Neem
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, nimtree or Indian lilac,[3] is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem trees also grow on islands in southern Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.
Description:
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Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), and rarely 35–40 m (115–131 ft). It is evergreen, shedding many of its leaves during the dry winter months. The branches are wide and spreading. The fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter of 20–25 m (66–82 ft). The neem tree[4] is similar in appearance to its relative, the chinaberry (Melia azedarach).[5]
The opposite, pinnate leaves are 20–40 cm (8–16 in) long, with 20 to 30 medium to dark green leaflets about 3–8 cm (1+1⁄4–3+1⁄4 in) long. The terminal leaflet often is missing. The petioles are short.
White and fragrant flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles which are up to 25 cm (10 in) long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree, bear from 250 to 300 flowers. An individual flower is 5–6 mm (3⁄16–1⁄4 in) long and 8–11 mm (5⁄16–7⁄16 in) wide. Protandrous, bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the same individual tree.
The fruit is a smooth (glabrous), olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe is 14–28 mm (1⁄2–1+1⁄8 in) by 10–15 mm (3⁄8–5⁄8 in). The fruit skin (exocarp) is thin and the bitter-sweet pulp (mesocarp) is yellowish-white and very fibrous. The mesocarp is 3–5 mm (1⁄8–1⁄4 in) thick. The white, hard inner shell (endocarp) of the fruit encloses one, rarely two, or three, elongated seeds (kernels) having a brown seed coat.
Pollen grains of Azadirachta indica
The neem tree is often confused with a similar looking tree called bakain. Bakain also has toothed leaflets and similar looking fruit. One difference is that neem leaves are pinnate but bakain leaves are twice- and thrice-pinnate.
As a vegetable
The tender shoots and flowers of the neem tree are eaten as a vegetable in India. A soup-like dish called veppampoo charu in Tamil (translated as "neem flower rasam") made of the flower of neem is prepared in Tamil Nadu. In Bengal, young neem leaves are fried in oil with tiny pieces of eggplant (brinjal). The dish is called neem begun bhaja and is the first item during a Bengali meal that acts as an appetizer. It is eaten with rice.
In Myanmar, young neem leaves and flower buds are boiled with tamarind fruit to soften its bitterness and eaten as a vegetable. Pickled neem leaves are also eaten with tomato and fish paste sauce in Myanmar.
Traditional medicine
Products made from neem trees have been used in the traditional medicine of India for centuries,[13][12] but there is insufficient clinical evidence to indicate any benefits of using neem for medicinal purposes
short-term use of neem appears to be safe, while long-term use may harm the kidneys or liver; in small children, neem oil is toxic and can lead to death.
The entire tree including its leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been utilised in traditional medicine for various treatments such as inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders.
Pest and disease control
Neem is a key ingredient in non-pesticidal management (NPM), providing a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. Neem seeds are ground into powder that is soaked overnight in water and sprayed on the crop. To be effective, it must be applied repeatedly, at least every ten days. Neem does not directly kill insects. It acts as an anti-feedant, repellent, and egg-laying deterrent and thus protects the crop from damage.
The insects starve and die within a few days. Neem also suppresses the subsequent hatching of their eggs. Neem-based fertilizers have been effective against southern armyworm. Neem cake may be used as a fertilizer.[16]
Neem oil has been shown to avert termite attack as an ecofriendly and economical agent.
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Neem is a natural herb that comes from the neem tree, other names for which include Azadirachta indica and Indian lilac.
The extract comes from the seeds of the tree and has many different traditional uses. Neem is known for its pesticidal and insecticidal properties, but people also use it in hair and dental products.
In this article, learn about the benefits of neem, as well as whether it is safe to use.
Neem oil is a common pest repellant, effective against sand fleas and mosquitoes. Other forms of neem can help control termites and repel moths.
Some manufacturers add neem to animal shampoos to repel ticks and fleas. They may also add it to cattle feed or grain to repel pests and parasites.
Neem is a strong antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that may influence the development of some conditions. It is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent.
Neem has antimicrobial effects and may be effective against several types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
As neem is effective against mosquitoes, it may also have anti-malarial properties. Malaria is a parasite that some mosquitoes carry. It causes around 219 million illnesses and 435,000 deaths worldwide each yearTrusted Source.
Uses
People most frequently use neem in hair and skin care products. Some people take neem extract capsules, but there is not currently enough research to say whether they have any medical benefits.
The oil is yellow or brown and smells of garlic or sulfur. If ingested, it has a strong bitter taste.
Little research is available on neem’s effect on hair health, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be helpful for:
Dandruff: Neem is a popular ingredient in several anti-dandruff shampoos. Although there has been no research to support its use, neem is an anti-inflammatory and an anti-microbial, which may help reduce the symptoms associated with dandruff.
Lice: The results of a small study indicated that neem is an effective anti-lice and anti-nit agent. The study only tested 12 children with lice, but all were completely lice- and nit-free after treatment with a neem-based shampoo. No lice were present for 7–10 days after treatment, and there were no side effects.
Dental products, including mouthwashes, toothpastes, and tooth powders, can also contain neem. Neem can reduce pain from toothache and improve dental health by cleaning the teeth and gums and alleviating gingivitis
Manufacturers sometimes add neem to hair products, such as shampoos and styling gels. Some people also make their own hair care products by adding neem oil directly into their regular shampoo.
It is also possible to apply a neem oil directly to the hair to help control frizz.
