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The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is native to India and has been referred to as the 'curer of all ailments' and the 'blessed tree' by both the Hindu and Muslim population in India.
The neem tree is a tropical evergreen, related to the mahogany, that mainly grows in arid regions of India and Burma and Southwest Asia and West Africa. When temperatures do not drop below freezing, it may grow up to 50 feet tall. They are estimated to live up to 200 years.
According to some, the neem tree -- one of the most promising of all plants -- may eventually benefit every person on the planet. Probably no other plant yields as many varied products or has as many exploitable by-products. Indeed, as foreseen by some scientists, this tree may usher in a new era in pest control; provide millions with inexpensive medicines; cut the rate of population growth; and perhaps even reduce erosion, deforestation, and the excessive temperature of an overheated globe.
The neem is known to Indians as a virtual living pharmacy. Daily, millions of people brush their teeth with neem twigs. Dentists confirm that this practice guards against periodontal disease. A crude antiseptic soap is made from the pulp of the olive-like fruit. A paste made from the leaves has been found to successfully treat skin lesions. Small portions of leaves mixed with regular feed seem to affect intestinal parasites in livestock.
History; Source
It was not until the 1920s that formal research was begun on neem trees. It was noted that during periodic locust plagues, while acres of foliage were stripped bare, neem were left unscathed. Simply derived "tea" solutions made from the neem seed were effective in protecting foliage crops. Additionally, several compounds were isolated from the seeds of neem. One of these, azadirachtin, was found to both repel and disrupt the growth and reproduction of many destructive insect species. Unlike many synthetic insecticides, low dozes of azadirachtin were found to have little or no mammalian toxicity, and insects showed little resistance to the compound even through several generations. The range of insects affected by neem extracts is impressive and includes beetles, flies, mosquitoes, caterpillars, true bugs, locusts and grasshoppers, aphids, weevils, moths, and roaches.
The most valuable part of Neem for modern scientific research is the oil produced from pressing the Neem kernel. Scientists call the active ingredient in this oil Azadirachtin - and the strength and quality of this is central to using Neem as a pesticide or fungicide. It has a strong and unpleasant odor, which has held back its popularity as a treatment.
Reasons For Use
Many ancient and traditional medical authorities see neem as a vital resource for pharmacy. They mention the usefulness of the leaves, bark, flowers, seeds and fruit for treating several diseases such as diabetes, ulcers and skin disorders. For example, some people chew neem leaves in the morning for 24 days to protect the body from diseases like hypertension and diabetes. The juice of the neem tree (5ml) mixed with equal amounts of honey reduces oozing from ears and also removes inflammation. The ash of the dry neem leaves is used to remove urinary stones.
Neem twigs have been used by millions of Indians as an antiseptic tooth brush. Its oil is used for preparing soap and toothpaste. The oil of neem is a potent spermicide. When a child has a fever or chickenpox, Neem leaves are put on the bed. For eczema, psoriasis, ulcers or any other skin problems, a paste of Neem bark or leaves is made up and applied directly to the skin.
Psoriasis: Neem contains a very powerful analgesic and relief from itching and general soreness is said to be virtually instantaneous. Neem will slow growth rate of skin making the disease manageable and giving a normal appearance. This effect becomes obvious normally within 4-7 days. Neem also prevents cell adhesion which seems to be very helpful in disposing of hard, dead skin. IT has been found that with ongoing treatment the dead skin literally peels away after two to three weeks.
Arthritis: The different types of arthritis ailments can be attributed to autoimmune disorders, infections, the result of wear and tear on the joints or inflammation. It is the inflammation or the pain with arthritic conditions that is generally treated. Neem, used topically, may aid in treating arthritis in many ways. Neem's antibacterial properties can help kill infectious causes while its inflammation reducing properties and pain suppressing properties may alleviate the symptoms.
Cold Sores: Tests in Germany show that neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus and can quickly heal cold sores (Schmutterer, 1992). At the first indication of an eruption treat with topical application of a neem-based cream or ointment to the affected area, is recommended. Continue topical applications until the eruption has peaked and until the sore has healed.
Cuts: Neem has been used for centuries to treat problems of the skin and to prevent infection. Neem may reduce the pain, kill the bacteria that may cause infection, and aids in healing with reduced scarring.
Massage: Neem oil has numerous remarkably proven medicinal properties also stimulative and antiseptic effect when used for massage of the body.
Sprains and bruises may be treated with Neem as a topical application which may help increase blood flow to the bruised area. This helps remove the discoloration and promote healing.
