Neem
NEEM
Azadirachta indica A. juss.
Common Name
Family
Yin Lian Ye
Ayurvedic Name
Actions
Alterative, antibacterial, anti-cancer, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral, bitter, contraceptive, insecticide
Energetics
Cooling, bitter, pungent
Edible Uses
Internally appropriate only for short-term medicinal purposes.
Native To
India
Geographic Distribution
South and Southeast Asia, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and Africa
Botanical Description & Identification
Neem is a large evergreen tree found commonly throughout India. The tree grows between 40 to 60 meters in height. It has long spreading branches which form a broad crown. The bark is grey or dark brown with a reddish tint and has many scattered tubercles. Inside the bark exists a gum resin used for many purposes. The leaves of the plant are between 20-30cm in length and they alternate with leaflets which are opposite and glossy. When the plant flowers they appear pale yellow. The small flowers are aromatic, giving off a honey-like scent which attracts many bees. Neem tree also creates a fruit which are greens when young and turn yellow as they mature. The fruit pulp, which is edible, is scanty and encloses one small seed. The flowering season for neem may vary though may be anywhere from January through May. Its fruit ripens in spring and summer from May through August with slight variances between exact locations.
Key Constituents
Azadirachtin, NLGP (Neem Leaf Glycoprotein), Nimbidin, Fatty acids (Including: Oleic, Stearic, Palmitic, and Linoleic acids), Limonoids, Gedunin, Salannin, Quercetin, Polyphenols, Sterols, Tannins, Triterpenoids, Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Carotene, Amino acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Sustainability Issues
None known.
Harvesting Guidelines
Harvesting the fruit of neem typically begins after 5 years of growth, becoming full-bearing around 10-12 years of age. This tree is very versatile and has many parts for harvest, therefore, taking from the bark, leaves, seeds, and resin of this tree should be accomplished conservatively as to avoid killing the tree for its properties.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF NEEM:
Neem is known to:
*Help maintain radiance of skin, hair, and teeth
*Soften the skin
*Stimulate hair growth
*Boost immunity
*Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars
*Alleviate symptoms of dandruff
*Help prevent joint pain and stiffness
*Lessen overall body inflammation
*Help control blood clotting
*Soothe joint pain and ease stiffness
*Repel parasites
*Repel insects
*Help prevent cellular damage
*Stimulate skin regeneration
*Help prevent bacterial infections
*Help prevent fungal infections
*Help the body regular histamine levels and allergic responses
Neem is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Excessive thirst, nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, bloating, shortness of breath, asthma, sore throat, gum disease, canker sores, mouth ulcers, skin ulcers, red, oozing, itchy skin, warts, stomach ulcers, fevers, bed wetting, hiccups, vomiting, poor appetite, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, intestinal worms, lice, heart disease, poor immune system, liver and digestive health, toothache
Most common uses:
Neem is most commonly recommended today as a natural substance to repel lice and parasites, as well as an organic pesticide spray for the garden.
Fun Facts:
Neem is:
* Known to strengthen the voice.
* Traditionally used in Siddha medicine, one of the world’s oldest medical systems
dating back 10,000 to 4,000 B.C, to prevent smallpox and other infectiou
diseases, ward off evil spirits, treat bile disorders, paralysis, psychiatric disorders,
and ulcers.
* A tree that grows wild and rampant all over India, even in cities and suburban
areas, making it a free medicine to all who know how and choose to harvest.
* Known by Hindu myth to be sprinkled on Earth by divine beings known as
'Devas'.
* A tree whose resin is often used as a glue.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Lahhari, A. (2021). Native American Herbalist's Bible.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). The PLANTS Database: Threatened and endangered. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/java/threat
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants
Safety
Not to be used internally as a medical herb for pregnant or nursing women.
Neem can lower the blood sugar; diabetics should take note of this before using internally.
Dose