Neem : a perfect family herb (Google / Ygoy)

Read at : Google Alert – desertification

http://herbs.ygoy.com/2008/07/01/neem-a-perfect-family-herb/

Neem: A Perfect Family Herb

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree which belongs to Meliaceae family. It is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Neem tree is  also known as “Nature’s Drug Store”, “Panacea for all diseases” and “Village Pharmacy”. Neem extracts can be used in a variety of therapeutic procedures to heal wounds or infections.  Neem extracts are used to treat conditions beacuse of it’s  antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Interestingly, neem  is also considered as one of the major compounds  in Ayurvedic  medicine.

Nimbin, Nimbinin and Nimbidin are the three bitter compounds extracted from Neem oil which are widely used for  therapeutic purpose.

Therapeutic Uses of Neem
Listed below are some of the therapeutic uses of neem:

• Neem twigs are used as tooth brushes in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Neem extracts are widely used in dental care in traditional medicine.
• Seeds, bark, leaves and flowers are used in many different medical preparations as well.
• Neem is traditionally used as a detoxifying agent that help maintain circulatory, respiratory,  digestive and urinary systems.
• Neem  is also prescribed for external application in skin diseases.
• Neem extracts possess antidiabetic properties which help in  purifying the blood.
• Neem extracts also possess antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help boost the immune system.
• All parts of Neem tree yield beta-sitosterol which is a fundamental detoxifying agent.
• Neem is used as an antiseptic and is effective in the treatment of snake bites and scorpion stings.
• Neem is used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
• It is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, antiprotozoal and antihelminthic agent.
• Bark of Neem is very useful in treatment of malarial fever and in cutaneous diseases.
• Neem has a strong scientific backup that it enhances immune system and  responds effectively against an  infection.
• It reduces the effect of vascular diseases that can affect thebrain and heart.
• Neem oil is used in the preparation of cosmetics, and is useful for skin care such as acne, and keeping the skin flexible and glowing.
• Neem tree possess   anti-desertification properties and works as an effective fertilizer for the soil.

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Due to the wide number of uses of neem, the herb is very much a family name. So ensure that you steal the maximum benefits from this family herb.