Azadirachta Indica, commonly known as neem, is a medicinal tree of the family Meliaceae. Due to its various uses and medicinal properties, United Nations has declared it as the Tree of the 21st century. The leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, bark and fruits of the neem tree form the main component of Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments.
Though it has many benefits, neem is NOT considered safe for pregnant women; therefore it should be strictly avoided in pregnancy.
Neem is known to aid in the treatment of as many as 40 diseases and conditions including diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, bacterial infection, skin disorders, toxic blood, etc.
Medicinal Properties
It possesses amazing anti-bacterial, anti-pyretic and blood purifier properties. Ayurvedic practitioners are known to successfully cure cold, cough, fever, and even serious ailments like malaria and leprosy with the proper use of Neem tree.
Neem Leaves Extract
The neem leaves are ground and strained to remove its extract which can be applied directly on the skin to heal conditions like eczema, acne, wrinkles, dandruff, warts and ulcers.
Clearing Dark Spots
The paste of ground neem leaves and turmeric in equal amounts is known to clear the skin of dark spots effectively.
Dental Care
The twig of the neem, when used as a brush to clean teeth, helps in prevention of cavities, rejuvenation of gum tissues, and keeping oral diseases at bay.
Neem Juice with Honey
A concoction prepared by diluting the extraction of tender neem leaves with honey, is known to remove toxins and purify blood. If the undiluted juice of tender neem leaves is taken with half the measure of honey, the healing process will be speedy.
Powder and Oil
The application of neem powder and oil keeps bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic and protozoan infections at bay. Neem oil or neem leaves added to bathing water is known to help keep the skin healthy. Neem oil is also very effective repellent of bugs and insects without any side effects.
Leprosy Treatment
Though as of now it is not used independently to treat leprosy, 10 drops of neem oil with a teaspoon of sugar is known to help in treating leprosy. Earlier, when no treatment was available for leprosy, the anti-leprotic property of neem was effectively used to control the terrifying disease.
Neem Flowers
Neem flowers are known to have certain medicinal properties that are not available in other parts of the tree. If collected fresh, and dried and stored, the flowers can retain their medicinal values for several years. The extraction prepared by soaking neem leaves in water overnight, is known to heal stomach ache within an hour. If the flowers are stored in honey and consumed every day, the immune system will get a great boost.
Blood Purifier
Take tender leaves of neem and boil it in water. Strain the leaves and keep the water. This water when taken on empty stomach in the morning can purify blood and help in controlling diabetes. The water when used to wash hair is known to help in getting rid of head lice and dandruff.
Feet Care
A mixture of neem oil and turmeric when externally applied can heal fissures and athletes foot, giving it a baby soft feel.
Eyes
Sauté dried neem flowers in pure ghee and grind them to a smooth paste. When the paste in consumed with warm milk regularly, it improves eye sight and keeps the eyes healthy.
