Parts of the Neem tree and their uses :-
Neem Oil
Neem oil, derived from crushing the seeds, is antidermatonic, a powerful
vermifuge and is bitter in taste. Neem oil has a wide spectrum of action and is
highly medicinal in nature. As an oil used in aromatherapy, it has been
effective in the treatment of head lice in children, especially where tea
tree has failed to clear up the condition. Neem oil was particularly noticeable
on an outbreak of head lice, two years ago, at a school local to my
practice, where I treated several children. Those with blonde to reddish
hair had their head lice condition cleared up much quicker with Neem oil
applied at a 3% dilution to a shampoo base, than with
tea tree.
Neem Bark
The Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful
in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestations. Neem Bark heals
wounds and is also used in vomiting, skin diseases and excessive thirst.
Twigs have been used as a 'toothbrush' and for dental care, since antiquity.
Neem toothpaste has been on sale in the US and Germany for some time, and is
now available here.
Neem Leaves
According to Ayurveda,
Neem Leaves help in the treatment of Vatik disorders (neuromuscular pains). Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body by
neutralising them.
A paste made with neem leaves is used in India for the cure of chicken pox,
smallpox and warts. A poultice is effective for boils, ulcers and eczema.
Neem Fruits
Neem fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhodial and anthelmintic
(vermifuge) in nature.
Neem Flowers
The neem flowers are used in vitiated conditions of pitta (balancing of the body
heat) and kapha (cough formation). They are astringent, anthelmintic and non
toxic.
Neem Seeds
Neem seeds are also described as anthelmintic, antileprotic (cures or
prevents leprosy) and antipoisonous. Neem seeds, along with leaves and dry Neem
cake, are an active ingredient in mosquito coils.
