Health Wonders of Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Products made from different parts of the neem tree are known for their varied medicinal properties. For over millennia, experts have been using its leaves, bark, stem, roots and even the flowers, for curing various ailments. Neem is available throughout the year and is valued for its anti- bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-fungal properties.

Health Benefits:

• Neem acts as an effective insecticide and pesticide. The oil of neem, mixed with water and soap is beneficial for repelling bugs and insects. The smoke produced by burning neem leaves is quite effective in repelling mosquitoes and house flies.
• Neem oil is an effective medicine for preventing and curing asthma. Taking few drops of neem oil everyday helps control phlegm and wheezing.
• Regular consumption of neem in different ways is found to reduce blood sugar levels and associated symptoms.
• Applying neem paste topically over the psoriasis or eczema affected area helps in healing.
• Consuming neem tea provides relief and soothes stressed nerves. It also improves blood circulation.
• Chewing neem twigs and rubbing the paste on teeth and gums help in treating oral problems. It improves the color of teeth, fights bad breath and cavities too.
• Regularly consuming tender neem leaves with honey on an empty stomach helps improve circulation and maintain hormonal balance.
• If you are facing a problem of brittle and splintering nails, then neem oil is the best remedy.  Massage the nails with neem oil to soften them and prevent infection, thus improving nail health.
• Neem has numerous benefits for the skin. People with problematic skin find it extremely helpful.

The major benefits of neem for the skin:

1. Use neem toner, prepared by boiling neem leaves in water till the water turns green, to clean the skin twice daily. This will reduce pigmentation and acne.
2. Apply neem paste with turmeric twice a week for flawless skin.
3. Neem paste is also a known remedy for treating pimples.
4. Neem paste with yogurt and lemon juice controls hyperactive sebaceous glands.
5. Neem pack also acts as an effective moisturizing agent. Regular use of neem pack with rose water makes the skin supple.
6. The immune stimulating compounds found in neem have anti-ageing properties that rejuvenate the skin and make it very radiant.

The benefits of neem for hair health:

1. Wash hair with neem water to reduce dandruff and hair fall problems.
2. Apply neem leaf pack on scalp once every 15 days to reduce scalp dryness and itching.
3. Neem oil massage is a great way to relax and improve blood circulation. It also stimulates the hair follicles, resulting in new hair growth.
4. Massage the scalp with neem oil and leave it overnight to kill hair lice and protect the scalp from further infection.