Neem

Neem Leaf

In the world of Ayurveda, neem is a popular medicinal herb that’s been part of traditional remedies that date back almost 5000 years. Also known as Azadirachta Indica in English or ‘Neemba’ in Sanskrit, the neem tree is a really good example of how nature holds both the problem and the cure. It’s home to more than 130 different biologically active compounds! No wonder it’s such an effective anti-viral and anti-bacterial, along with being a powerful immuno-stimulant. Murli Manohar, author of the book 'Ayurveda For All: Effective Ayurvedic Self Cure for Common and Chronic Ailments' suggests that the primary purpose of neem leaves is the treatment of vaata disorders or neuromuscular pains. Then come the other benefits: purify the blood, prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body, remove toxins, treat insect bites and ulcers. Neem leaves have anti-bacterial properties which is why it works wonders on infections, burns and any kind of skin problems. It destroys the bacteria that causes infections, stimulates the immune system and encourages rapid healing.

Neem trees are native to India and grow widely across the country. Excavations of ancient sites in northwestern and western India have unearthed therapeutic compounds, including Neem leaves, and neem was first documented in texts from the Siddha medicinal system over 4,500 years ago. Neem then spread to China during the time of Lao Tze in the 4th century BCE, and from the 1700s to the 1900s, neem was spread to countries across the world with settling Indian families. Today Neem leaves can be found in specialty stores and markets in Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, China, the Middle East, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. 

Neem leaf is used for 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. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions. The bark is used for malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and fever.

Neem contains chemicals that might help reduce blood sugar levels, heal ulcers in the digestive tract, prevent pregnancy, kill bacteria, and prevent plaque formation in the mouth.

Here are some excellent ways in which we can use neem leaves:

Wound healer             : Make a paste out of the neem leaves and dab it on your wounds or insect 

                                       bites a few times a day till it heals.

Goodbye dandruff     : Boil a bunch of neem leaves till the water turns green, allow it to cool.
                                       After washing your hair with shampoo, cleanse it with this water.

Eye Trouble                : Boil some neem leaves, let the water cool completely and then use it to
                                       wash your eyes. This will help any kind of irritation, tiredness or redness.

Treat that zit              : Grind a few neem leaves, make a paste and apply it daily till the acne
                                       dries out. The paste also helps any kind of eruptions, dark spots and
                                       chronic ulcers.

Ear ailments               :  Blend some neem leaves and add some honey to it. Use a few drops of
                                         this mix to treat any ear boils.

Other skin disorders : Turmeric combined with a paste of neem leaves can also be used for
                                        itching, eczema, ring worms and some mild skin diseases.

Boost immunity         : Crush some neem leaves and take them with a glass of water to
                                       increase your  immunity.

Neem Flower

Neem flowers can be used to treat anorexia, nausea, belching and intestinal worms. Ayurveda suggests neem leaves are good for the eyes and useful in treating skin disease and headaches. They’re used in aromatherapy because of their calming effect. A 2008 study also found the alcoholic extract of the neem flowers to be an effective contraceptive.The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms.

Most parts of the neem tree are awfully bitter, with the exception of its flowers. White and delicate, neem flowers with their off-white buds are almost too pretty to be eaten and unbelievably therapeutic. The flowers have a sweet, almost mystical jasmine like scent at night and blossom once in the afternoon and then again in the evening. During the monsoon, you’ll see a bunch of them scattered right under the tree. Also known as Vepampoo in Tamil, these neem flowers can be used fresh, dried or in a powdered form. They’re used commonly in the South to cook a number of dishes: flower rice, pachadi, rasam, lentils and more. They’re often dry roasted and sprinkled on top of the dish to garnish as well.

Neem Oil

Neem oil that's extracted from neem seeds is rich in medicinal properties which are what makes it a great ingredient in cosmetics and other beauty products: soaps, hair oil, hand wash, soap etc. It can treat a bunch of skin diseases and is known to be an excellent mosquito repellent. You can mix it with coconut oil and apply it over your body as well. It is believed that in India, small children are fed neem oil as a type of cure-all. Besides being such a great Ayurvedic healer, neem oil can be used to protect other plants. It can also be used in creams, soaps and other cosmetic products.

Neem oil is extremely nourishing and can be added to your face packs. It also helps ageing skin, any kind of skin irritation and itching. For great hair: Take some neem oil and rub it into the scalp, leave it in for a while and wash. Neem oil can strengthen your hair, prevent hair fall and treat dandruff.

Each Part of the Neem Tree Has Medicinal Value 

Neem Leaf                     – Can cure skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis.
Neem Bark                    – Has potential as a food additive and is often considered a pitta pacifier
                                          due to its bitter taste.
Neem Fruit and Seeds  – From which neem oil is extracted.
Neem Twig                    – Used for oral health.
Neem Oil                       – Helps treat skin ailments and other health issues.

Amazing Benefits Of Neem On Your Skin

Neem is one of the miracle herbs that offer many health benefits. Also called as the ‘wonder leaf’, neem has many medicinal uses in Ayurveda. Its scientific name is Azadirachta Indica. In Indian households, neem is used in many forms, such as neem water, neem honey, neem soap, and neem oil. But the most convenient and common way to use neem is to make a paste of its leaves.

Beauty

Preparing neem paste is very simple. Just grind fresh neem leaves with a little water and your neem paste is ready! If you do not get fresh leaves, buy dried neem powder from the market and make the paste by adding some water to it.

Using neem paste regularly has many skin benefits. Neem is anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-fungal and much more. All these properties help in healing many skin issues, diseases, and disorders.

Here are the top 10 benefits of using Neem paste for skin:

1. Heals Scars

2. Fights Acne

3. Treats Pigmentation

4. Oil-control

5. Moisturizer

6. Exfoliation

7. Clear And Glowing Skin

8. Treats Skin Infections

9. Anti-aging

10. Treats Scalp Infections