Neem

Species Name: Azadirachta indica.

Also known as: Maragosa, Nimtree, Nimba, Vepu, Vempu, Veppam, and Indian-lilac.

Native to India, and being cultivated in dry climates the world over, it appears that the neem tree is a miraculous thing.

Its uses range from medicinal effects on a myriad range of illness to controlling pests to such a degree that it is said the possibility exists it could render chemical pesticides obsolete.

What is Neem: Easily grown in poor, dry soil, the neem is the ideal tree for replenishing the world’s forests.   So tenacious that the tree can be cut down for firewood or fencing, and the roots will continue to hold soil in place and send up new shoots for re-growth.

Both leaves and oil pressed from the seeds can be used on crops with minimum impact on people, wildlife, and beneficial insects.

Home remedies using Neem:

Benefits of Neem:

Considering the wide variety of disorders where researchers have detailed positive results using the neem tree, combined with the fact that it has few side effects, the results of ongoing research surpasses the expectations of the people who called the neem a wonder tree years ago.

The leaves and the seeds can be utilized not only to control insects and other pests, it is used widely as a medicine to treat a variety of illnesses.

Uses of Neem:

Neem has demonstrated exciting medicinal potential treating disorders such as AIDS, cancer, ulcers, arthritis and diabetes. These diseases are vastly different, but the compounds in the neem tree are so varied that they have multiple uses.

In many cases, neem’s immune-boosting properties clearly play a critical role. Selective toxicity to insects, cancer cells, parasites (particularly malaria), fungus, and bacteria have obvious import in the medical world.

Antibacterial compounds in neem are significant specifically in gum disease and cavities, prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and work as a vaginal contraceptive.

Antifungal compounds in neem help control athlete's foot, ringworm and candida, the organism that causes yeast infections and thrush, as well as fungus that may affect plants.

Anti-Inflammatory and Nimbidin, a component of neem, has been shown to posses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis activity.

Researchers associate disorders including cardiovascular disease, eye health, cataracts, macular degeneration, age-related decline of the brain and nervous system. and even cancer, with high levels of free radicals.

Antioxidants, found in vitamins A, C and E, provide the free radicals with electrons that minimize damage. More than a dozen studies conducted in India, Thailand and Malaysia indicate prove that neem protects against chemically induced carcinogens and liver damage by boosting antioxidant levels, particularly the antioxidant glutathione.

Neem can be purchased as a powder, capsule, oil, extract, or tincture.

Side Effects of Neem:

Neem has been shown to have the potential for lowering sperm count in men.

Toxic encephalopathy have been shown in infants and small children.