. Wash after 15 minutes.

Skin Toner:
Neem leaves neem help prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Simply boil fresh Neem leaves in some water, strain the water and keep it refrigerated. Apply it daily as a toner. Strained neem water also helps in lightening acne scars and lesions caused due to skin conditions, as well as helps in firming the skin.

  1. Neem Leaves for Hair

Neem leaves are used to treat head lice, dandruff, excessive hair fall and to improve hair growth.

Dandruff:
Boil fresh or dried Neem leaves in water, cool and strain. Use it to rinse your hair after washing it with shampoo.

Head Lice:
Boil and grind Neem leaves to make a paste. Apply it on the scalp. Leave for 30 minutes and then wash with room temperature water. This treatment is also effective against premature greying and hair fall.

  1. Neem Leaves for Dental Concerns

Neem’s antiseptic properties make it very effective in fighting dental diseases.

Pyorrhea:
It is a periodontal disease which causes inflammation of the gums and loosening of the teeth. Dry Neem leaves in shade and grind them to make powder. Use the powder to massage the gums two to three times a day. It will also strengthen the gums. You can add a pinch of clove powder, peppermint powder, or green cardamom powder to make it more refreshing.

  1. Neem Leaves for SmallPox

 Neem has been traditionally used in Indian subcontinent in treating smallpox. Dried Neem leaves are spread under the bed sheet of the patient to ward off infection. Along with that, extract juice of about 10 fresh Neem leaves and mix it with water. Give this water to the patient once a day as medicine.

To lighten smallpox marks once the patient has recovered, make a paste of fresh neem trees and apply to the affected area regularly until the marks eventually disappear.

  1. Neem Leaves for Boils

 Neem leaves are beneficial for treating boils due to their antiseptic properties. Boil some leaves in water, let it cool and then wash the boils with this water to disinfect the wound. Make a paste of 10-13 Neem leaves and mix 1 teaspoon honey to it. Apply the paste on to the boil. 

  1. Neem Leaves as Insecticides

You can keep a few dried Neem leaves in containers or bags of rice, lentils and grains to ward off insects. You can also place dried Neem leaves in woolen garments to keep them protected from worms.

If you are unable to find neem leaves, you can buy neem powder from any Ayurvedic store or online, and use it instead of the leaves. If you are using neem leaves, wash them thoroughly before boiling to get rid of any pollutants.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Neem should not be internally used by those experiencing anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, and constipation as it can aggravate the symptoms.
  • Neem is also very potent, and should only be used in small amounts, preferably in a balancing herbal formula, as opposed to taking it solely by itself.

SCIENTIFIC DETAILS

 Family Name: Meliaceae
Common Name(s): Lilac, Margosa Tree, Neem, Neem Chal
Part(s) Used: Leaves, flower, oil, seed, bark, fruit
Habitat: It is an evergreen tree which grows throughout the South East Asia and parts of Africa, Australia, and Central South America.
Properties: Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral.

Tags: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, skin, beauty, hair