Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Cornerstone of Ayurveda: Neem

Used extensively as a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal system, Neem is used for addressing a range of skin ailments. Its extracts are widely used in Ayurveda for their anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, contraceptive and sedative properties.

With the sobriquet ‘Village Pharmacy’ conferred on a herb, Neem needs no introduction. Used extensively as a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal system, Neem is used for addressing a range of skin ailments. Its extracts are widely used in Ayurveda for their anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, contraceptive and sedative properties. In a Neem tree, every part is believed to have medicinal properties. The leaves, bark, seeds and flowers are all used in various medicinal preparations.

Most widely used for acquiring healthy skin, the oil and extracts of the herb are widely recommended for acne treatment and skin rashes. The leaves of the tree are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralizing them. Not only is it a tonic and an astringent, Neem maintains healthy blood circulation and cleanses the body of toxins and impurities. Proper usage of the herb is known to help in achieving glowing and radiant skin. When administered on skin, Neem extracts and oil remove the redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin for the duration of the treatment. In case of pimples and acne, application of Neem kills bacteria and removes inflammation, thereby making the skin smooth and supple.

Known for more than 5000 years for its wide range of therapeutic properties, the Neem tree belongs to the plant family of Meliaceae and is indigenous to the Indian sub-continent. Also found in Sri Lanka, Burma, Bangladesh and Pakistan, Neem grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions. A fast-growing ever-green tree which grows to a height of 50-56 feet, the branches of neem trees are widespread and have asymmetric leaflets.

Extracts of Neem bark are used for the overall healthy functioning of the body. Cool, bitter, astringent and acrid, its bark is efficacious in the treatment of common cold, fever and worm infestation. Widely recommended for its antiseptic property, Neem is beneficial for women and children for multiple reasons. Its antibacterial properties are especially effective for gum diseases and cavities. Due to its strong anti-oxidant properties, Neem protects against chemically induced carcinogens and liver damage by boosting antioxidant levels.

The Neem tree has been identified on the five-thousand-year-old seals excavated from the Indus Valley Civilization”. Believed to exorcise the the demon of diseases, the Ayurvedic herb is not only used for its medicinal properties, but also worshipped in India as a deity. Known to contain nimbin, nimbinene and quercentin, the leaves of the tree help in the treatment of neuromuscular pains. The leaves of this Ayurvedic plant remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralizing them.

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