Home Remedies with Neem
Neem Tree belongs to the mahogany family. It is a free growing, low maintenance tree that is drought resistant. It can be found in tropical and sub-tropical regions that have sub-arid to sub-humid conditions. It is widely prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. It has been widely used in the Indian medical system, called Ayurveda. The use of Neem in India for its medicinal value has been documented 5000 years ago. Several parts of the Neem tree like leaves, bark, flower, fruit and seed have uses.
Neem - Benefits
The major constituents are called triterpenes, limonoids, nonterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids, pentattriterpenoids and Azadirachtin.
Info: Triterpenes, limonoids, nonterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids, pentattriterpenoids all provide anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, and anti viral property to Neem.
Info: Azadirachtin is a chemical compound that works by interfering with the insects ability to molt or grow. If a
growing insect cannot molt, it will not reach sexual maturity and will
therefore be unable to mate and reproduce. This means that within one
to three life cycles, all the insects will die of old age and there
will be no more eggs left to hatch.. Azadirachtin is also bio-degradable. Research has found out this compound can kill close to 200 insect varieties.
Benefit: Neem can be used as an effective insecticide/pesticide. Since it is bio-degradable there will be no harmful effects of chemicals to the soil or the crops grown on them. Neem will also not contaminate the ground water or sources near by. Azadirachtin does not affect bigger animals like life stock or human beings. Amazingly, it has lesser or no effects on non-targeted beneficial insects such as honey bees, spiders and so on. Neem Oil extracted from the seed of Neem fruit can be sprayed on the plants as an insecticide/pesticide.
Fact: A study National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, India in 1996 indicated that Neem tree is one of the most suitable species for checking urban pollution in industrial locations. Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BC, commanded that Neem be planted along the road highway and roads along with other trees. Neem has relatively high efficiency of CO2 fixation. It can fix more than 14 umole of CO2 per m2 Sec. With a thick foliage canopy and a very high leaf surface area, it provides a good option for maximum CO2 fixation and providing a shield against other pollution components particularly SO2.
Benefit: In cities that are highly urbanized and polluted planting Neem all over the city will help reduce green house gases. It will act as a natural air purifier. Planting a Neem tree in your garden will enhance the quality and quantity of oxygen you get.
Fact: Neem acts as anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, and an anti viral.
Benefit: In South India people with chicken pox are usually laid in bed covered with Neem and also some one in the household fans the body of the patient with Neem leaves for several hours a day. This was done to avoid the virus from spreading to the rest of the family and also to reduce or kill the virus in the patient’s body.
Another home remedy in South India for animal bite was to drink Neem oil and apply it on the victims wound to prevent them from getting rabies.
Benefit: Topical application of Neem Oil will reduce acne, eczema and even ringworms.
Benefit: Soaps made with Neem are also considered very good for your skin and the anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, and an anti viral properties guarantees a clean body.
Benefit: Consuming (chewing) a few leaves once a week will help in fighting with intestinal worms acting as a de-worming agent.
Benefit: Neem is a very good detoxifying agent. It helps detox the blood and liver.
Benefit: In rural India nighttime brings the mosquito nuisance. Burning of neem bark and leaves will keep them away.
Benefit: It also has known to reduces sugar levels in blood helping diabetics.
For Dandruff, Lice: (Also for healthy shiny hair)
Ingredients:
Coconut Oil or Olive Oil or Sesame Oil – ½ cup (This is for 5 applications)
Neem leaves or Neem Oil or Neem Powder
Step 1: Heat Coconut Oil or Olive Oil or Sesame on low heat
Step 2: Add Neem leaves or Neem Oil or Neem Powder
Step 3: Heat oil until the leaves turn soft and color of oil change to greenish brown.
Step 4: Allow to cool and store in bottle (can leave neem leaves in it).
Apply Neem Oil to your hair and massage into scalp. Leave for a few hours and wash with shampoo. Repeat once every week for 4-5 weeks. Lice will be dead and dandruff gone (or reduced). Your hair will look shiny and healthy.
For Digestive Health:
Eat couple of neem leaves or add neem powder to your tea. Improves digestive health and does a natural detox of colon and digestive system.
DISCLAIMER: The author is not a medical practitioner.These are only general guidelines. It is always better to see a doctor depending upon the intensity of the case.