The scientific name of Neem is Azadirachta indica . Azadirachta indica is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to sub-continent (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions.
All parts of the tree are said to have medicinal properties (seeds, leaves, flowers and bark) and are used for preparing many different medical preparations. Neem is Integral part of Ayurveda for the benefits associated with it. Neem has anti- bacterial; anti- parasitic, anti- fungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that not only benefit your health.
Health Benefits of Neem:
Anti-fungal: Neem has proved effective against certain fungi that infect the human body.
Antibacterials: Test proved that Neem oil has suppressed several species of pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus & Salmonella spp.
Antiviral agents : In India, there is much interesting, but anecdotal information attributing antiviral activity of Neem. Its efficacy particularly against pox viruses is strongly believed, even among those of advanced medical training. Small pox, chicken pox have traditionally been treated with a paste of neem leaves usually rubbed directly on to the infected skin.
Dermatological Insects : In India, villagers apply neem oil to the hair to kill head lice, reportedly with great success. Neem seed oil and leaf extracts may be the wonder cure for psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.
Dental Treatments : In India, millions of people use twigs as “tooth brushes” every day. Dentists have endorsed this ancient practice, finding it effective in preventing periodontal disease.
Malaria : Practitioners of the Indian Ayurvedic Medicine system have been preparing neem in oral doses for malarial patients for centuries. Neem’s antimalarial activity was reported in Ayurveda books as far back as 2000 BC (by Charaka) & 1500 BC (by Sushruta).
Neem may also be a ready source of low cost analgesic (pain relieving), or antipyretic (fever reducing) compounds. In trials, positive results have been obtained for significant analgesic, antipyretic & anti-inflammatory effects.
Neem is perceived in India as a beauty aid. Powdered leaves are a major component of at least one widely used facial cream. Purified neem oil is also used in nail polish & other cosmetics.
Neem fruits: are recommended for urinary diseases, piles, intestinal worms, leprosy etc. The dry fruits are bruised in water & employed to treat cutaneous diseases.
Neem has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help in soothing the skin in case you are suffering from some skin allergy or infection. Boil the neem leaves & apply the water on the allergy after refrigerating it so that it cools down.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that is not only painful but also leaves your skin looking as its burnt. The most common problem associated with this disease is dryness and scaling. Neem oil helps in getting rid of itchiness and irritation. It also helps in keeping the skin moisturized thus reducing the dryness and scaling. The anti- bacterial properties also prevents development of any further skin infections.