Neem / Nimtree (Azadirachta Indica)

English name: Neem (Nimba), Margos
Botanical name (Latin): Azadirachta Indica
Family: Meliaceae

Neem or Azadirachta Indica is an ancient tree that originated in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, etc., but today it is cultivated all over the world for its medicinal properties. Neem is an integral part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. It is a source of medicinal extracts and as evidenced by Indian history, farmers there have been diligently harvesting the fruits of these trees for their beneficial medicinal effects as early as the “Vedic Age” (approx. 1500-600 BC).

Neem has seen a huge expansion in the last half century to all corners of the world, where European and American scientists have begun to research and study the potential health benefits of Neem in detail. From the beginning of Hinduism to modern times, Neem has proven itself as a useful plant that helps us in our daily life with various diseases and inflammations, thanks mainly to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Neem has strong antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it one of the strongest natural antibiotics ever, without any side effects. New studies have shown that it supports immunity and increases the body’s defenses. It reduces fever, soothes cough and helps with colds, angina, flu and respiratory diseases. It can also boast antifungal, sedative, antitumor and antimicrobial effects.

Neem is a strong antioxidant that cleans the blood, skin, and organism and helps the body get rid of toxins that appear in our body after consuming alcohol, antibiotics, chemotherapy or overeating. By purifying the body, Neem reduces the incidence of skin diseases such as eczema and acne. Laboratory research has confirmed that Neem prevents the destruction of new cancer-forming cells and at the same time slows down their multiplication. It also helps with another civilization disease – diabetes. Studies have shown that it lowers blood sugar and regulates type II diabetes. type. However, it should be noted that Neem is not a miraculous cure for these diseases, but it can be used as a supportive agent in their treatment.

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects are proven mainly against the Escherichia coli bacterium, which causes urinary tract infections. Not only does it prevent this disease, but if there is an unpleasant burning when urinating, a decoction of the leaves will speed up the treatment and the burning will quickly subside. Neem is also effective against Staphylococcus aureus and various strains of streptococci. It also works in the gynecological area, especially in yeast diseases and mycoses. It relieves pain in rheumatic diseases, supports proper kidney function and relieves stomach problems.

Neem’s antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an invaluable “house doctor” in many homes around the world. Neem has a garlicky odor and a bitter taste, and different parts of the tree (seeds, leaves, tree bark, twigs, root) are used for various purposes, but in this article we will focus mainly on the powder form, which, compared to neem oil (neem oil, nimba oil) has the advantage of being odorless.

As for the powdered form of Neem, it has more medicinal values. It can be used internally in the form of tea, in the kitchen as a food additive, or externally. Mostly, Neem was used as a contraceptive (birth control), but today it is mainly used in the cosmetic industry, soaps, body lotions and the like. Internal use of neem powder has been shown to be very beneficial in treating indigestion, effectively purifying the blood and boosting overall immunity.

Neem has gained enormous value in the commercial market also because its curative and healing effects are matched by few other plants.

The positive and very effective effects of Neem are increasingly used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Cosmetic industry:

• in bath oils
• in soaps
• in body and skin lotions
• in insect repellents, etc.

Pharmaceutical industry:

• eye problems
• nose bleeding
• treating intestinal worms and parasites
• stomach problems
• anorexia
• cardiovascular disease
• hay fever
• diabetes
• oral problems
• liver problems etc.

In the agricultural industry, it is mainly used in the fight against pests, usually used this way:

Neem powder is left to soak in water overnight and the next day this incredibly effective and natural pesticide is sprayed on the crops, ensuring that insects stay well away from your crops. If using spray bottle, you should filter the infusion in order not to clog up the spray bottle.

As we mentioned above, Neem has several benefits for our health. Next we take a closer look at the 10 most typical medicinal uses of Neem.

1. Dandruff
2. Lichen and cold sores
3. Baby lice
4. Acne and pimples
5. Sinusitis
6. Foot mycosis
7. Psoriasis
8. Eczema
9. Hair Loss

1. Dandruff

Dandruff is basically harmless, but it can ruin the look and feel of beautiful, healthy hair and its overall charm. They occur as a result of the death of old cells on the scalp, or the peeling of old and dry scalp. Neem powder can help you get rid of dandruff easily and effectively in just a few days. Add an appropriate amount of neem powder to the water, mix thoroughly and massage it into the hair roots. Leave on for approximately 30 minutes and rinse with clean water. Applying regularly, you can get rid of dandruff and your hair will look healthy and fresh.

2. Lichen and cold sores

Skin diseases are not at all unusual and occur throughout the year. However, this disease makes life uncomfortable for us, especially in the summer, when we try to hide it from the world under pieces of clothing despite the hot summer days and prefer not to even think about swimwear. It is a fungal infection of the skin that manifests as ring-shaped, red, scaly patches. In many cases, these spots are accompanied by unpleasant itchy and irritating conditions. Neem powder has proven to be effective in fighting these skin conditions, which are fungal infections. We know that Neem has strong antifungal properties. To treat ringworm and cold sores, add an adequate amount of neem powder to water and mix well to form a fine paste. If your skin is too dry, you can add a few drops of poppy seed oil or moringa oil. Apply the paste to the affected areas and rinse with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes. Repeat this procedure daily until you see visible results.