For dental health, people can chew on neem twigs to help clean the teeth or relieve tooth pain.
Summary
Neem products come from all parts of the Indian lilac tree. In the past, people have used neem as a natural remedy for a variety of illnesses.
Now, many people use neem as a natural pesticide. Some use it to support their hair and dental health.
Neem is usually safe to use as a cosmetic product, but people should do a test patch first and speak to a doctor before using neem products on a child.
Neem products are available in some natural health stores and online.
Note: Drink plenty of water after consumming Neem based ingrdients.
What is neem is used for?
All parts of the neem tree- leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. The medicinal utilities have been described especially for neem leaf.
What are the 10 benefits of neem?
There are numerous benefits and uses of neem leaves as follows:
Treats Acne. Neem has an anti-inflammatory property which helps reduces acne. ...
Nourishes Skin. ...
Treats Fungal Infections. ...
Useful in Detoxification. ...
Increases Immunity. ...
Insect & Mosquito Repellent. ...
Prevents Gastrointestinal Diseases. ...
Treats Wounds.
What are the benefits of eating neem?
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Neem Leaves helps to reduce acne breakouts. As mentioned before, neem leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. ...
Neem leaves helps to maintain a healthy scalp. ...
Neem leaves boosts your immune system. ...
Neem leaves improves oral health. ...
Neem leaves helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Is neem toxic to humans?
In children, neem oil is reported to cause toxic encephalopathy and Reye's–like syndrome.
According to the American Journal of Neuroradiology, neem oil has the ability to cause some forms of toxic encephalopathy and ophthalmopathy, if consumed in quantities exceeding 5ml.
Which disease is cured by neem?
Neem preparations are reportedly efficacious against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores, and infected burns. The leaves, applied in the form of poultices or decoctions, are also recommended for boils, ulcers, and eczema. The oil is used for skin diseases such as scrofula, indolent ulcers, and ringworm.
Can I eat neem leaves daily?
By chewing 5-7 neem leaves on a daily basis, you supply the body with its many health benefits. Neem leaves are loaded with a number of advantages for the body. With an enriched medicinal history that is 5000 years old, today 'Neem' stands as one of the most potential home remedies for all sorts of health issues.Eating neem leaves on an empty stomach for skin and health can enhance health benifits.
Does neem burn fat?
Neem aids in the breakdown of body fat, which helps keep your weight in check. You can also make a concoction using neem, lemon and honey to further boost your metabolism.
Is neem leaf good for kidney?
The neem leaf extract can be used as a candidate for nephroprotection against damage to the kidneys.
How can I take neem daily?
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Neem juice and dilute it with an equal quantity of water. b. Drink it before meals, once a day for effective control of diabetes and for weight loss.
When should I eat neem?
In several parts of India, the tender new leaves of Neem tree are consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, in the month of Chaitra as per Hindu calendar.
Can neem cause liver damage?
May aid liver and kidney health.
Neem's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight oxidative stress, which may in turn promote liver and kidney health.
What are the side effects of neem?
Special Precautions & Warnings
These serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and death. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Neem oil and neem bark are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. They can cause a miscarriage.
Does neem destroy sperm cells?
One thing to keep in mind is, when consumed in excess, neem will kill sperm cells. In the first four to five months of pregnancy, when the fetus is developing, pregnant women should not have neem.
Is neem an anticancer?
The components extracted from neem plant have been used in traditional medicine for the cure of multiple diseases including cancer for centuries. The extracts of seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruits of neem have consistently shown chemopreventive and antitumor effects in different types of cancer.
Is neem a natural antibiotic?
Does neem leaves purify blood?
Neem, which is rich in natural antioxidants, and has other medicinal properties, is traditionally known to be a very effective blood purifier. It is also known to support key organs - the liver and kidney -- that assist in taking out waste and toxins from the body.
Is neem darken skin?
Does neem oil darken skin? A. No, on the contrary, neem oil can help reduce pigmentation in your skin. The antioxidants in neem helps reduce the production of melanin in your skin which in turn, reduces dark spots, scars and blemishes to give you an even skin tone.
Is neem cold or hot for body?
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Neem is famous and celebrated for promoting healthy skin and a clear complexion. Due in part to its bitter taste, it has an incredibly cooling effect on the body, reducing excess heat that can manifest as skin blemishes.
What are the disadvantages of eating neem leaves?
Neem is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time. It might harm the kidneys and liver. When applied to the skin: Neem oil or cream is possibly safe when applied to the skin for up to 2 weeks.
Is neem good for bones?
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Good for Bones
Neem is rich in calcium and thus good for bones. A massage of neem oil on the joints helps relive the arthritic pain and reduces inflammation
Can we apply neem directly on face?
Massage it over your face for about five minutes in circular motions, and then leave it on for 20 minutes. The antiseptic properties of neem will create a powerful pack that'll help prevent pimples, zits and acne scars.
Is neem anti aging?
Fight signs of ageing
Neem leaves are stuffed with antioxidants, moisturizing triglycerides and vitamin E, which makes it an ideal anti-ageing treatment. They lower wrinkles, fines lines and dark spots and make your skin look firm and toned.
How can I stop aging in Ayurveda?
The concept of anti-aging is described in Ayurveda as RASAYANA, which aims at maintaining excellent physical and mental health in mature age through a combination of nourishing diet, wholesome activities, and gentle herbs. The word Rasayana means clearing the channels for the natural flow of matter and energy.
Disclaimer:
The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional.
Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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