Neem Tree and its Benefits
After realizing the high medicinal value of the Neem (Azadirachta indica), plant in 1899, a prominent Indian Scientist started research into all aspects of the Neem tree and its leaves. As a result, he has been awarded the ‘Millenium Medal’ by the president of India for his outstanding research on Neem trees.
Research on Neem revealed that Neem is not just a medicinal plant but also has several industrial uses. The results of this research have been published in form of 700 books, which are freely available to everyone. Because of its multiple benefits, now this tree is growing in most parts of the world including the USA, Australia, and almost all over the tropical countries.
Azadirachta indica A. Juss or Neem tree is a large evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 25-30 meters (80–100 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) in diameter, and has been valued for its medicinal uses for more than 5000 years.
Neem is the only known source of an antiseptic, azadirachtin, which provides immune system protection to plants against diseases and insects. Neem oil has various industrial uses including in agriculture, organic cosmetics, pest control, and natural home cleaning products like toothpaste.
The medicinal properties of Neem are well documented in the indigenous system of medicine, with Ayurveda recording the use of Neem since the 6th century BC.
According to this system of medicine, Neem is bitter in taste with a sweet post-digestive effect and a cooling potency. The bark is astringent, the flowers are refrigerant, appetizer, and diuretic, the fruit is refrigerant and the oil is cooling with antibiotic properties.
Neem cultivation has declined throughout its native range as a consequence of habitat destruction and over-exploitation; it now only grows wild in south-eastern Asia including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
In northeastern parts of India, Neem cultivation has increased and is mainly done by farmers of north India.
It is the only known source of an antiseptic, azadirachtin, which provides immune system protection to plants against diseases and insects. Neem oil has various industrial uses including in agriculture, organic cosmetics, pest control, and natural home cleaning products like toothpaste.
Neem is extensively promoted as an organic pesticide throughout south Asia, and has become successful in India; the Indian government offers subsidized neem seeds. According to one source, it is produced on a commercial scale of about 100 tonnes per day.
The medicinal properties of Neem are well documented in the indigenous system of medicine, with Ayurveda recording the use of Neem since the 6th century BC.
According to this system of medicine, Neem is bitter in taste with a sweet post-digestive effect and a cooling potency. The bark is astringent, the flowers are refrigerant, appetizer, and diuretic, the fruit is refrigerant and the oil is cooling with antibiotic properties.
Neem cultivation has declined throughout its native range as a consequence of habitat destruction and over-exploitation; it now only grows wild in south-eastern Asia including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
In northeastern parts of India, Neem cultivation has increased and is mainly done by farmers of north India.
Azadirachta indica is a large evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 25–30 m (80–100 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in diameter. The bark is smooth and light greenish grey, it may be bare and sticky with resin as the tree matures.
The leaves are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long, pinnate with opposite or subopposite pairs of leaflets, and range from glabrous light green to dark green depending on the region.
In India typically a single neem tree is planted in a square yard area for each household member in accordance with traditional Ayurvedic belief. Commencement of new plantations in open lands is to be started separately in the same yard area after observing due religious rituals.
Neem tree bark has a light yellow hue, sometimes with traces of light brown, or dark brown exfoliate bark that peels away in papery sheets.
Neem tree bark has a light yellow hue, sometimes with traces of light brown or dark brown exfoliating bark that peels away in papery sheets. The branch is slender and angular often drooping under the weight of its foliage, and it also produces many thorns on its branches.
The neem tree’s pinnate leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, and range from 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long, with 20 to 60 elliptical leaflets that are each 2–6 cm (0.79–2.36 in) long.
The neem tree’s pinnate leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, and range from 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long, with 20 to 60 elliptical leaflets that are each 2–6 cm (0.79–2.36 in) long. The young leaves and new growth are often purple-tinged; as the tree matures, the leaves become darker green, and most older leaves become yellow or bright green.
The neem flower is found in clusters at the end of branches, large fragrant sesamum-like flowers appear in early summer to late summer. Flowers are pale yellow or white when fully developed, with four to five sepals and petals 5–8 mm long. Neem fruit is a smooth, green drupe that is 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) long and is covered with sharp thorns.
Neem oil, also called neem seed oil, pleuritic acid, or margosa oil, comes from the seeds of the neem tree. The composition is complex and changes depending on factors like climate and soil.
It consists of more than 50% of non-volatile components, including fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, and plant sterols. Neem oil is often used in cooking in India after the gas has passed through it to reduce the free fatty acid content.
It is available commercially as cold-pressed oil, which is dark yellow in color and smells different from refined oil. The cold-pressed oil is used for massaging babies before they are given solid food.
Neem oil also contains high amounts of monounsaturated oleic acid, which has made it popular with people who use olive oil but want a bigger dose of non-essential fatty acids.
Neem benefits Ayurveda:
Treating diabetes and preventing constipation:
Neem is used in many Ayurvedic formulations for treating diabetes. The leaves, seeds, flowers, bark, root, oil, and the water of neem are used to treat everyone from infants to the elderly. To date, there have been no reports on toxicity caused by neem products even at high dosages. One of the most important uses of neem oil in Ayurveda is in diabetes formulations.
Neem is also useful in preventing constipation. The bark, leaves, and oil are used to treat chronic constipation.
Neem benefits for hair:
Preventing hair loss and dandruff:
Neem oil can be used to prevent hair fall and stimulate new hair growth. It is also useful in clearing up dandruff. A paste of neem leaves, turmeric powder, and amla juice applied on the scalp can also prevent hair loss.
Neem benefits for women:
Neem oil can be used to prevent pregnancy and/or end a pregnancy. Neem oil is also useful in preventing early miscarriage or spontaneous premature labor. It can also treat menstrual problems, vaginal infections, uterine bleeding, ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, and uterine tumors.
Neem benefits for teeth:
Neem does not cause allergies if consumed orally in reasonable amounts. The paste of neem leaves can be used to remove plaque from the teeth. Neem oil is also useful in preventing tooth decay. It is highly beneficial for the gums and strengthens the teeth.
Neem Benefits for skin:
Preventing acne, boils, psoriasis, eruptions, and other skin infections Neem oil can be used to treat acne, boils, psoriasis, eruptions, and other skin disorders. It is used as a general tonic to clear up the skin. It is also beneficial in treating allergies and dermatitis.
Neem benefits for allergies:
Treating respiratory allergies, asthma, sinusitis Inhaling neem smoke relieves symptoms of bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Application of neem oil over the chest soothes irritated skin in those who have skin allergies.
Neem benefits for asthma:
Treating asthma and breathing problems Neem is used to treat bronchitis, respiratory allergies, influenza, cough, cold, pneumonia, whooping cough (pertussis), tuberculosis (TB), urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin allergies like dermatitis and eczema.
10 Facts About Neem Tree:
Neem is often called the wonder tree due to its many health benefits.
1. Neem comes from the “Azadirachta indica” family of trees, which are native to India and Sri Lanka.
2. The neem tree is an evergreen that grows up to 20 m tall with a straight trunk and broad canopy.
3. Neem leaves are 10-20 cm long, oblong or elliptical, and pointed at the end with a smooth margin.
4. Neem has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for skincare, haircare, oral health, eye treatments, and as a medicine.
5. Neem oil can be made from the seeds of the neem tree. It is greenish-yellow in color and has a bitter taste.
6. Cold-pressed neem oil varies in color, but it is usually pale yellow to orange-red.
7. The seed kernels are soaked in water for 6 hours to remove most of their bitter taste.
8. Cold-pressed neem oil is safe to use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
9. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with other oils.
10. Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties are helpful in relieving pain and itching from eczema, psoriasis, and acne.