Uses for Neem
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is an East Indian tree known for its medicinal properties. The tree may reach a height of 50 feet and live up to 200 years. The roots, bark, seeds, branches and flowers of the tree are used in producing various beauty and personal products, medicines and environmentally friendly pesticides.
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Beauty and Personal Care Products
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Neem oil shampoo is a non-toxic way to remove head lice in children. Neem soap is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is safe for bathing children and can be used on infants to prevent diaper rash. The soap can also be used in the gym to prevent or treat jock itch, scabies or athlete foot fungus.
A face pack can be made by combining neem powder, yogurt and lemon juice. The neem facial can reduce bacteria and unclog sebum in acne sufferers.
Neem shampoo is a non-toxic way to treat head lice. A report from "Parisitology Research Journal" indicates that neem shampoo is more effective in killing lice than commercial lice shampoo containing the insecticide permethrin. To destroy the lice, one ounce of neem seed oil shampoo was applied to the scalps of school children and left for 10 minutes before rinsing.
In India, neem twigs have been used for centuries to clean gums and teeth. Neem toothpaste is now available to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
Medicinal Uses for Neem
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A tea made from the leaves or root of the Neem Tree may reduce fever. Neem has been used in Ayurvedic healing in India for 4,000 years. Neem is used to treat arthritis, eczema, inflammation, cough, nausea and fatigue.
The International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Africa, determined that the chemical azadirachtin found in neem is an effective and safe malaria vector control. Azadirachtin is a larvicide which suppresses egg production and larval growth in malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Because of its acrid taste and odor, neem oil repels mosquitoes. Neem root bark reduces fever in malaria patients.
A chemical extract from neem leaves known as NCL-11 was found to have anti-viral properties against the Coxsackie B group of viruses. The viruses cause fever and gastro-intestinal, muscle and chest pain, and can result in permanent heart damage or death.
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Environmentally Safe Pesticide
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Neem oil is a safe and eco-friendly way to combat garden pests. Neem oil is non-toxic to humans and pets and is safe for use in the garden. Neem oil is effective in reducing infestation of aphids, whitefly, caterpillars and other pests. The oil is mixed with water and an emulsifying agent, such as dish soap, and is used to spray plants.
Neem Warning for Women
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Pregnant women or women wishing to become pregnant should avoid exposure to, or ingestion of, neem. Neem may cause miscarriage or may disrupt human egg implantation in the uterus.
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References
- SpringerLink: "Parasitology Research Journal": A new shampoo based on neem (Azadirachta indica) is highly effective against head lice in vitro
- Malaria Journal: Larvicidal effects of a neem (Azadirachta indica) oil formulation on the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
- PubMed.gov: 'In vitro' antiviral activity of neem (Azadirachta indica. A. Juss) leaf extract against group B coxsackieviruses
Resources
- Photo Credit neem image by fotomagic from Fotolia.com baby in bath clouseup image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com thermometer image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com famille image by guy from Fotolia.com
