For many of us Asians, being ridiculed by Western textbooks and scientists us for our beliefs and traditions has now come to an end. With the latest researchers, they have found the importance of plants and herbs and have even resorted to patenting them. One of such important plants is NEEM.
Neem leaves have an important place in the worship of Goddess Durga in Hinduism. As per Ayurveda, it has healing property. Healing refers to the maternal affection of nourishment, hence the association.
Health Benefits of Neem plant
Neem is a herb which does wonders to skin and internal body system. Its Latin name is Azadirachta Indica. They have medicinal properties of anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-infertility. It is particularly prescribed for skin disease.
All parts of the tree (seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark) are used for preparing many different medical preparations.
Other benefits of the plant are:
1. Skin Benefits
Neem oil is useful for skin care such as acne, and keeping skin elasticity and is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms, and creams). It is also one of the ingredients for many anti aging products.
One can boil some leaves (20-25) in water and then mix that water into a bathing bucket and bath with that water, it’s good for all type of skin problems including pimples eczema, cold sores, and warts. It can be preserved by drying in the sun and can be made into powder. It soothes inflammation by soothing itching and irritation.
Neem leaves also help to remove intestinal parasites and restores healthy functioning of the intestine.
2. Neem as Antiviral
Neem leaves can extract, absorbs and eliminates viruses. It is very useful for treating warts, chicken pox, and smallpox. This is because neem absorbs the virus and protects from entering the unaffected areas. Neem extracts are toxic to herpes virus and thus accelerate healing. Tea prepared with leaves of neem, and the application of neem ointment on cold sores relieves herpes symptoms.
As a preventive measure, you can prepare a neem paste and apply on the affected area.
3. Neem for Heart
Neem leaves are known to be an effective blood cleanser for atherosclerosis and drinking Neem infused boiled water controls Diabetes. Neem leaves extract is effective in purifying the blood, removing toxins defending against infections. Neem leaves help to dilate blood vessels improving blood circulation and decrease elevated heart rates. It relaxes erratic heart beats and controls high blood pressure.
4. Neem as Anti-fungal
For fungus that causes lung and bronchi infection and mucous membranes, Neem leaves to reduce their symptoms. Neem is also effective against the fungus that infects hair, skin and nails that include ringworm that occurs in hands and feet. Consuming leaves also said to help in suppressing cancer cells.
5. Malaria
Neem is used to treat malaria fevers. Gedunin- a component of Neem is said to be very effective for treating malaria. Mosquitoes exposed to odours of crushed neem leaves causes suppression of egg laying capacity. Consuming neem leaves is an important treatment of malaria.
6. Cancer
Neem bark leaves contain Polysaccharides and limonoids which are said to be beneficial for alleviating cancer and tumour cells.
7. Arthritis
Certain properties of neem leaf seed or barks can reduce pain and swell in joints. A massage with neem oil is effective in relieving muscle aches and joint pain.
8. Anti-clotting properties
Due to anti-clotting agents that reside in neem leaf extract, they effective in treating poisons and insects bites. Neem leaves are also used in the treatment of ulcers and inflammation as they have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity.
9. Skin Toner
Neem leaves for skin can also be used as a toner. Just dip a cotton ball in boiled neem water and wipe your face with it overnight. This will clear acne, scars, pigmentation and blackheads. This potion can also be used as a hair rinse to treat dandruff and excessive hair fall.
Source: Quora