Nature’s Gift- Wonder Plant Neem and its benefits
Nature is so fascinating that it never ceases to amaze us with natural remedies and we have always believed in harnessing nature and applied science for health and happiness. Called by various names like ‘The divine tree’, ‘The life-giving tree’, in this context we are specially talking about Neem.
This wonder plant has been extensively used in Ayurveda since ancient times. The most important factor being that each and every part of the neem tree has its own uses and purposes. From its root, bark, stem, gums, leaves, flowers, seeds everything has medicinal use. Its leaves, fruits, bark and seed oil, offer a wealth of benefits to the skin, hair and body making it a key ingredient in today’s cosmetics and ayurvedic products. The stem, root, bark, and fruit are also used as a tonic and astringent.
Some of the benefits of the different parts of the neem plant are as under:
- The neem leaves extracts are used in treatment for many ailments like leprosy, eye disorders, intestinal worms, stomach upset, skin disorders because of it’s antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties
- The woody bark of the neem has antiseptic and astringent properties, which helps heal wounds.
- The bitter flowers of neem are used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms.
- The fruit of neem is used for haemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy.
- Neem twigs are used in oral care and hygiene.
- The seed and seed oil extracts are used for treating skin problems.
Neem and its uses
Neem has always been a very important herb in Ayurvedic treatments since ancient times because of its medicinal properties. Neem has been known as the miracle blood purifier. It is loaded with natural antioxidants and the neem leaves have been used traditionally as a blood cleanser due to their antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic qualities. It detoxifies the blood removing the harmful toxins that disrupt the functioning of vital parts like the liver and kidney. The therapeutic benefits of neem are
Neem for skincare:
Neem is one herb, we should definitely use in our daily skincare routine. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties and is used in most of the cosmetic products. Neem can fight acne, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and does so much more.
- Acne: The antibacterial properties in neem helps to fight any kind of breakouts and also alleviate the pain and itching sensation.
- Whiteheads, blackheads: Neem works as an exfoliating agent to pull out impurities and tighten pores and so is useful for the removal of whiteheads and blackheads.
- Skin infections: Applying neem can also treat skin infections, soothe irritation and reduce inflammation without drying the skin.
- Skin tone: The antioxidants in neem are beneficial for reducing melanin production of your skin, which helps to even out your skin tone. It also reduces the dark spots, blemishes and any kind of redness on your skin.
Haircare:
Neem for hair care is commonly used in most Indian households to treat different types of scalp infection and for good hair health. Neem has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can deal with scalp infection It nourishes the hair and can add lustre to dry and dull hair. Also, read Herbs at Your Rescue to Strengthen Your Immune System.
Over wellbeing:
The evergreen tree Neem has medicinal properties which are used to treat multiple illnesses and for the over well being. It possesses anti-bacterial, anti-cariogenic, anti-helminthic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, astringent, anti-viral, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Immunity:
Neem is an immunomodulator and is believed to enhance and support the immune system. Also read An Essential Guide to Winter Herbal Skin & Hair Care.
Oral health:
The antioxidants present in neem is beneficial, kill bacteria, and prevent plaque formation in the mouth. Neem twigs are used as oral deodorant, toothache reliever and for cleaning of teeth.
How can we include neem in our Daily life?
Neem can be consumed as leaf extracts, neem powder, juice, neem tea or neem capsules. There are a lot of medicinal reasons for making the neem herb a part of your medicinal regimen.
Neem powder:
Fresh neem leaves can be dried until the moisture leaves them. As they turn really dry and crispy, it can be easily ground to a fine powder and stored in an airtight container for later use. The leaves contain plant compounds called flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The anti-bacterial, immune-boosting properties of neem powder is an effective natural remedy to treat various skin, hair and other conditions. You can buy 100% Pure and Herbal Aryan Neem (Indian Lilac) Powder.
Neem paste:
The neem paste made from fresh neem leaves or dried leaf powder is an excellent solution. Neem has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-fungal and other medicinal properties that help in healing many skin issues, diseases, and disorders. Neem paste is used to heal skin scars, fights acne, is a good exfoliator, moisturiser and many other hair and skin conditions.
Neem juice:
Neem being a powerful immune-boosting herb, consuming neems juice helps in many ways. It helps in digestion, cleanses the stomach and enhances the metabolism in the body, helps increase the blood platelet count and white blood cells count so used while treating dengue fever. Neem is a wonderful moisturizer with regenerative properties that help in obtaining radiant skin. It is also known to help tackle scalp health as well. You can buy 100% Natural and Herbal Aryan Neem (Indian Lilac) Juice.
Neem oil:
Neem oil mainly derived from seeds and fruits is loaded with antioxidants, fatty acids and other nutrients. It has been a remedy for many skin conditions and hair treatments and is used in creams, lotions, cosmetics and other hair products. Neem oil can also be added to a warm bath to treat larger areas of the body.
Also, read Amazing Health Benefits of Moringa Oleifera Plant.
Although experts generally consider neem safe for use, it is possible for someone to have an allergy or sensitivity to it. It is advisable to always check with your doctor before starting any medication or treatment.
Bottom line:
Neem is not only a plant, it is a powerhouse of medicinal properties and an amazing herb with many benefits. There are multiple reasons to incorporate neem into our life. A natural healer and a path towards health and wellness can start if we include neem into our life in a significant way.
Also read: Powerful Health Benefits Of Tulsi – The Queen of all Herbs
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