neem
Azadirachta indica
properties
The flowers of the neem plant have a lovely, sweet, honey-like smell. It is quite intense, noticeable from a distance, but never overpowering. Bees love neem flowers and neem honey is popular. The flower oil is also used in aromatherapy and has a calming and restorative effect.
Neem oil contains fatty acids which build collagen, promote wound healing and maintain the skin’s elasticity. Clinical studies have also revealed that neem inhibits inflammation as effectively as cortisone acetate, this effect further accelerates wound healing. However, the topical use of neem leaf extracts and leaf paste is safe. Skin care and the treatment of skin disorders is where the neem plant really shines. It is extremely effective in eliminating bacterial and fungal infections or parasites, its antiviral activity can treat warts and cold sores, it soothes inflammation and reduces redness, it moisturizes the skin and keeps it supple, it can even lighten scars and pigmentation.
Neem oil is also used for a large variety of ailments, but seems to be particularly beneficial for skin problems. Its oil is used for eczema and a number of other skin diseases such as ringworm and scabies. It is a powerful insect repellant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and also strengthens the body’s overall immune responses.
The repellent action of neem oil was evaluated against sand flies under laboratory and field conditions. Concentrations of 2% neem oil mixed in coconut or mustard oil provided 100% protection against Phlebotomus argentipes throughout the night under field conditions; against Phlebotomus papatasi it repelled sand flies for about 7 hours in the laboratory. Neem oil is an indigenous product and a low-cost alternative for personal protection against sand fly bites.
history
Neem has a long history in Indian culture for medicinal uses. In Guatemala and this region, it is known as ‘Amargita’ which is Spanish meaning ‘bitter’. It is an apt name given the smell and taste of the leaves and oil which comes from it.
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