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Neem -
The Wonder Tree
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I have been meaning to put
down my thoughts on this for quite sometime. It comes out of my own
personal experiences and study of the effects and properties of Neem. It is also my conviction
that Neem is a wonderful cure for diseases and gives much to humans
including shade, good air, health and overall well-being. I also think it
important that people become aware of the values of Neem.
Among all the plants on
this planet that have proved useful for humanity, a few are distinguished
by their astonishing versatility. Among these, the Neem tree is one of the
most important one.
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Every part of this
fascinating tree has been used, from ancient to modern times, to treat
hundreds of different diseases and for many other purposes. It probably
has far wider array of uses than any other herb on the planet.
Neem (Azadirachta indica, syn. Melia azadirachta L., Antelaea
azadirachta (L.) Adelb.) is a tree commonly found in India and some other
neighbouring tropical countries and in Africa. In India alone, there are
more than 20 million Neem trees. It is known as neeb in Arabic, neem in
Hindi and Urdu, azad dirakht in Persian, and nimba in Sanskrit. In the
villages of India, it is a part of daily life. A large Neem tree usually
stands in the centre of each village, providing shade and cool underneath
its branches - it is said that the temperature under a Neem tree is always
two or three degrees cooler than in any other shade. In local tradition,
Neem trees are planted near the home to ensure good health to those that
live there and it is considered that easy access to the tree would
facilitate provision of the many and varied uses of the fruits, seeds,
leaves, bark, oil and roots.
It is rarely leafless, and the shade it gives throughout the year is one
of the major reason why it is prized in India. Since ancient times, it has
been used for medicinal and health purposes. It has been called a wonder
drug and its use dates as far back as 4500 years. The lifespan of the Neem
tree is described to be anywhere between 150 to 300 years.
In India, it is variously
known as "Divine Tree", "Life giving tree", "Nature's Drugstore",
"Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". It is one of the
major components in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced in India
since many centuries.
In Indian religion and mythology, it is considered as a "divine tree"
and is deeply imbued with spiritual meaning. Its curative properties
were attributed to the fact that a few drops of heavenly nectar fell upon
it. The Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira, dated about 6th century AD,
contains a chapter of verses on plant medicines, where it recommends that
the Neem tree be planted near dwellings.
In the late 1950s, scientists began to systematically research this tree.
They discovered and confirmed numerous natural medicinal and repellent
properties useful to humans and animals. All parts of the tree have been
studied extensively in Neem research. Today, Neem has reached western
shores and can be found in supplements, medicines, body care products,
cosmetics, repellants, and pesticides.
Let’s see what is it that makes it so wonderful. Here's some info on its
properties and usage:
Properties & Usage of
Neem
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Neem is strongly
antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
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Neem's bitter principles
was also said to counteract the excess sugar in the blood.
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The potential of Neem tree
is so great as to encompass the treatment of a white spectrum of physical
ailments including sexually transmitted disease, blood disorders, chronic
ulcers, digestive and nervous disorders, diseases caused by parasites such
as malaria and diabetes.
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More commonly, it is
considered effective in skin infection, rashes & pimples, and is a blood
purifier.
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It is also Anti obesity,
Anti diabetic, Anti viral and Immunity booster.
Neem has been used as
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an insecticide, insect
repellent, oral dentifrice, and in traditional medicine to treat malaria,
diabetes, worms, and cardiovascular and skin diseases.
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It reportedly has
contraceptive, anti-ulcer, and fungicidal potential.
One can hardly dispute the
Sanskrit tag given to Neem for its properties -
Sarva Roga Nivarini - the curer of all ailments.
For more information on Neem, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem
Contributing Author: Ashutosh
Ghildiyal is a salaried professional based in Mumbai, India. He was
born in Lucknow in 1984, where he completed his schooling. He completed
his graduate studies in New Delhi and his post-graduate education in
Mumbai. He is the author of To Think or Not to Think and Other stories
(Book), blogs, various articles and short stories.
Email:
ashutoshghildiyal@hotmail.com
Blog: http://ashutosh-ghildiyal.blogspot.com
Freelance Health / Nutrition Writers, Web Content Writing Services, India
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