Common name:
Sanskrit: Nimbah
Hindi: Nim
Marathi: kadu-limba
English: Margosa, Neem, Indian lilac
Telugu: Kindavepu, turakavepu
Tamil: Vempu, veppu, Arulundi
Introduction:
Azadirachta indica, popularly known as "Margosa" or "Indian Lilac," is the plant technically known as neem in India. It is the most adaptive and diversified tree in tropical climes, with potential medicinal applications. Neem produces a variety of non-wood products, including flowers, leaves, fruits, gum, bark, oil, seeds, and neem cake. Its gorgeous, round-crowned trees with thick, wrinkled bark can reach heights of 15 to 30 meter's. The compound leaves have serrated leaflets that can drop under extreme drought. The fruit has a delicious texture and is a smooth greenish-yellow drupe. Neem is a prominent medicinal plant in Ayurveda because of its healing and cosmetic characteristics. It inhibits maturation, protects skin from dust, pollution, and UV radiation, and includes fatty acids and nutrients that decrease wrinkles and maintain skin.
Chemical components:
Nutrient | Measurement |
Fiber | 6.77 g |
Fat | 3.3 gram |
Calcium | 178.5 |
Iron | 5.98 mg |
Magnesium | 44.45 mg |
Phosphorous | 28 mg |
Sodium | 25.27 mg |
Potassium | 88.9 mg |
Neem for Diabetes:
The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) properties of neem have become the subject of recent studies. Though the precise mechanism remains unclear, the impacts are evident.
Neem for Oral care:
It's still used to clean teeth in rural India. Neem's possible antibacterial properties could help reduce plaque and gingivitis. Neem twigs may have antiseptic qualities that aid in maintaining good dental hygiene. Neem twigs may have antiseptic qualities that could support good dental hygiene.
Neem for Malaria:
One prevalent illness associated with the tropical climate is malaria. Since neem leaf extract may affect parasites that carry the malaria virus, it may be beneficial against the virus indirectly. Burned dried neem leaves are applied as an insect deterrent.
Neem for Stomach:
Neem bark has been proven in studies to lower stomach acid secretion by 77% and to regulate the volume of stomach secretions by 63%. Its possible anti-inflammatory qualities may further lessen damage to stomach tissue and may cut down on stomach enzyme pepsin activity by 50 %.
Neem for Immunity:
Neem's ability to stimulate the immune system may be its most significant potential use. It may benefit lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems, particularly "Killer T" cells. These cells may release harmful compounds into other microorganisms, viruses, etc., thereby aiding in their demise.
Neem for Inflammation and Arthritis:
Research has indicated that nimbidin, a compound present in neem, may have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Nimbidin may be able to prevent neutrophils and macrophages from inducing inflammation. Neem may help reduce inflammation as well as the pain and swelling that come with it. Additionally, it may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, a condition marked by pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints as a result of auto-immune reactions.
Neem for Infections:
Viral infections: By halting the dengue virus's growth, neem may be able to treat dengue fever. It may prevent the coxsackie B virus from replicating, which is a family of viruses that can cause everything from upset stomachs to serious illnesses in people. Neem leaf has long been used to treat viral illnesses including smallpox and chickenpox.
Skin infections and bacterial infections: Recent research has concentrated on the antibacterial properties of neem in the mouth, particularly in relation to tooth cavities and gum disease. Neem may aid with a number of skin disorders and illnesses, including acne, eczema, and other skin conditions, as it may have antibacterial qualities.
Fungal infections: neem may possess antifungal properties that could aid in the treatment of fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and candida, which is also known as a yeast infection or organism that causes thrush. A fungal illness called thrush can affect the mouth, throat, or other areas of the body.
Home remedies:
1. Hair health:
In coconut oil, boil the neem leaves.
Apply the neem oil to your scalp and hair, rubbing it in for at least an hour.
Then, use a light shampoo to rinse it off.
2. For diarrhoea:
One tablespoon of neem leaf juice with sugar three times a day.
3. For constipation:
Given three times a day, two to three grams of neem powder and three to four black peppers.
3. Skin health:
Mix one tablespoon of rose water and a small amount of water with two tablespoons of each powdered neem and sandalwood to create a paste.
