The Neem tree belongs to family Meliaceae.
Botanical name : Azadiracta indica.
Names of the tree in different regions:
English : Indian lilac or Margosa.
Hindi : Neem.
Saskrit : Nimba.
Telugu : Vepa.
Tamil : Vepamaram.
Marathi : Limba.
Bengali : Nimgachh.
Kannada : Hebbavu.
Neem is Valuable tree that has got several medicinal properties. Each and every part of the tree is use useful.
It has been used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines for centuries.
Neem is native tree of South Asia and had spread to all tropical areas of the world.
Hindus worship the tree and use traditionally in many aspects during the festivals. The tree grows to a height of 30 meters and the trunk grows to about 2.5 meters. It has thick foliage.
Neem is used as a pesticide, fertilizer, and in traditional medicine of Ayurveda. Besides it provides a thick shade and it is believed that taking rest under the tree improves health by supplying good amount of pure oxygen.
Medicinal uses of Neem:
- Because of its anti oxidant properties, it improves the immunity in HIV patients and helps in controlling the disease.
- Neem is used to prevent malaria.
- Neem has antiseptic and antifungal properties.
- Neem leaves repels mosquitoes and other insects and hence it is used as an insect repellant.
- Neem protects the gums and teeth because of its antiseptic properties.
- Tender stems are used to clean the teeth and the tongue and is used as a dentifrice.
- Regular brushing cures pyorrhea and prevents bad breath of the mouth.
- Neem protects the skin from skin diseases. Extracts, oils, decoctions are used.
- Neem oil is used for killing the head lice even in dogs also.
- Neem oil is used in the treatment of wounds to repel flies as an external application.
- Neem is used to expel the worms and acts as an anthelimintic.
- Neem is antiviral and prevents the spread of viral diseases like Chicken pox and Small pox.
- Neem is also used in birth control. Neem oil is to be applied externally in the vagina that acts as a spermicidal agent and prevents pregnancy. Regular usage of Neem tea is said to prevent Pregnancy.
Traditional uses of Neem tree:
Neem twigs are tied in bunches in front of the house to prevent the spreading of the diseases like chicken pox, Small pox and other viral diseases. It also gives an indication that somebody is infected with a contagious disease and the twigs are tied for preventing the spread of the disease.
A bed is laid with Neem leaves to the patients affected with Smalll pox and Chicken pox.
Bunches of twigs are used as hand fans to the patients suffering with Smallpox or Chicken pox.
Hindus worship the village deities with Neem leaves.
Telugu people prepare a special chutney with flowers of Neem on Telugu New Years day (Ugadi) along with other new materials Jaggery, tamarind and other fruits. First they offer this to God and eat later by all the family members and celebrate the festival.
The wood obtained from the Neem tree is used in the making of windows and front doors and is believed to be auspicious.
Neeem leaves are mixed in the food grains to prevent insects spoiling it as a insect repellent.
Commonly used Neem preparations:
Neem soaps and Shampoos.
Neem oils.
Neem powder.
Tooth pastes.
Neem Tea.
