|
|
|
Neem - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Indian lilac , margosa, nim, margosier, crackjack, paradise tree, white cedar, chinaberry
Herb Description
Neem ( Azadirachta indica , syn. Melia azadirachta L., Antelaea azadirachta (L.) Adelb.) one of the most promising of all plants,belongs to mahogany family Meliaceae . It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta , and is inherent to India and Burma , growing in tropical and semi-tropical parts. Now is grown in many countries throughout the world, including Australia & United States, mostly in Florida as an ornamental shade tree, though its commercial production for neem supplements is increasing in the U.S.Neem is a fast maturing tree that can grow a height of 15 to 20 m, rarely to 35 to 40 m. The branches are wide spread.
The neem is recognized to Indians as a virtual living pharmacy. Daily, millions of people brush their teeth with neem twigs .Dentists confirm that this method protects against periodontal disease. Neem tree products are used in many medicinal & agricultural purpose. It is largely relied on for herbal medicine in its ingrained countries and is used in many pharmaceutical & cosmetic products as well as pest control in homes and crops . A paste made from the leaves has been found to efficacious treatment for skin injuries. Small parts of leaves assorted with regular feed seem to affect intestinal parasites in livestock.
Uses and Benefits
Neem oil is recognized to be a strong spermicide and is believed to be 100% efficacious when applied intra-vaginally before intercourse .Internally ,it is also taken by ascetics who wish to abate their sexual desire. It is also effective against rusts, rots, mildews , scab, leaf spot & blights.
In traditional medicine neem has been used widely for the treatment of urticaria , tetanus ,eczema , scrofula and erysipelas . In Ayurvedic, traditionally neem was used to treat various symptoms of fever, leprosy , malaria , ophthalmia and tuberculosis . In folk remedies neem was used as an antifeedant, anthelmintic , antiseptic , diuretic , emmenagogue , contraceptive , febrifuge , parasiticide, pediculocide and insecticide.
As a fungicide it is widely used as a preventative and when disease is just starting to show. It coats the leaf area which in turn stops the germination of the fungal spores. It acts by breaking the insect 's lifecycle.
The leaves, applied in the form of plasters or decoctions, are also prescribed for boils, ulcers, and eczema. The oil is used for skin diseases such as scrofula, indolent ulcers and ringworm.
Neem is widely used for it anti-pyretic property to treat fever . In addition, neem supplements also have anti-inflammatory& analgesic effects, i.e. for most common ailments neem can provide easily-available ,cheap and local entrepreneurship medicines.
Neem has anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti viral and anti protozoal properties . It stops micro organisms from penetrating into the body & its good for eczema sufferers. In case of scratching and itching, application of neem oil or neem powder on wounded skin can render micro-organisms inactive, thereby initiating recovery & relief .
Side Effects
Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners recommend against the use of neem if the person suffers from obvious wasting or fatigue .
Infants have suffered complex sequelae, and even death as a cause of internal use of neem. Avoid using neem supplements on children.
It is not recommended to pregnant or nursing women to use neem. Those who have impaired liver or kidney function should also take great caution. Excess doses of seed or seed supplements may be toxic.
Dosage
A decoction made from bark is used externally for hemorrhoids . Some bark extracts are also especially bactericidal.
There are many kinds & routes of use for neem. Some of the preparations include seed oil, aqueous extracts of the leaf, powder from the leaf, smoke from burning dried leaves, and leaf pastes.
Externally, leaf extracts & neem oil are mixed into some lotions & soaps for the treatment of skin conditions. These act to relieve inflammation and destroy some of the infectious causes of conditions including acne and many fungi.
Drug Interactions
No clinically significant interactions between neem and medications have been reported .
Looking for the highest quality bulk herbs, teas and capsules?
Check out our top pick for the best prices and selection!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|