What is Neem?
Neem also called Azadirachta indica is an aboriginal tree found in tropical and semi-tropical countries like Burma and India; Other vernacular names include Margosa, Indian Lilac, Nimtree etc. Neem has been declared non-toxic to humans and each part of the tree is used as an active ingredient in different industries.Though neem had been used in households for long, it was only during the 1920s, that neem tree was given its due recognition, with a number of researches being conducted on an international level to understand the benefits and potential of neem. After the tree overcame the initial resistance , it was started to use on a commercial basis and now, neem finds immense use in a number of products in industries ranging from cosmetics to agriculture, from pharmaceuticals to Ayurveda.Parts of Neem used _
Neem Seed
Neem Leaf
Neem Bark
Neem Fruit
Neem Twig
Neem Root
Neem Kernel
Form of Neem Used in Industries
Raw Neem - has been used by households and industries for a number of uses.
Neem Extract - Part of neem tree like leaf, seed or bark is either soaked in water or organic solvents and alcohol to get the concentrated compounds.
Neem Finished Products - Neem is used in a number of products the world over in the form of pesticides, insecticides, manure, cosmetics, hair lotions and oils, toothpastes and tooth powders, incense sticks and mostly, it is widely used to manufacture a number of traditional and modern medicines. Ayurveda and Unani system of medicines makes use of neem for a quite a few of medicinal preparations.
Medicinal Properties of Neem TreeNeem is used to manufacture a number of natural medicines, which do not have any side effects unlike modern medicinal systems like allopathy.
Antiseptic
Anti Pyretic
Anti Inflammatory
Anti Bacterial
Anti Viral
Anti Fungal
Anti Parasitic
History of Neem
The history of neem tree can be traced back to the ancient Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations in India. The medical practitioners of that period studied a variety of natural occurring plants and trees having therapeutic value and neem tree was one of them. The earliest indication of neem tree being used for its medicinal properties in households began nearly 5000 years ago. Neem is said to have been widely used in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and this is also mentioned in earliest Indian scriptures of medicine- the Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Neem was earlier used in households for giving bath to newly born infants, protect people from insect bites and also indigenously used to protect a number of plants as neem contained insecticidal properties. It was also widely used to cure skin ailments.Gradually the fame of this 'wonder tree' spread to western countries and after a lot of researches funded by internationally acclaimed organisations like UN, neem and its products were accepted for their therapeutic value and having no side effects in US, UK, Australia among others.Neem tree has miraculous powers and scientists are beginning to unfold the powers and potential of this revered tree. It is now being cultivated and grown in a number of countries to fully tap its potential and used on a commercial basis.
Medicinal Properties of Neem Tree
Neem tree has quite a few curative properties; it has been widely used in traditional system of medicine for centuries now. Each part of neem is used in medicines and thus commercially exploitable. Neem has been evaluated for safety and efficacy and after numerous research by leading organizations and companies, it has been considered as a universal cure for diseases.It is a revered tree in India with close to 150 compounds been obtained from different parts of the tree. It is also considered to be a natural source for a medicines and industrial products.Properties of Neem Compounds
Anti-inflammatory
Antiarthritic
Antipyretic
Hypoglycaemic
Spermicidal
Antifungal
Antibacterial
Diuretic
Antimalarial
Antitumour
Parts of Neem and Diseases they Cure:Neem Bark : acts as an analgesic and can cure fever.Neem Flower : Used to cure intestinal problems.Neem Leaf : Raw leaf and leaf extract can be used for body weight problems, skin problems and ulcers, gastrointestinal problems.Neem Twig : Can be used to cure common cold and cough, asthma and bronchitis, urinary track disorders, diabetes and blood pressure.Neem Seed : Can be used to cure leprosy and other gastrointestinal problems.Various studies and researches have been conducted on the safety and effficacy of different neem medicinal products.
