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Azardirachita Indica - The Neem Tree of Great Medicinal Value
The Azardirachita indica (sometimes named Melia Azardirachita) or the Neem has been known since times immemorial in the Indian subcontinent. This tree is native to India and Burma. For over 5000 years people of the subcontinent have sworn by the miraculous curative properties of its bark and leaves. Its fruits and the oil obtained from its seeds are also greatly valued. Almost every part of the tree finds some application of immense value. Perhaps that is the reason why the tree is revered and even worshipped in some places. People by and large hold the belief that the tree has the magical property of not only giving relief but also providing effective cures from a host of diseases.
Features of the Neem Tree
The Neem tree is referred to as the margosa tree in English language. This is an evergreen tree (though strictly speaking it is a semi evergreen tree since during severe draught it can lose nearly all its leaves) that attains a height of up to 50 feet and has branches spreading all over. The tree is very densely crowned while the trunk is relatively straight. There is development of thick bark which is hard, fissured or scaly.
The tree flowers in spring when small and white flowers blossom. They turn into green fruits in summer which, on ripening, become pale yellow. The fruits contain a seed each. The seeds yield aromatic oil.
Medicinal and Other Uses of Neem
Neem contains complex chemical compounds. There are triterpenes, limonoids, nonterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids and pentatriterpenoids. Azadirachitin, the most important active ingredient of Neem, is the substance that is responsible for endowing Neem with its potent medicinal and other properties. The Neem extracts are used to treat ailments ranging from simple digestive disorders and liver dysfunction to diabetes and from high cholesterol to even cancer.
It is a remarkable fact that almost every part of the Neem tree comes of some use. The flowers, leaves, seeds, oil from seeds, bark, branches- all are used in some way:
- The sticks of Neem are used by a large number of people even to this day for brushing teeth relying on its antiseptic and astringent properties.
- The aromatic oil of Neem seeds is used in a whole range of cosmetics- soaps shampoos, creams, lotions and the like for promoting skin and hair health. The topical application of Neem extracts has proven effectiveness in relieving acne, pimples, eczema, ringworms and a host of other skin diseases.
- The tender leaves of Neem are consumed as vegetables. Even the white flowers are used in special dishes. They are presumed to give health benefits- protection from infection, promotion of bile flow etc.
- Besides, the Neem oil and Neem extracts are also used as effective insecticides and fungicides.
- To add to it all- the Neem tree has been perceived to offer resistance to draught for good reasons.