Dorothy FarrarNiembaum
The neem tree is a large tree that grows in India. Some of its components can be used medicinally. The neem tree is also known under the names neem, neem, Indian lilac or margosa. The parts of the neem are used in herbal medicine, cosmetics and agriculture.
General overview
The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) belongs to the genus Azadirachta. It is also a member of the mahogany family (Meliaceae). The genus consists of two species, which includes Azadirachta excelsa as well as Azadirachta indica.
Occurrence and cultivation
The neem tree has its origins in India, Pakistan and Burma. It needs a subtropical or tropical climate to thrive. Humans also settled the neem in other regions of the world such as America, Africa and Australia. It can also be found on some Pacific islands. While it is mostly found in flat areas, it rarely thrives in mountains.
The great advantage of the neem tree is that drought does not bother it much. It also grows well in areas that only have an annual rainfall of 400 to 1200 millimeters. However, there is then a dependency on groundwater. In principle, the neem tree tolerates heat and drought better than moisture and cold. The growth height of the neems can be a maximum of 30 meters. The leaves of the tree have a thin tip at the front. From the age of three years, the flowers of the neem tree appear, which are white in colour. They also spread a scent resembling jasmine. Over time, the flowers produce fruit suitable for consumption. The fruits are egg-shaped and yellowish in color.
Application and effect
Despite many years of scientific research, it has not yet been possible to record all the ingredients of the neem tree. It contains a total of over a hundred different chemical substances. They are found in the leaves, bark, fruit and trunk. One of the most important substances in neem is azadirachtin. It can be obtained from neem tree oil and has insecticidal effects. Other ingredients include Nimbin, Nimbidin, Meliantrol and Salannin.
The seeds, leaves and oil of the neem tree are considered to be of medicinal value. In India, preparations made from the neem have long been used medicinally. However, the neem tree oil and the seeds should always be used externally. For an internal gift, on the other hand, they are classified as too strong. However, the leaves are suitable for internal administration.
Neem tree oil is also used in various cosmetic products. This can be the special neem shampoo, creams or body lotions. In addition, neem preparations can be used against mild fungal diseases, itching and skin problems. Rubbing with the neem is considered helpful against rheumatic complaints or neuralgia.
Neem tree oil is classified as useful for the treatment of coughs. To use it, the oil can be added to hot water in the form of drops, and the patient then inhales the steam. A seed decoction can achieve the same effect. It is also possible to rub small areas of skin with the oil of the neem tree. Another form of administration of neem is the neem seed tincture. This protects the user from insects. The leaves can also be made into a tea or simply chewed. You can either buy ready-made products in stores or prepare the leaves of the neem tree yourself.
What does the neem tree help against?
importance to health
For the Indians, the neem tree has been of health importance for more than 2000 years. In earlier times, they used the substances of the plant to treat anemia (anemia), indigestion, high blood pressure, hives, ulcers, thyroid diseases, hepatitis and leprosy, among other things. The positive effects of the neem tree were also known to Ayurvedic medicine .
Although the neem tree is not a panacea, its use is considered helpful for various ailments. These include, for example, skin conditions such as acne, which are caused by bacteria. However, these germs can be killed by the neem. The neem soap has an antiseptic effect. The neem tree is also considered helpful against skin rashes and allergic reactions. This can be counteracted by internal or external therapy.
Another area of application is allergies of the bronchi. To treat them, the patient either drinks neem tea or applies neem cream to his chest. Inhaling the vapor of dried neem leaves is also considered effective.
The Indians also use tea from the neem tree to treat worms in the intestines . The parasites can be counteracted by drinking two cups of neem tea a day. Other areas of application for the neem tree are fever, sore throat, gingivitis, venereal diseases, eczema and athlete’s foot.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.