Neem leaves, though it might sound extremely mysterious, are actually leaves off a tree, called neem.
The neem is fast growing tree, that belongs to the mahagony family. It grows in the tropical and semi-tropical regions. The science of Ayurveda has been using some parts of this plant for over 7,000 years.
Over the ages a wide range of medical propensities were identified by the experts of Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine, though neem is mainly known for it’s extreme bitterness.
Because of this neem is mainly used from the late spring till the beginning of autumn, in the warmer times of the year, as Ayurveda categorizes bitter to be a cooling herb. Traditionally this herb is taken from the South Indian new year onwards. This celebration is called Ugadi, which typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar.
The best way to take neem is early in the morning, first thing in the morning.
The effects of neem include anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal properties, so it is used as a cleansing herb both internally and externally. Internally it has powerful detoxifying effects so it is used in treating metabolic disorders, in treating diabetes or simply cleansing the blood, for the treatment of stubborn skin diseases.
Apart from it’s medical use, an extensive assortment of products are made from the different parts of the neem tree. All sorts of cosmetics are made from creams to shampoos, from balms to soap. As traditionally neem twigs are used as toothbrushes, modern day toiletries, made from neem, also include toothpaste.
Repellents and fertilizers are also made from neem, just as well as purely physical commodities like gum, lubricants and resin. Basically every part of the plant can be used to advantage.
Om Tat Sat
Adam Baktai aka Fat Yogi