Botanical Description of Neem
Botanical name : Azadirachta IndicaFamily : Meliaceae, The mahogany tree familyPopular Names of Neem in IndiaAssamese : NimBengali : Nim, Neemgachh, NeemBurmese : Tamaka, Thin, Thinboro Tamakha, Bowtamaka, TamaGujarati : Limba, Limbado, Leemgo, Danu-jhada, Kohalu LimdoHindi : Nim, Nimb, Bal-nimb, Neem, NindKannada : Bevinamara, Bevu, Hebbevu, Kiri-bevuKonkani : NimKumaoni : BetainMalayalam : Aryaveppu, Veppu, Aryaveshnu, Rajavedhu, VepeMarathi : Kadukhajur, Limba, Limb, Nimbay, Bakayan, Balanti-limbOriya : Kakopholo, Limbo, Nimbu, NimoPunjabi : Bakam, Bukhain, Drekh, Nim, Neem, MahaneemRajasthani : Neem, NeemroSanskrit : Arishta, Nimba, MinbakaTelugu : Nimbanuv, Vepa, Yeppa, Yapa, Vepachettu, YapachattuUrdu : NeemNames of Neem in Different LanguagesEnglish : Neem, Indian Lilac, Margosa Tree, Nim, Crackjack, Paradise Tree, White Cedar, ChinaberryFrench : Azadirac De 1'Inde, Margosier, MargousierGerman : Grossblaettiger Zedrach, Indischer ZedrachPortugese : Amargoseira, Margosa, NimboSingapore : Kohumba, NimbaNeem tree is found in abundance in tropical and semi-tropical regions like Burma. It cannot grow in extreme cold climate, though it can survive without much rainfall. The tree can live upto 200 years and can grow up to 50 feet tall. Neem Bark - The stem of a neem tree can grow up to a diameter of 2.5-3 m. The bark is rough and can be pale or greyish-black in color. Bark of neem is used to manufacture pesticides.Neem Flowers - Neem tree bears small white colored flowers and star shaped, with a pleasant smell.Neem Fruits - Neem tree generally bear fruits between the age of 3 to 5, and the fruits are edible.It is an ideal plant as it can be grown indoors and requires least maintenance. Most of the problems relating to the growth of neem are due to over watering, in case the neem leaves begin to turn yellow, it is a sign of over watering or that the tree has been given too much fertilizer.
Neem and Unani Medicine
Neem is popularly known as 'Yavan Priya' meaning the beloved of muslims. It has for long been used in the traditional unani system of medicine for its beneficial properties. All parts of neem i.e. the roots, stem, leaves, fruits, bark and seeds have therapeutic value. Parts of Neem Used Leaf: Fresh leaves are more commonly used than any other part of the tree. Dried leaves are also used in unani medication, though they are said to be less effective. Also used in skin diseases and intestinal diseases. Seeds: Are very effective in treatment of boils, leprosy, eczema and other skin diseases; headaches, ulcer, diarrhoea, intestinal problems.Stalk: Are used as tooth sticks which help to prevent infection o0f teeth and gums; control bad breath and also prevent oral cavity. It is also used to manufacture medicines that cure cough, astham, intestinal worms and also improving the eye sight. Bark: It is mostly used in blood purifying preparations and anti-pyretic medicines. Bark extracts are also used in preparation of medicines curing paralysis, joint pains,nervous weakness etc.Flowers: Are used in medicines curing eye problems, is also used to treat certain dental problems, flowers are also anti inflammatory in nature, therefore very helpful in treating diseases.Fruits: Are used as laxatives and blood purifier. It is also used as an ingredient in medicines curing leprosy, piles etc.Gum: Used as a blood purifier and is also used in body stimulants and tonics.The pharmacological action and the therapeutic efficacy of neem includes anti inflammatory action, blood purifying, anti-leprosy, anti-vitiligo, anti septic and anti arthritic properties.
Neem Remedies
Neem has always been known as a magical tree, offering large number of remedies for problems and ailments. It is used to cure both human and animal ailments.Neem remedial action for diseases
The antimicrobial properties of neem bark, leaves, twigs and seeds are used to cure skin allergies, rashes, acne, blemishes etc.
It is used in medicines as a cure for leprosy. The extracts are also used to manufacture drugs and ointments beneficial in curing arthritis.
Neem twigs are used in raw or powdered form for oral care, dental companies consider neem to be a sure shot cure for most of the periodontal problems and hence, it is an active ingredient in a number of herbal tooth pastes and tooth powders.
Bark and twig extracts are used in ayurveda medicinal system to cure fevers and malaria.
Neem leaves extracts are used in digestion aiding pills and often used to cure blood pressure problems.
Neem is used extensively in agriculture as a means to repel pests and insects, neem oil and extracts are used as natural pesticides, insecticides, soil conditioner, manure etc.
It is also used in veterinary medicine as a cure for a number of diseases, the anti bacterial and anti viral properties of neem help to mange the health of animals. It is also used as an animal feedant.
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