Neem: The wonder tree with numerous therapeutic benefits
Neem (Margosa Tree) had been an integral part of our culture and civilization for ages, and the tradition continues. We find its mention in our ancient scriptures, and we have grown up playing under the neem tree. People in villages fondly use neemstick (datun/meswak) to brush their teeth and make them healthy. Our grandmothers used neem fruits and leaves to prepare various types of remedies. So neem tree is synonymous with our culture and history.
Neem is known by different names in different languages such as: azad darakhtul-hind (Arabic) neeb (Persian), limba (Gujarati), nim (Bengali& Punjabi), nimmi (Sindhi), nimba (Sanskrit), veppa (Tamil), aryaveppu (Malyalam),kadukhajur (Marathi).
Neem is an evergreen tree and may reach 50 feet in height. It provides a wide, thick shade and its leaves are sharper at their end and are usually 2 to 2.5 inches in size. Each thin leaf stick is 6 to 10 inches long and holds at least 6 to 11 pairs of leaves. During autumn, old leaves fall down and new, red coloured and highly tender leaves come in. At the end of autumn, very small sizedwhite flowers come out, followed by tiny fruits which are initially green and later turn yellow upon ripening in the month of June. Children as well as older people love to eat neem fruits. They contain seeds which are used to get neem oil; it is used to make various medicines as well as bathing soaps.
The neem trunk produces a thick milk type liquid which is called 'NeemkaMadh' in Hindi. It has also therapeutic benefits. Neem is a wonder tree as every part of it (including leaves, fruits and bark) is beneficial to our health. These are used to make various types of medicines. In earlier times, it was believed that neem tree kept the atmosphere clean, so people used to plant a neem tree at their homes. But it is a common fact that all trees are like lungs of the earth. They produce oxygen and take in carbon dioxide during daytime and emit carbon dioxide during night and take in oxygen, so sleeping under a tree in the night is harmful and must be avoided.
Neem is a natural insecticide. Due to its antibacterial qualities, people also use its leaves to treat skin ulcers and other old and chronic wounds. The paste made of neem leaves softens the mouth of the wound and heals it naturally. Steam of boiling leaves is also given to such ulcers. These treatments remove the bad blood and other particles of the wound, and purify the blood. The treatment also helps the cells to heal the wound quickly by producing new tissues. The water of the boiling leaves is used to wash the skin ulcer. Dry leaves (after crushing) are also used to treat these ulcers. Neem water drops are dropped on the wound to fasten the healing process.
A regular bath withneem water is very useful for patients suffering from chronic skin allergies like itching. Neem leaves purify the blood and kill pathogens. People suffering from nose problems should use neem water to wash their nostrils. The neem flowers can also be kept in a cloth and then dipped into sarso (rapeseed) oil, and then burnt slowly to produce ash/kajal (mascara). This ash/kajal is useful for people suffering from eye infections such as chronic itching. Neem gum is also used to make mascara (kajal) which is used to treat various types of eye infections. Neem fruits can be ground with water and then used to wash the roots of hairs to kill lice.
The neem oil is also very useful in treating several types of infections.It has germicidal properties which can heal even the chronic skin ulcers. Brushing teeth with neem stick (meswak) removes bad odour and keeps your teeth and gum healthy. It saves teeth from decay and cavities. The neem oil soap is highly useful and keeps the skin healthy and infection-free. Various brands are selling neem soaps in the markets which help to remove pimples and add a natural glow to your skin and face. Neem toothpaste is also available in the markets. Neem soap also helps in treating various skin infections and allergies such as itching.
The neem bark, though not as useful as neem leaves, is used to treat fever and also purifies blood. Joshinda of neem bark or leaves is used to treat fever.Neem fruit is also a natural blood purifier and helps in treating various conditions such as piles. Two grams of neem fruits can be crushed and ground with water and be given to a patient who has swallowed dhatura (devil's apples); it works as an antidote to this poison.
In Tibb form of medicine, neem leaves, fruits, seeds and bark have been used to make various types of medicines for centuries. Neem leaves are like wonder medicines to get healthy quickly and they also keep your skin naturally beautiful. There are several ways in which the neem leaves and other properties derived from a neem tree can be used for therapeutic benefits. According to arecent Chinese research, eating raw and fresh neem leaves can help one to keep away from pimples, skin allergies and sneezing.
According to various experts, neem leaves have such natural properties that,if consumed, not only purify blood but also treat skin allergies and pimples. The taste of neem leaves is extremely bitter but its benefits are numerous. The surprising thing is that every property of neem,except its fruits, is bitter in taste, while its fruits are sweet. Neem wood is a popular option for making furniture.
Neem fruit ripens in June and is a natural blood purifier. It treats skin ulcers and pimples and heals several diseases naturally and faster. The seeds of neem fruits are dried before extracting oil from them. The neem oil is used to make various medicines.You can consume 11 neem fruits daily and then slowly increase the quantity upto 21, and it will keep you disease-free round the year. You will not suffer from skin allergies and pimples. A paste made of neem leaves is highly beneficial in treating old and chronic skin ulcers. You can heat 250 grams of sarso oil and mix the crushed neem leaves in it. Use a neem stick to stir the oil and warm it until it thickens. Then, cool it. Then warm some water with neem leaves, and wash your heel with this lukewarm water for some time or dip your heel in the water for ten minutes. After this, use the oil on the affected place. It will keep your heels healthy and will treat the ulcer.
According to agriculturists, neem trees boost soil's fertility and stop soil erosion. They also help the soil to retain water.
Neem leaf is used to treat leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. It can also treat loose motion and cough. It purifies blood which means keeping a lot of diseases at bay.
According to experts, neem leaves are highly beneficial in treating Malaria. It also keeps blood cholesterol at normal level, thus preventing cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack. The experts added that neem oil has natural antibacterial properties and can help in treating several diseases. The neem oil also removes the dryness of hairs and keeps them shining and healthy.
Neem leaves and oil are also used by women to keep their skin and face glowing and healthy. Neem leaves can be crushed and mixed with honey. Then it can be consumed and it will help you avoid skin allergies and pimples. It can also remove skin marks and unwanted spots.
Neem trees consume very less water and provide numerous health benefits. Below is given alist of few tipswhich can help you to remain healthy:
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