Neem is one such tree which can be synonymous with “good health”. Its health benefits have blessed mankind for more than 5000 years. Neem or Azadirachta indica is the native herb that we can’t do anything. The Sanskrit term for the plant, ‘arista’, means something pure, perfect, imperishable.
What’s so extraordinary about this super-herb is that, from neem seeds to its leaves, to its bark, the plant is full of compounds that possess both medicinal and beauty properties.
The neem tree houses more than 130 different types of biologically active compounds which makes it a strong antiviral and anti-bacterial. Due to this, neem is also a powerful immune-stimulant compound that nature offers.
Most of us have been given various components of neem by our elders whenever we’ve encounters fits of cold and cough, fever, or even on cuts that could cause an infection.
While the world today searches for immune-stimulants in lab-made pills or supplements, chewing Neem leaves or taking it as cooked food is the best, the easiest, and often the cheapest way out.
Here’s a list of benefits we can draw from Neem:
- Neem is the best anti-ageing agent. It contains antioxidants that protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, pollution, and other environmental hazards. The vitamins and fatty acids present in neem help in delaying skin wrinkles and fines lines, maintain the elasticity of the skin.
- Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties protect the skin from infections and keep skin diseases away.
- Neem can also be used as an insect repellent. Cotton balls soaked in neem-water keeps mosquitoes and other insects away.
- This herb helps in boosting immunity. Since times immemorial, neem has prescribed to reduce fever. It has helped the human race exceptionally in fighting malaria.
- Neem is ‘nature’s toothbrush’. Chewing neem-stick improves dental hygiene. Even today, you can see Indians chewing twigs of neem. Using it regularly keeps all sorts of dental infections and diseases away. Not to mention, this ages-old Indian herb had become an essential ingredient for toothpaste in the modern world.
- Water boiled with neem leaves is an excellent cure for your troubled eyes. Washing eyes with this water cool the eyes reduce tiredness, redness & irritation in eyes.
- A mixture of neem with a few drops of honey can be used to treat ear problems.
- Neem paste is a fantastic wound healer. Applying it regularly on wounds, insect bites, etc. helps in quick healing.
- It helps reduce dandruff. Cleaning the scalp and hair with water boiled with neem (after washing the hair with shampoo) help you quickly get rid of dandruff.
- Neem can bring you relief from acne, dark spots, and other skin eruptions. Applying its paste regularly does magic to your skin!
These are proven benefits of Neem make it a widely used and loved herb. In India, neem attracts the respect of a goddess due to its goodness and purity. As we continue fighting the ever-increasing health problems, let’s make this herb a part of our regular diet.
Nature has indeed bestowed us with all kind of natural gifts which can help us live a healthy life, Neem is one of them