NEEM Azadirachta indica
Today, we steam distilled 19 kilos of NEEM (Sa:dao in Thai) leaves, twigs and bark.
The Tick season has started and we use the dried and crushed Neem leaves in the garden because it is a great contraceptive to prevent ticks from further reproduction….
We also spray the Neem Hydrosol around the house.
Lastly, we make a Tick and Flea Repellent oil with Neem oil and our organic essential oils even though some dogs do not like it much.
But then other dogs seem to love it…
So, we apply this oil on their feet, between their shoulder blades and on their collar.
Lastly, we add a spoon of coconut oil to each bowl of dogfood. Coconut is a natural insect repellent and facilitates bowel movement (also for humans)… and our dogs never have worms and they smell clean even though we rarely wash them!!!
Sometimes, we wipe their fur with Kaffir Lime Hydrosol which they seem to enjoy.
We also rub some coconut oil on their ears if needed. They love it.
8 years ago, we planted 5 trees and now we have 10 very big ones (over 4-5 meters high)…
THE NEEM TREE: A Modern Day Medical Miracle?
Azadirachta indica (aka Indian Lilac)
Summary
Most Westerners have never heard of Neem’s healing abilities, but researchers discovered that this evergreen tree often used to make furniture offers a.o. powerful anti-cancer benefits.
The Neem tree is referred to as the “Miracle Tree” because of its tremendous medicinal properties. It is the “village pharmacy” in India, where it grows abundantly. Extracts of Neem leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, and flowers are used in many traditional formulas in ancient Ayurveda system.
More than 60 different biologically active Neem compounds have been identified and applied to various health and medical issues.
Overall, Neem compounds show impressive anti-cancer potential against many human cancer cell lines and animal models for human cancers : like colon, stomach, pancreas, lung, liver, skin, oral, prostate +breast cancers.
A recently published study showed that Nimbolide – a bioactive Neem compound – induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing the size and number of cancer cell colonies by 80%.
Nimbolide also reduced the migration of pancreatic cancer cells to other areas of the body by an astonishing 70%.
Neem preparations have been shown to potentiate (enhance the effect of) actions of anti-cancer agents. They also protect against life-threatening side effects of these very toxic drugs.
Various parts of the Neem tree and its extracts have been used by humans for medicinal limitless purposes for hundreds of years but some precautions need to be taken because Indiscriminate consumption of higher than necessary doses may cause side effects.
This evergreen tree from India offers powerful health benefits… including the ability to fight cancer? The Neem Tree belongs to the Mahogany family.
Many Uses and Benefits of Neem according to Ayurveda
Neem Leaves have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-malarial properties – which is why their extracts are used to treat skin infections, acne, boils, burns, and other skin problems.
Some traditional uses for Neem leaves include:
1. Skin cleanser – Neem stops the growth of the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes, along with suppressing P. acnes-induced inflammation.
2. Wound healer – a paste of Neem leaves is applied on wounds, skin eruptions and insect bites. When combined with turmeric, this paste also treat skin itching, eczema, ring worm and other mild skin issues.
3. Hair conditioner – Neem leaf extracts and paste are used to condition hair and scalp, strengthen hair and promote hair growth.
4. Anti-dandruff – Neem leaves boiled in water is applied to hair after regular shampooing to rid the scalp of dandruff.
5. Eye cleansing and soothing –Neem leaves extract in water is used to wash the eyes and relief irritation, tiredness, and redness.
6. Immune booster –extracts of Neem leaves and bark (boiled in water) increase overall immunity, lower blood sugar levels and heal ulcers.
Neem grows freely in the tropical and semi-tropical regions of India and the Indian subcontinent, including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand. A. indica is also found in Africa, the Americas, Australia, and the South Pacific islands.
Its fruits and seeds are made into medicinal Neem oil.
In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit, the Neem tree is called “Aristha” or “reliever of sicknesses.” In the Vedas texts (India’s oldest scriptures of Hinduism), Neem is known as “Sarva Roga Nivarini” meaning “One that cures all ailments and ills.”
Neem is referred to as the “village pharmacy” in India. Extracts of Neem leaves, twigs, bark, seeds and flowers are components of many traditional remedies in the Ayurveda medical system, dating back to 5,000 years.
More than 60 different biologically active Neem tree compounds have been identified and used for various health and medical applications. Some of these include nimbin, nimbolide, azadirachtin A, nimbidiol, quercetin, and nimbidin.
by Suresh Nair 2016
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