Neem

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Misty L. Trepke

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Neem

 

Common name: Neem, Margosa, Persian lilac

Latin: Azadiracta indica

Sanskrit: Nimba, Arishta

 

The neem tree, native to India, is revered as its own botanical

pharmacy providing leaves, seed oil, and bark with a wide range of

healing benefits. This beautiful evergreen tree is highly resistant

to insects and infections, alerting ancient healers to its disease

resistant properties. Traditionally, neem was taken internally as a

blood purifier and detoxifying agent in patients with chronic fevers

and infections. Ayurvedic medicine considers neem to be especially

effective as a medicated oil for the treatment of skin infections,

inflammatory skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle aches. In rural

areas of India twigs of the neem tree are used as toothbrushes to

strengthen the gums and prevent gingivitis.

 

The Science of Neem

Neem has traditionally been used to treat infections, diabetes,

obesity, anxiety and pain. It is also reputed to protect the liver

against toxic injuries caused by drugs or viruses. Modern studies

have suggested that many of the properties traditionally attributed

to neem can be scientifically validated. Extracts of neem have been

shown to inhibit bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. In

addition to a direct effect on potentially harmful organisms, neem

also enhances several aspects of immune function.3 A recent

report from the UCLA School of Dentistry found that neem could

reduce the ability of streptococcal bacteria to colonize the surface

of teeth, providing an explanation for neem's longstanding

reputation as a cavity fighter. In tropical countries, neem's

antibiotic properties are applied for the treatment of malaria and

to curtail mosquito growth. Neem has been shown to have measurable

anti-inflammatory actions, anti-anxiety effects and significant pain

relieving properties. A potentially important clinical benefit of

neem is its ability to reduce the incidence of stomach ulcers in

response to stress by blunting the release of inflammatory chemicals.

Although its efficacy in human beings is yet to be fully documented,

neem has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in animals, giving

support to one of its traditional roles as an anti-diabetes herb.

 

The Practical Use of Neem

Neem is prescribed when a person needs gentle detoxification. People

who have been overeating, abusing drugs or alcohol or have recently

taken steroids, antibiotics or cancer chemotherapy drugs benefit

from the cleansing effect of neem. People attempting to lose weight

and those facing Type II diabetes mellitus may also be helped by the

ama-reducing properties of neem. Externally, neem is useful for

inflammatory skin lesions such as allergic dermatitis or eczema. It

can also be directly applied to acne skin lesions. If someone

appears to have toxic accumulations but is quite debilitated, neem

is used cautiously as it has a depleting effect on tissues

 

Ayurveda and neem

From an Ayurvedic perspective, neem is bitter, drying and cold,

making it a useful medicinal herb in conditions that are hot and

damp. It can be helpful in Kapha and Pitta conditions but may

exacerbate Vata problems. Its drying and purifying qualities

contribute to neem's role in inflammatory and toxic states. Neem's

detoxifying properties also explain its value in problems of

retention and excess such as diabetes and obesity.

 

Precautions

Due to its contraceptive and possible abortion promoting properties,

neem should be avoided in woman of childbearing years who are or may

want to become pregnant. It should also be used cautiously in people

who are severely depleted due to chronic illness or poor nutrition.

 

Kerry

Argue not with dragons, for thou art crunchy and go well with brie

 

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large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

 

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans -

John Lennon

 

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

 

" It is never too late to become what you might have been "

~~George Elliott