AZADIRACHTA INDICA

Neem Tree

The Neem is a tree belonging to the family of the Mahogany, native to India and Myanmar and was introduced to Africa at the beginning of the 20th Century to prevent the Sahara Desert from extending further south. This plant has numerous medicinal properties, so much so that in India they call it “the Village Pharmacy”. For centuries the Indians drew upon this plant to treat pain, fever and infections. Believing that the Neem aids in purifying blood, at the beginning of every year many Hindus eat some leaves of this tree.

The Neem is useful for oral hygiene. Millions of Indians pluck a twig of this plant every morning, chew its end to soften it and then rub their teeth and gums. Research indicates that this is useful because the substances contained in the bark have strong antiseptic powers.
Even some of the most cautious researchers say that the “Neem deserves being defined as an extraordinary plant”. From the nut a miraculous oil that has 40 active compounds is extracted.

Effective against several disorders, such as:

♦ fever ♦ infections ♦ caries ♦ gingivitis ♦ digestive disorders ♦ dysmenorrhea ♦ hyperacidity ♦ constipation ♦ diabetes ♦ fungal infections ♦ contraceptive action ♦ oral, vaginal, pulmonary mucosa ♦ malaria ♦ decreases the effects of AIDS and hepatitis ♦ against bites Snakes ♦ hypertension- ulcers ♦ psoriasis ♦ acne ♦ eczema dermatitis

The tree capable of curing any disorder and illness

It contains

♦ The active ingredient contained in Neem is azadiractina.
♦ Antioxidants.
♦ Essential fatty acids.
♦ Polysaccharides, phenolic compounds with catechins, various limonoids, genudine (acting like quinine).
♦ Quasionoid polymers, nimbic acid and nimbidin (with nimbidol, nimbine and nimbinine), azadirachtin (various types).
♦ Sulfur compounds (co-responsible for strong aroma, such as garlic).
♦ Salinase (insecticide), potassium and phosphorus compounds, carotene.
♦ Vitamin C, group B vitamins (including niacin), calcium, margarine, tannic acid, flavonoids (Including quercitin), meliantriol.

Properties and benefits

  • Anti-viral and antibacterial;
  • Anti-parasitic. The azadirachtin present in the plant works as a regulator of the growth of insects, thus preventing the larvae from transforming into an adult;
  • Anti-septic and anti-fungus;
  • It has a eudermic action. Its content of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids make it suitable for the preparation of facial and body creams with antioxidant and anti-aging powers.
  • Hydrating;
  • aids the regeneration of the skin, useful in cases of scars and stretch marks;
  • aids the elimination of skin disorders like psoriasis, herpes and acne;
  • treats earaches;
  • helps to treat fever, malaria and rheumatic illnesses;
  • reduces inflammations, including ophthalmic ones;
  • combats the falling and graying of hair;
  • helps in treating tuberculosis;
  • it is an antipyretic and antiseborrheic;
  • it is a blood purifier with a strong general detoxifying effect;
  • it is an astringent that strengthens tissue and organs;
  • it is a hepatoprotector;
  • it helps to eliminate amoeba, larvae and nematodes;
  • it fights diabetes and malaria;
  • The oil extracted from the plant is a powerful spermicide and has proven effective in reducing the birthrate of laboratory animals. Experiments carried out on monkeys indicate that the compounds extracted from this tree could even lead to the production of a male contraceptive pill;
  • It is a natural mosquito and mite repellent thanks to a substance called salannin. In 1959 a German entomologist and his apprentices, after witnessing a tremendous plague of locusts that devoured the leaves of all trees except the Neem in the Sudan, began studying this plant with great commitment. Scientists since then have learnt that the complicated chemical arsenal of the Neem is effective against over 200 species of insects, as well as various mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and even several viruses.