Neem (Azadirachta indica)
is a legendary plant widely used by Ayurveda. In India, thousands of years ago people began to use the numerous healing properties of this miracle plant. There is even a wise common aphorism in India, in which the properties of the tree are glorified. It says that death does not come to those lands where Neem blooms.
It consists of air and ether, which characterizes its properties as cold and desiccant. Therefore, it isn’t practically prescribed for people with chronic diseases. At the same time, Neem preparations help to restore the balance of Pitta and Kapha doshas.
In Ayurveda, Neem is classified as bitterness with tonic properties. The cleansing properties of this plant are widely known. This is a cleansing of the body of toxins, fungi and various types of parasites. However, first of all, it is used as one of the best natural cleaners of blood and skin.
Neem also has pronounced antipyretic properties. At the same time, it not only normalizes the temperature, but also eliminates the cause that provoked it, whether it is of a viral or bacterial nature.
Anti-aging properties of Neem on the human body are well known. Due to this, Neem-based drugs are often recommended for benign and malignant forms of oncology. After all, as was noted, the antioxidant properties of the plant help to reduce the tumor in size or slow down its progression.
What are the main properties of the tree Neem?
Below we give only the basic properties of the Neem tree (in fact, there are much more of them):
- a natural blood purifier;
- antifungal;
- antiparasitic;
- antiviral;
- antiseptic;
- antibacterial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antipyretic;
- painkiller.
Such an extensive field of application of Neem is mainly due to its very complex chemical composition, which includes about 140 types of chemicals. In their totality they determine all the numerous healing properties of the plant.
Therapeutic use of Neem
Based on the above Neem properties, we can assume that the list of ailments that can be treated with Neem is very diverse. Here are just a few of them:
- Skin ailments (acne, boils, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, warts, lichen, skin mites, lice, dandruff, scabies, itching, irritation, insect bites, etc.). In the treatment of skin diseases, Neem is used externally in the form of masks, ointments, lotions, baths and orally.
- Diseases caused by fungi. These can be fungal microorganisms that affect the skin and nails, as well as the bronchopulmonary system, the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system. Thus, it helps to treat candidiasis, mycosis, rash, lichen. Neem oil or Neem powder, diluted with water to the consistency of the paste, can help with them.
- Diseases of a bacterial origin, for example, staphylococcus aureus, which provokes cystitis and meningitis peritonitis. Streptococcus can also be eliminated with the help of Neem and at the same time the ailment that this bacterium causes (tonsillitis, scarlet fever, pharyngitis, abscess, periodontitis, streptoderma, erysipelas). Salmonellosis can also be treated with Neem (intestinal inflammation, food poisoning, blood poisoning, typhoid);
- Viral diseases, such as smallpox, measles, flu, SARS, herpes, hepatitis B. It prevents the virus from damaging healthy cells;
- Improvement of blood composition in the form of the removal of toxins, free radicals, ketone bodies, foreign proteins, as well as the normalization of sugar and cholesterol levels. It helps to thin the blood and prevents the concentration of harmful substances and the formation of blood clots, acting as an excellent tool for the prevention of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases;
- Neem is an excellent hepatotonic, helping to restore and stimulate its work. It also helps with gallbladder disorder and with difficulties in the passage of bile;
- Neem is used in the field of dentistry, it is added to Ayurvedic tooth powders and toothpastes, since it helps strengthen tooth enamel and serves as a good prophylactic for diseases of the gums and oral cavity;
- Nim is an excellent immunopotentiator and is prescribed to increase immune function, to combat chronic malaise.
Rules for the use of Neem-based drugs
For therapeutic purposes, all parts of Neem are suitable – bark, leaves, inflorescences, fruits, seeds, root and resin. Neem treatment tips will vary depending on the ailment.
In Ayurveda, it is used in the form of churnas, capsules, pastes, seed oil, etc. Neem is a component of a great many remedies.
The oil is suitable only for external use due to its toxicity. To prevent irritation when applied to sensitive skin, oil is recommended to be mixed with any other vegetable oil, most often with sesame oil.
Neem is included in many shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, creams and masks.
It is recommended to take Neem-based drugs in courses of no more than 3-4 weeks 2 times a year, since it acts quite noticeably on the liver, which can lead to undesirable consequences. It is contraindicated in children under adolescence and the elderly, as well as in patients weakened by the diseases.