3. Lice (Children’s louse)

Lice are parasitic insects that live and reproduce in the hair by laying eggs and are contagious. They feed on a small amount of blood, which adversely affects our health. Neem possesses properties that prevent their multiplication and growth and also prevents all their eggs from hatching. If you have problems with this annoying parasite, make a paste of neem powder and lukewarm water. Apply the paste to dry or damp hair and rinse with lukewarm water after complete drying. Repeat this simple and very effective method every other day until you get rid of lice completely.

4. Acne And Rashes

Have you ever tried neem powder for acne? If not, you definitely should. People with excessively oily skin and skin are mostly affected by this issue. Antiseptic, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of Neem help to treat acne very effectively. Neem leaf powder is the main ingredient in most commonly used commercial face creams for problem skin, oily skin and acne. Simply add neem powder to vegan yogurt or mix neem with Moroccan clay in a ratio of one part Neem to two parts Moroccan clay and make a paste with lukewarm water. Apply it on your face and after it dries completely, rinse your face with lukewarm water. You will achieve the best results with regular use of the mask 2-3 times a week.

5. Neem powder in toothpaste

Neem, as we have already mentioned, has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. These properties make it an incredibly effective fighter against gum disease and periodontal disease. Eliminates bad breath, keeps the oral cavity healthy without microorganisms, kills bacteria in the oral cavity, acts as a prevention and reduces plaque, etc. Simply, add a little neem powder to your favorite toothpaste or squeeze out a small portion of the toothpaste, mix with a small amount of neem powder , you can also add a small amount of diatomaceous earth and brush your teeth as usual. Repeat at least 2 times a day, morning and evening.

6. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the secondary cavities of the airways, and the jaw cavity is most often affected. Up to 85% of inflammations of the jaw cavity are of rhinogenic origin caused by an acute cold or flu. The remaining 15% of secondary sinus infections are of dental origin. To treat sinusitis, you can use infusion from neem powder, following this recipe: Mix one teaspoon of neem powder in a cup of hot water and take 2-3 drops twice a day. This will help you reduce the inflammation until it is completely removed.

7. Foot mycosis

Mycosis of the feet is a superficial fungal infection that is very difficult to get rid of if you do not start treating it as soon as it appears. It can accompany you for a long time, and even if you eventually manage to treat it, it can recur. These fungi thrive mainly in warm and humid environments and are accompanied by unpleasant burning, itching and cutting. It is very easy to get this foot disease, for example, on hot summer days at the swimming pool, which is why prevention is just as important as the treatment itself. Mycosis is an infectious disease and can spread to other parts of the body. Use neem powder paste for prevention or treatment itself. It has traditionally been used to relieve irritated skin and as a non-toxic, antibacterial and anti-fungal foot rub.

8. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a very common chronic skin disease accompanied by unpleasant itching (up to 95% of patients) and although we still cannot determine exactly what causes this disease and what is the trigger, the most likely cause is immune system problems, but we can say with certainty that neem powder can treat this disease effectively. In this case, you can use neem powder both internally and apply it externally.

– If you choose to use internally, mix one teaspoon of neem powder and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink the drink prepared in this way twice a day.

– Alternatively, you can apply a cream made of neem powder and lukewarm water directly to the affected areas daily.

9. Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition. It is an inflammation of the epidermal layer of the skin. Symptoms of eczema include red, dry patches of skin that itch uncomfortably. They appear more often in children and infants than in adults. To treat eczema, you will need a cream made from water, neem powder and a little turmeric powder. Apply the cream daily directly to the affected areas. Neem powder has already been proven to be effective and in the treatment of eczema in the past.

10. Hair loss

Hair loss is becoming an increasingly common problem among both women and men. Neem powder can greatly help and prevent excessive hair loss. For this purpose make a cream of neem powder and water and you can add Aloe Vera. Apply the paste directly to the hair roots twice a week and leave for approximately 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

The above mentioned benefits of neem powder and its uses speak of its amazing medicinal and healing effects. Neem powder plays a big role in many households anywhere in the world as a cheap and affordable home remedy for many health problems that we have to face in our daily life. And for that reason, it is very important to us that it becomes part of your kitchen and medicine cabinet.

11. Neem tea

A classic recipe in the form of an infusion: pour a teaspoon of powdered herb with hot (not boiling) water in a tea mug, wait from 5 to 20 minutes, strain and drink. We can reduce the bitter taste of tea by adding, for example: cinnamon, orange peel, fennel, robois, licorice.

Warning

Do not use neem if you are planning to become pregnant, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are taking lithium, or if you have a diagnosed autoimmune disease. In these cases, consult with your medical practitioner. Not suitable for children under 6.

Buy Neem at Pachamama Herbs