Neem in Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda means the 'science of life' and originated in the pre-vedic period. It deals with measures for leading a healthy life, this traditional method also has a number of therapeutic measures to combat illness. These ayurvedic principles relate to not only the physical but also, the mental social and spiritual welfare of human beings.

Ancient use of Neem in Ayurveda

In ayurvedic text neem has been regarded as the 'sarva roga nivarini' as it keeps all the diseases at bay. Since ages neem has been used to cure almost all kinds of diseases and also taken to maintain a healthy life. Every part of neem such as bark, seed oil, leaf, roots has ayurvedic properties and hence used in therapeutic preparations.

Neem has been an inherent part of ayurveda since ages; its blood purification property made it a favourite natural ingredient, as a remedy for skin ailments and curing diabetes. It was also used to cure prevalent diseases like malaria and other insect bites. Neem twigs were used as a cheap and healthy oral care. Neem finds mention in almost all ayurveda texts.

The tree has been widely used in the traditional systems of medicine; it is of immense use in a number of medicines and personal products. Considered to be 'Sarva Roga Nivarini', neem and its curative power is being used on a large scale to manufacture medicines for:

• Skin diseases including leprosy
• Ulcers
• Gastro intestinal problems
• Oral Care
• Urinary track problems
• Hair problems
• Diabetes
• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol

Ayurvedic practitioners have developed a vast database of knowledge and medicinal preparations over a long period. The neem tree is one of the most important herbs used not only in ayurveda and unani system of medicine but also for other system of medicines such as allopathy. Healers use the roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil for curing various human ailments The anti viral, anti fungal and anti viral properties of neem makes it all the more useful to manufacture body and hair lotions for a healthy mind, body and soul.

Neem and Ayurveda

• Neem oil is extracted from neem seed and full of chemicals that have insecticidal as well as other medicinal properties. Because of this it is extensively used as pesticide, insecticide, fungicide and for other such applications.
• Neem seed cake i.e. is the left over part of neem seed is used to enrich the soil. It also reduces the nitrogen loss of the soil be inhibiting the process of nitrification. Neem seed cake is also used as a nematicide.
• Neem leaves has great importance in Ayurveda as these are very beneficial. Neem leaves are used in the storing to keep the insects away. It is applied as a paste form in the skin if you have any kind of skin problem. Also it is beneficial for chickenpox. Neem leaves are used to make neem tea that is consumed to reduce the fever due to malaria. Also the fresh leaves of neem are consumed to cure diabetes. So it is a one product with multiferrous advantages.
• Neem twig is used as a teeth cleaning brush in India. It is extremely beneficial for the teeth.
• Neem extract has spermicidal properties hence used for making contraceptives.
• In addition to this neem is great to treat acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin infections.

Neem also enhances the body's internal defence system and thus boosts the natural immunity. Through this miraculous tree body is well protected against the free radicals that leads to aging and diseases. It balances pita and kapha doshas. As per ayurveda neem leaves are internal cleansers. If you are suffering from irritated throat then just have a neem leaf tea with honey. This has a smoothening effect.

If you are suffering from excessive stomach acid premature falling and thinning of hair then taking neem bark is recommended as it has the cooling effect. Anti bacterial and anti fungal properties have been known since ages and because of this reason it is effectively use in shampoo and other such products.

In Ayurveda literature, neem is regarded as twacha rasayana - an excellent herb for skin. Dry, irritated and skin problems can be cured with neem very effectively.