Neem

For centuries the Neem tree has been known as the wonder tree of India . Traditionally used in ayurvedic remedies as an antiseptic to fight viruses and bacteria, it is also recommended for urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever, skin diseases, burns and inflammatory diseases. Because of its wide variety of applications it is commonly called the "Friend and Protector". Neem is also increasingly a key ingredient in modern cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Why is Neem such a wonder tree?
Modern research studies have discovered that it contains both alkaloids and liminoids, each with an array of medicinal properties.
For instance, one liminoid (azadirachitin) has been found to be 95% effective when used as a pesticide and insecticide.
Another liminoid found in Neem leaves (gedunin) has been used to treat malaria in tropical countries.
It is administered as a tea or herbal infusion.
Two other alkaloids (nimbin and nimbidin) have antiviral and antifungal properties.

While all parts of the tree are used in traditional ayurvedic formulas, there are three parts that are of particular benefit. These are the bark, the leaf and the oil.

Uses of Neem Bark
The Neem bark has cool, bitter, and astringent properties. It is traditionally used to treat tiredness, Kapha dosha imbalance, worms, fever and loss of appetite. Because of its antiseptic and astringent properties, it is especially helpful in healing wounds.
Probably the most common use of Neem bark is to clean the teeth. The traditional method is to snap off a twig of the tree and chew on it. The astringent qualities of the bark prevented bleeding gums, tooth decay and foul smell long before the advent of toothpaste.

The Magical Neem Leaf
Neem leaf is famous in ayurvedic texts for having an almost magical effect on the skin. It works as an antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. It is effective in treating eczema, ringworm and acne. Traditional methods include crushing the leaves into a paste and applying directly to wounds, ulcers or skin diseases.
Neem leaf has both pungent and astringent tastes. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, the Neem leaf is especially useful in balancing Vata disorders. It removes ama and other toxins from the body, purifies the blood, and neutralizes damaging free radicals. It is nourishing to the hair (keshya).Neem leaf is also revered for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Even today in India , people sprinkle fresh Neem leaf near the beds of patients with flu or fever, and hang a cluster of leaves on the door outside. The air that crosses the neem leaf is purified of viruses and bacteria, helping to disinfect the room and prevent the spread of disease.

Traditional Uses of Neem Oil
The oil is derived by crushing the seeds. Like the leaves, Neem oil is used to treat skin problems. It is especially effective in treating head lice and dandruff, and creates a purifying effect when used in aromatherapy.

Thanks to: Rahim, Rizwan" RIZWAN.RAHIM@AIG.com



The Versatile Neem:

Saritha Sthanam shares here past

Newborn infants were anointed with herbs and oil, laid on a silken sheet and
fanned with a branch of a neem tree with ample leaves. As
the child grew it was given small doses of neem oil when
ill and bathed with neem tea to treats cuts, rashes and
the lesions of Chicken pox.

Daily brushing with neem twigs helped kept both child and adult free of cavities and
diseases of the gums.

At the wedding ceremony neem leaves were strewn on the floor of the temple and the air fanned with neem branches.

During adulthood neem bark was burned to make the red ash to be used for religious decoration of the body and neem branches were fanned at the front of
religious processions.

Neem oil lit the night in small lamps.

The wood was used to cook the daily meals of beans and grains that had been kept free of insects during storage by mixing them with a light coating of neem oil or
by mixing them with neem leaves.

Ayurvedic preparations with neem were given for illnesses and neem wood used to
make the roof of the house.

Even at the time of death, neem branches cover the body and neem wood was burned in the funeral pyre.

Source: Sangati News Bulletin 11.2.2007