Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is a multipurpose tree is very well-liked in India, where it is used for its many ethnomedicinal characteristics and serves as both food and insecticide. It is possible to feed livestock neem leaves and the oil cake that is left over after oil extraction, however the raw cake is poisonous and needs to be processed.
The entire plant is used for therapeutic purposes in Ayurveda. Bark and leaves are the greatest remedies for a variety of skin conditions and are utilized as blood purifiers. The plant’s fruits have good carminative, purgative, and emollient properties. Flowers are used to cure gastrointestinal issues and are a very good tonic.
Description
This plant has been provided with a variety of chemical compounds by nature, which is employed as pesticides and insecticides. This plant’s wood is extremely tough and resistant to fungi, germs, parasites, and termites. Commercial applications for this wood include furniture, ceiling blocks, yokes, doors, carts, packing boxes, ships, and boats.
Botanical Name:
Azadirachta indica
Family:
Meliaceae
Leaves:
Neem leaves are pinnate, meaning that along their length, their leaflets are arranged in opposing pairs on a central stalk. Every neem leaf has seven to eleven leaflets.
Flowers:
Neem trees bear clusters of tiny white blossoms. All year long, these beautiful blooms blossom
Fruit:
The little green fruits of the neem tree eventually turn yellow-brown as they ripen. These are drupes, which are plump fruits with a solitary seed in the middle.
Bark:
Neem tree bark is coarse and has a grayish-brown hue. The bark of the tree becomes cracked and splits as it ages.
Seeds:
Neem oil, a priceless product with numerous applications, is extracted from the seed of the neem fruit. There is a hard shell covering the seed kernel.
Habitat:
Azadirachta indica is thought to be native to Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Indian subcontinent. It has spread widely over tropical and subtropical regions, from South America to Indonesia.
Parts Used:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Roots
- Bark
Dosage:
- Juice – 10-20ml
- Powder – 3-6gms
- Decoction – 50-100ml
Chemical Constituents
sesquiterpenoids, ester terpenoids, steroids,tetranortriterpenoids, and triterpenoids
Other Language Names of Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Tamil name – Veppai, Sengumaru
Nepalese name – Neem
Myanmar name – Tamar
Punjabi name – Nihmm
Sindhi name – Nimm
Thai name – Sadao
Sanskrit name – Arishta, Pakvakrita, Nimbaka
Assamese name – Neem
Hindi name – Neem
Kannada name – Bevu
Malayalam name – Aryaveppu
Telugu name – Vepa
Marathi name – Kandunimba
Urdu name – Neem
Portuguese name – Nimbo, Margosa
Persian name – Nib, Neemb
Manipuri name – Neem
Gujarati name – Dhanujhada, Limbda
Sinhala name – Kohomba
French name – Azadriac le l’llnde, Margousier, Margosier
German name – Indischer zedrach
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Rutales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Bitter, Astringent
- Guna -Laghu, Rooksha
- Virya -Sheet
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Tikta, Kashaya
- Physical Property-Light, Dry
- Potency- Cold
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Neem (Azadirachta indica) Uses
Neem Powder:
To make a fine powder that can be taken with water or aloe vera juice to help with diabetes symptoms, neem ( Azadirachta indica) leaves are dried and powdered. One gram of neem powder should be taken two to three times a day. But it’s imperative that you avoid using the plant for too long.
Neem Juice:
Serves as a cleansing agent, supporting the health of the liver and assisting in the cleaning of blood
Neem Oil:
Neem’s qualities are extracted into the topical oil by the cold pressing method, which is then applied to dry, irritated, or itchy skin as moisturizing body oil. In order to obtain soft, smooth skin, neem oil can also be added to bathwater or used in aromatherapy massages. It can be used as hair oil overnight to condition and manage frizz. In order to nourish the scalp and treat dandruff, it can also be used in head massages.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) Benefits
Promotes Oral Health:
For many years, this neem feature has been utilized to improve oral hygiene. In addition to being an indicator of poor oral health, bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing in public. The powder’s or oil’s profusion of antibacterial qualities aids in removing bacteria and foul breath from the oral canals, preventing bleeding, swelling, and other oral health issues.
Skin Health:
Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, neem is often utilized in skincare products. It treats skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema and helps reduce acne, scars, and pigmentation. Neem can help promote healthier, cleaner skin when used regularly.
Treating acne:
One popular antibiotic used to treat acne is neem. Its numerous anti-inflammatory qualities contribute to the reduction of acne.
Whitens Your Teeth:
Your teeth can be made whiter by using mouthwash or toothpaste containing neem.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
Diabetes has traditionally been treated using neem leaves. Their bioactive ingredients can lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and guard against consequences from diabetes. Neem is therefore very beneficial for those who are managing their diabetes.
Also Read: Neem Oil: Benefits For Skin and Hair and How to Use
Neem (Azadirachta indica) Side Effects
May Cause Infertility:
Elevated neem dosages have been associated with decreased fertility and possible pregnancy hazards.
Nausea and Vomiting:
When using neem products, some people may have gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting.
Conclusion
Despite its reputation for being bitter, neem has a wealth of health advantages. Because of the beneficial effects of the essential bio-active substances and their wide range of therapeutic applications, it is frequently used to cure ulcers and wounds, improve digestion, control diabetes, avoid dental health issues, improve the characteristics of the skin, lessen hair difficulties, and many other conditions.
FAQS
For what purpose is Azadirachta indica used?
The entire plant, Azadirachta indica, has therapeutic qualities. It is a tropical and subtropical plant. Fever, headaches, ulcers, respiratory issues, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, malaria, dengue fever, chickenpox, and skin concerns have all been treated with it.
What adverse consequences does neem have?
In children, neem seed and seed oil ingestion is probably not advised. Neem oil can cause serious negative effects in newborns and young children within hours of consumption. Vomiting, diarrhea, sleepiness, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death are some of these severe side effects.
Does neem benefit hair?
Neem fortifies and aggressively cleans hair follicles. There are numerous advantages of neem for hair. You get stronger and healthier roots from increased blood circulation in your scalp, which also results in shinier, stronger, and healthier hair.
Does neem benefit skin health?
Fatty acids, antioxidants, and antibacterial substances found in neem oil have a variety of positive effects on skin health. Studies indicate that these substances might aid in the prevention of skin infections, the healing of wounds, and the reduction of skin aging symptoms.