WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT USES OF NEEM ?

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT USES OF NEEM?

Neem is a prevalent medicinal plant and a part of Ayurveda and traditional medicine since so many years ago. In Sanskrit, neem is an arista, which means something perfect, imperishable, and complete.

Along with it’s leaves, Neem tree contains so many useful chemical constituents in its seeds, roots, barks. It is a very powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial and also acts as an immuno-stimulant.

Neem has a well known anti-aging agent. Due to its antioxidant property, neem improves and maintains the elasticity of the skin and reduces the wrinkles and makes you look younger and glowing.

Neem also has an anti-fungal activity, which helps to treat the fungal infection on the skin.

It is also used in various cosmetic products like cream, face wash, soap, hand wash, hair oil, toothpaste, etc.

Neem

Biological Source:

The main useful constituents of neem can be obtained from all aerial parts of the plant known as Azadirachta indica  (Neem plant) belonging to the family Meliaceae.

Use of neem plant:

Leaves :

Leaves (bitter) of the neem tree have antibacterial property, contain some chemical constituents like azadirachtin, which has insect repellant property, and meliantrol, which has antifeedant properties.

• In wound healing- A paste of neem leaves applied to wounds will help in the fast healing of wounds.
• In skin disease – To treat skin disease like itching, eczema, ringworms, paste of neem leaves along with turmeric is very helpful.
• Crushed neem leaves also help to boost immunity.
• In dandruff - extract of neem leaves removes dandruff.

Image showing leaves of neem plant

Neem seed oil:

The oil extracted from the neem seed is riched in medicinal constituent like Nimbin ( anti-viral action) , Nimbidin (anti-viral action), and azadirachtin.

Neem seed oil is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products like soap, face wash, hand wash, hair oil, creams, etc.

Some drops of neem seed oil mixed with water helps to removes black-heads from the face.

Rub neem seed oil and leave for a while, then wash; it will prevent hair fall and treat dandruff.

 

Image showing neem seed oil.

Neem flower:

The flowers (contains kaempferol ) have a sweet, almost mystical jasmine-like scent at night and blossom once in the afternoon and then again in the evening.

Neem flowers can be used to treat anorexia, nausea, belching and intestinal worms.

Neem flower is considered an antiseptic that can cleanse your system. It is also known to cure skin impurities when applied to the skin.

Image showing neem flower

Twigs and bark:

We have seen that in earlier times many people used neem twigs as their natural toothbrush. Due to the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties neem keeps away all types of dental infections and diseases. It fights germs, maintains the alkaline levels in saliva, keeps bacteria at bay, treats swollen gums, and also gives whiter teeth.

Twigs and barks

Fruits :

Neem fruits contain diacetyl azadirachtinol which paralyzes insects' swallowing mechanism.

The fruit is used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody nose, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy.

Fruits of neem

Summary :

Neem is a very useful medicinal plant easily available in India and also some other countries. It shows anti-viral ,anti-bacterial , anti-fungal, immuno-stimulant , insect repellant, anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties. Various cosmetic products congaing neem extract is also available in the market.