All parts of neem tree confer innumerable benefits. Bark, leaves, seed, kernel, flower, fruit, seed oil extracts and wood make the neem tree as a whole, a promising resource for medicinal and agricultural purposes. All parts of neem possess medicinal properties thus making this tree a cure for almost all illnesses. The entire tree is widely used for health care in ayurvedic medicines.
Neem plays the most important part in the ayurvedic system of Indian medicine. In Indian villages it is commonly referred to as “village pharmacy”. It has obtained this reputation as almost every common illness occurring in the village has its cure in some or the other part of the neem tree. Every part of the tree from the bark to flowers has a distinct medicinal use. Let us have an overview of the uses of each of the parts of neem tree.
The Importance of Bark and Wood
Neem bark has been used for centuries for curing various medical illnesses .Millions of people use neem twigs as tooth brushes because of its antiseptic properties. It is anti inflammatory in nature and is thus a cure for asthma too. Bark is a bitter, cool, astringent and a refrigerant herb.
Bark is itself a cure of many skin diseases and helps in healing wounds. Neem tree wood is also termite resistant and is used for making charcoal. Fever, vomiting, malaria and many other ailments are cured by the neem twigs and bark.
Even the life threatening ailments such as hemorrhoids and tumors can be treated effectively with neem bark. Bark powder of this tree is a pure immunity booster. It is also a perfect insecticide and can be sprayed on all agricultural crops without causing any side effects to those consuming the crop. You can even dust the powder on your bodies when you go outdoor keeping all the insects at bay. Insect invasion in our homes can be controlled by spraying this neem bark powder at the doorsteps.
It can also kill the bacteria on your body keeping your body free from skin diseases. This has great benefits for people that do not like to expose themselves to harsh chemicals or drugs and are looking for a more holistic approach to healing their bodies.
How Leaves May Help Us
The leaves of the neem plant have so many benefits that it is extremely difficult to decide where to start from. Neem leaves have so many compounds like nimbin , nimbinen , gedunin , nimbidol , nimbolide , nimandial , ninbinene that make them powerful anti fungal, antibacterial and anti inflammatory agents. Just like the bark, neem leaves are also the sole of this plant.
Neem leaves purify your blood and make you stay away from various digestive disorders and respiratory problems. They stimulate your immune system and detoxify your blood, thus preventing many diseases. Anti viral activity of the leaves keep you away from viral diseases for it inhibits the growth of virus in your body. They also soothe the itchiness caused by dreadful skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.
Neem leaves help you control diabetes, blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Consuming neem leaves will surely alleviate the growth of unhealthy cancer and tumor cells. They are also a sure shot treatment to ulcers and inflammation. Skin moisturizing, curing acne and skin toning are also some of the uses of neem leaves. Anti bacterial activity of the leaves treats your dry scalp, dandruff and hair fall issues. We have had a very healthy introduction to the variety of uses the neem leaves could be put to. We will be going into the details of these applications in the sections to follow.
What Good are Flowers of the Neem Tree
Neem flower oil is used in aromatherapy and various cosmetic products for it provides a calming and restorative effect on your body. Dried neem flowers, aged for months when ingested will improve eyesight and cure digestive disorders including phlegm, intestinal worms and excessive bile. Neem flowers are also popularly used in Indian cooking.
The flowers are dried and roasted and then used in sauces and rice dishes. Neem honey is also extracted from neem flowers. They are also used to treat stomachaches and parasitical infections. Flowers are used for balancing the body heat and cough formation.
Consuming The Neem Fruits
Neem gives an edible fruit which looks like an apricot. It is harvested at the monsoon and later dried up in the sun. Neem fruit also resembles an olive. It is purple or yellow in color. The fruit itself is used to cure tooth ache, urinary problems, coughs, eye diseases and much more.
The most important point that needs to be mentioned is that neem fruit contains a natural pesticide that is not harmful for spiders, bats, birds and humans. It is also used for hemorrhoids, diabetes, wounds and leprosy. Neem fruit is also a perfect fertilizer for organic culture. They are also used in various cosmetic industries for making soaps, herbal shampoos, creams and ointments.
Significance of Neem Seeds
Fruits and the seed are the main source of extracting neem oil. Tea made from mature seeds is still a popular treatment for bladder, kidney and prostate ailments. Seeds of neem are used to cure intestinal worms. They are also used for birth control and leprosy.
It has the ability to make the male sperm infertile. Oil from the seeds is also used as a lubricant in vagina for preventing pregnancy. So it is important for all the people who are planning to have a child to stay away from neem. The seeds can also be crushed and rubbed on skin afflictions, including scabies, giving you a clearer skin.
Neem seed oil is an active ingredient for most of the skin care products. Neem seeds are ground into powder and soaked in water overnight. Solution so formed is a perfect pesticide and insecticide and can be sprayed on the crops. It will also suppress the hatching of pest insects from their eggs.
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