Indian Lilac (Neem) Benefits

Indian Lilcac or neem benefits in the natural treatment of a variety of ailments such as gum disease, joint pains, diabetes, skin diseases, itching, infections, lice infestations, dandruff, and so on.

Moreover, this herb stimulates the immune system. Almost all the parts of this plant, that is, flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seed and root are used for medicinal purposes. According to Hinduism, it is believed that neem promotes spirituality.

Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica, Melia Azaderachta
Other Names: Margosa, Nim, Nimb, Nimba, Limbo, Nimuri, Vepa, Vembu, Bevu, Tamar, Kohumba, Sadao, Chinaberry, Crackjack, white cedar (Melia azaderach), Margousier (French), Grossblaettiger zedrach (German)

Native Region

Indian Lilac, margosa or neem is native to the tropical regions of Asia. It is cultivated in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Indonesia, Central and Southern America, Philippines, Africa, etc. It is a part of the Meliaceae family.

Healing Properties

Indian lilac or neem has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, demulcent, spermicidal, and sedative properties. It is used for flushing out toxins from the blood.

It helps control diabetes, particularly non insulin dependent, by reducing insulin requirements. Moreover, Indian lilac (neem) causes dilation of blood vessels, thereby increasing circulation to the extremities.

In addition, neem oil is used to cure acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, small pox, warts, boils, syphilitic sores, ringworm, and other skin diseases and infections. Furthermore, it is believed that application of neem-based creams can help reduce skin cancers.

Other benefits of neem or Indian lilac include stimulating the liver, healing urinary tract infections, treating respiratory disorders, reducing rheumatism (relieves pain and inflammation), controlling phlegm, reducing bile, curing stomach ache, headache, gum disease, throat infection, and so on.

Consuming the sap of this tree is helpful in leprosy treatment. Plus, neem or Indian lilac acts as a disinfectant for liver and prevents malaria.

Its leaves contain and a substance (Irodin A) and, quinine and chloroquine compounds that are effective against resistant strains of malaria.

Plus, margosa or neem benefits in dealing with nervous disorders such as anxiety and epilepsy, and preventing heart disease by lowering rapid heartbeat, reducing blood pressure, inducing muscle tone passivity, etc.

Medicinal Uses of Neem or Indian Lilac

• • Taking neem leaf extracts orally is useful when dealing with diabetes. Besides, you can consume about 10 neem leaves early in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also have basil leaves along with neem leaves.

   

• • Brushing the teeth with Indian lilac (neem) twigs works wonders in curing periodontal diseases and chronic bad breath. Besides, neem leaf extract can be used as an effective mouthwash.

   

• • Regularly massaging with neem oil helps relieve arthritis pain.

   

• • Indian lilac or neem benefits in the treatment of chicken pox by applying neem oil mixed with tea tree oil. In case the mixture is strong, dilute it by adding carrier oil like olive oil.

   

• • Smearing a paste of crushed neem leaves helps heal acne, pimples, boils, burns, and wounds naturally. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder as well.

  Here’s a video explaining the benefits of neem leaf extract for acne.
  

• • Boil a cup of neem bark in four cups of water. Shake and apply this solution on skin to get rid of scars caused by burns. Follow this therapy several times in a day for a number of days until the scar fades.

   

• • Regularly soaking in warm water mixed with neem leaves is one of the best neem home remedies for eliminating skin problems accompanied by infection.

   

• • Mix neem oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil and apply the solution on your scalp for about half an hour. Finally, shampoo your hair to get rid of dandruff.

  Alternatively, you can rinse your hair and scalp with neem decoction prepared by boiling a handful of margosa leaves in four cups of water. Strain and cool the mixture before using. It reduces hair fall, too.

   

• • Prepare a decoction by boiling neem leaves in a cup of water and add pepper powder in it. Drinking this home medicine can heal fever considerably. Avoid using this remedy on children, though.

   

• • Gargling with a solution of neem leaf water mixed with honey provides relief from sore throat.

   

• • Applying a paste of ground neem flowers is useful in getting rid of headache.

   

• • Indian lilac or neem home remedy for lice treatment involves grinding neem seeds to form a powder and adding groundnut oil in it. Leave this mixture on the scalp overnight and wash it off in the morning.
• • Juice extracted from neem (margosa) leaves can be used as ear drops to treat earache naturally at home.

   

• • Benefits of neem or Indian lilac can also be derived by mixing one teaspoon of neem inner bark with two teaspoons of jaggery powder. Consume this mixture to cure piles.

  

• • Boil ten neem leaves in one liter water for about 10-15 minutes. Cool and strain the mixture. Washing the eyes with this liquid reduces pink eye or conjunctivitis. Besides, you can put two drops of neem juice in each eye 2-3 times in a day.

   

• • Having one teaspoon of powdered dried neem leaves alleviates acidity and indigestion caused by synthetic preservatives in food.

   

• • Put two drops of neem oil in the nose with the help of a dropper to heal sinusitis. Follow this therapy two times in a day.
• • Taking 30 ml neem juice mixed with 15 ml honey serves as a natural remedy for jaundice. Follow this procedure on an empty stomach. Continue this treatment for a week.

   

• • Drinking mild neem tea once in a day reduces infections. Follow this therapy for about two weeks. If symptoms persist then continue for another two weeks by taking the tea every alternate day. It strengthens the immune system and relieves stress, too.

Apart from these, neem oil is used in various cosmetic products. Plus, it also works as a natural mosquito repellant. This valuable herb is used as an appetizer, too.

Precautions

Although Indian lilac or neem stimulates the liver, it should not be taken continuously over a period of time, or it can cause liver problems.

Other side effects of this valuable herb include jaundice, destruction of red blood cells, decreased urine production and kidney damage.

Moreover, consumption of neem seed oil can give rise to issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Besides, neem seeds tend to be toxic for children.

Though not proven completely still, it is believed that pregnant women and women trying to conceive should avoid taking this herb.

In addition, as Indian lilac (neem) lowers blood sugar levels, it is suggested to avoid consuming it about two weeks prior to a surgery.