As a face pack, apply it and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Cleanse by wiping with cool water.
4. Strengthens immunity:
Chewing few clean washed neem leaves.
5. For dandruff:
Take some neem leaves and give them a good crushing.
Next, combine the curd and crushed leaves in a basin and well mix.
After that, massage your scalp and hair for a minimum of five minutes.
After letting the mixture stay for half an hour, rinse it out with shampoo.
6. Oral health:
Making neem toothpaste at home requires powdering neem leaves, adding a little water, and combining in a teaspoon of baking soda.
7. Diabetes:
Bring a few Neem leaves to a boil in water until the leaves start to go mushy and the water gradually becomes a rich shade of green.
Pour out the excess water and put it in a container.
Take two glasses of this extract a day, minimum.
8. For acne:
Chewing neem leaves each morning, taking a neem bath, or applying neem oil topically to treat acne.
Uses:
Neem helps with skin concerns, hair issues, improving digestion, igniting the fire in the belly, improving breathing, managing diabetes, promoting wound healing, and relieving nausea.
Below are some important neem medical applications:
1. Neem Leaf for Skin Protection
Neem leaves have long been used to treat wounds, skin conditions, head lice, and ulcers. Neem used externally has the potential to deter mosquitoes as well. Neem has been used for millennia as a skin softener, making it likely the oldest product in the world. For usage as a skin ointment, neem leaves can be cooked in water, then the liquid can be filtered and kept.
2. Cleansing with Neem Seeds
Intestinal worms can be eliminated using neem seeds because of their purifying qualities. The juice is extracted by pressing the seeds, and thereafter consumed. Intestinal worms and other undesirable parasite organisms that could be present in the digestive tract can be effectively eliminated by this neem seed juice.
3. Using Neem Bark to Treat Dental Conditions
Neem tree bark is widely recognized for its capacity to inhibit dental plaque and lower oral bacterial counts. For this very reason, neem tree twigs have long been used as toothbrushes. Neem tree bark's antibacterial and astringent qualities aid in the healing of mouth wounds as well.
4. The Purifying Power of Neem Roots
The roots of the neem tree are as antioxidant-rich as the rest of the tree. The 2011 study's findings showed that neem root bark extract had a greater capacity to scavenge free radicals, with a 50% scavenging activity at 27.3 μg/mL. The extract's overall antioxidant activity was determined to be 0.58 mM of standard ascorbic acid.
5. Uses of Neem Fruit
Neem oil is obtained by pressing the fruit of the tree, which is then applied to the scalp to eliminate dandruff and also serves as a deterrent. This extracted oil is commonly found as an ingredient in many commercially available room fresheners and can also be used as an excellent insect repellent.
6. Uses of Neem Flower
Neem tree flowers are thought to have antiseptic properties and to help clear the system when ingested. This is one of the explanations for why neem blossoms are used in some southern Indian recipes. For instance, Ugadi Pachadi, a special meal cooked with jaggery and neem leaves, is served to commemorate the traditional New Year in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The cooling properties of neem flowers are described by Ayurveda, which suggests using them in summertime recipes to combat the heat.
Important note:
Blood sugar levels may be lowered with neem. There's a worry that it could affect blood sugar regulation both before and after surgery. Give off neem use at least two weeks before to a planned surgery.
It is most likely dangerous for kids to consume neem seeds and seed oil by mouth. Neem oil can have serious adverse effects in newborns and young children within hours of consumption. Vomiting, diarrhea, sleepiness, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death are some of these severe side effects.
Autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments. This might make autoimmune disease symptoms worse. It is advisable not to use neem if you suffer from any of these ailments.
It has been demonstrated that neem harms sperm. It might also negatively impact fertility in other ways. It is not advised to use neem if you are trying to get pregnant.
Side effects:
1. May Damage Kidneys
2. Could Significantly Lower Blood Sugar
3. Could Cause Fertility Loss
4. Could Lead to Miscarriage
5. Could Result in Allergic Reactions
6. Could Cause Infant Deaths
7. May irritate the stomach
8. Could Boost Your Immune System Too Much
Available brands:
Reference:
Textbook of pharmacognosy by C.K. Kokate, A.P. Purohit, S.B. Gokhale
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