Wrinkles: Neem oil may have an effect in preventing or softening the appearance of wrinkles by providing a natural skin protectant and moisturizer to the skin. Antibacterial compounds that we find naturally in neem oil work to protect the skin while immune stimulating agents may work in the deeper layers of the skin below the surface. These neem compounds help healthy skin retain its suppleness that we lose as we age. After washing and drying the skin, rub a few drops of neem based cream or oil on areas that are prone to drying and wrinkles.
Neem's pain-relieving compounds will reduce the discomfort of a toothache. The vasodilation and anti-inflammatory compounds will reduce the pressure on nerves that can cause the toothache.
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Neem can help with the following: | | | | | Digestion |  Gastritis | Neem extracts reduce the concentration of acid in the stomach and have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from the effects of gastritis. Drink neem tea or ingest neem leaf powder as needed to protect the stomach and reduce discomfort. |
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Immunity |
 Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance) |
Infections |
Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis| | Neem is a most effective gum disease treatment. In a German study of 70 patients with pyorrhea of varying stages, after just 5 to 10 treatments with a neem-based toothpaste and mouthwash there was significant improvement. Bleeding gums had healed and the secretion from pockets around the teeth had stopped. The bluish-colored gums returned to a healthy pale pink color. [Zeppenfeldt, undated].
Neem bark extracts can reduce the ability of some streptococci to colonize tooth surfaces [Wolinsky and Mania, 1996; Patel and Venkatakrishna, 1988]. Gingivitis has been prevented or even reversed with regular use of neem toothpaste and mouthwash [Elvin-Lewis, 1980].
One patient even reported a reversal of the loss of gum tissue by chewing fresh neem leaves. Scientists believe that antibacterial compounds and neem's ability to improve the immune response in the gums and tissues of the mouth account for these results. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Scabies| | Neem is a gentler scabies medication than prescription remedies. In the Ayurvedha and Sidha system of medicine (Indian system of medicine) Azadirachta indica ADR ('Neem') and Curcuma longa ('Turmeric') has been used for healing chronic ulcers and scabies. The 'Neem' and 'Turmeric' was used as a paste for the treatment of scabies in 814 people. In 97% of cases cure was obtained within 3 to 15 days of treatment. It is a very cheap, easily available, effective and acceptable mode of treatment for the villagers in the developing countries. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antiseptic
Inhibiting growth of infectious organisms.
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bruise (Bruised, Bruising)
Injury producing a hematoma or diffuse extravasation of blood without breaking the skin.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Cold Sore (Cold Sores, Fever Blister, Fever Blisters)
Localized collections of clear fluid causing elevation of the skin, separating it into an upper and lower layer, often recurring about once per year. Generally due to Herpes Type 1 (HSV1) and appearing as blisters on the outside surface of the lips but also on the face and inside the mouth, eventually breaking down to form small ulcers and finally scabs.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining. White blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury; this does not mean that there is an ulcer or cancer - it is simply inflammation, either acute or chronic. Symptoms depend on how acute it is and how long it has been present. In the acute phase, there may be pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. In the chronic phase, the pain may be dull and there may be loss of appetite with a feeling of fullness after only a few bites of food. Very often, there are no symptoms at all. If the pain is severe, there may be an ulcer as well as gastritis.
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the fibrous tissues that surround the teeth.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Herpes
A small group of capsid-forming DNA viruses, sometimes divided into Type I (forming vesicles and blisters on the mouth, lips-generally above the waist) and Type II (usually sexually-transmitted, with symptoms mostly below the waist). Both types form acute initial outbreaks, go dormant, reactivate, and so forth. For most folks, frequent outbreaks are clear signs of stress or immunosuppression. Both types are equally dangerous for infants.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Lesion (Lesions)
Any damage to tissue structure or function; an abnormal change in body tissue caused by disease or injury. A scar is a lesion, as is cancer, a stomach ulcer or a pimple.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
Periodontitis (Pyorrhea)
Inflammation of the area around a tooth. Broadly, any discharge of pus, but usually referring to periodontitis or Pyorrhea alveolaris, with inflammatory and degenerative conditions in the gums, jaw bone and cementum. There may be alveolar bone resorption, tooth loss and receding gums.
Psoriasis
An inherited skin disorder in which there are red patches with thick, dry silvery scales. It is caused by the body making too-many skin cells. Sores may be anywhere on the body but are more common on the arms, scalp, ears, and the pubic area. A swelling of small joints may go along with the skin disease.
Scabies
Skin eruption due to a mite.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Tropics (Tropical)
The region of the earth's surface lying between 23°27 North of the equator and 23°27 South of the equator.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Vasodilation (Vasodilator)
Widening or enlarging of blood vessels, particularly arterioles, usually caused by nerve impulses or certain drugs that relax smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Last updated: Jun 22, 2008
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