Neem: Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica

Neem: Azadirachta indica,
Commonly known as neem, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem trees also grow in islands located in the southern part of Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.

History of Neem Tree 

On the Indian sub-continent, the neem tree has been used for more than 4,500 years. The earliest documentation of neem mentions the fruit, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark for their advantageous medicinal properties. In the first millennium BC the neem tree was called the "Sarva Roga Nivarini" (= one that could cure all ailments and ills). The indian physicians CHARAKA (2nd century AD) and SUSRUTA (4th century AD), whose books provided the foundation of the Indian system of natural treatment.Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 m (about 50–65 feet), rarely to 35–40 m (115–131 feet). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach the diameter of 15–20 m in old, free-standing specimens.

Neem is a large evergreen tree, in mahogany family. It is a compound which is being used for a long history. Naturally it is grown in Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, and is used as a medicine. The Neem tree produces a smooth yellow-green fruit and has small white flowers. Each part of Neem tree has some medicinal property. Over 135 pharmacologically active substances have been identified in this plant, and it has many traditional applications. Various parts of the Neem tree have been used as traditional medicine in India and Sindh (province of Pakistan). Use of Neem tree, its oil, bark, leaf, flower and fruit has many benefits, as treatment of fever, gastrointestinal (stomach & intestine) disease, dermatological (skin) disorders, respiratory disease, parasites, immune dysfunction, inflammatory conditions, infections by some bacteria, fungi and virus. By the components of Neem tree treatment of some viral diseases is also achieved. Some reported diseases are colds, fly and conditions caused herpes, such as chickenpox and shingles. Its anti-inflammatory anti-pain relieving activity makes it potentially useful against psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermatitis, and some fungi related conditions.
       It is proved effective in curing ringworm, eczema and scabies. Lotion made from Neem leaf can topically cure these diseases in 3 to 4 days, but it can take 2 weeks in chronic case. Nearly 814 people having scabies were cured by a paste prepared with Neem and turmeric. Teas are used against internal parasites, including intestinal worms. In case of malaria extract of Neem tree's leaf can be applied orally, this method has been used for a long time in Sindh and India. Their juicy stems were widely used as tooth brush in Sindh and India and are also now being used. Extracts of Neem bark is also used in toothpastes and mouthwashes against inflammation of the gums. Reports are available regarding the use of Neem to treat patients suffering from various forms of cancer. One patient with parotid tumor and another with epidermoid carcinoma have responded successfully.

Neem Remedy

Neem has been considered a magical tree providing cure for a number diseases. Though earlier raw neem parts and their extracts were used as a home remedy for a number of diseases, with its growing popularity all over the globe, it is increasingly being studied, researched and used by leading pharmaceutical companies as a important component for curing various diseases. Medical practitioners and leading research promoting neem as an effective natural product to cure diseases but without any side effects.