Tuesday, January 20, 2015

NEEM AS A MEDICINAL TREE




Neem tree stands as a  sentinel in our neighborhood

 Neem trees are growing all over in Punjab. They simply look majestic in their green cover. Neem has been an acclaimed medicinal remedy for ages. Before the advent of modern medicines, neem leaves in various forms were used effectively for curing many ailments. Its holistic properties are strongly recommended by Ayurveda for treating skin, hair and fungal disorders. Neem leaves, neem oil, neem paste have multiple uses. 

Compounds found in neem leaves have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is a popular germicide and neem soap and neem toothpaste is the preferred choice of many.

I vividly remember the embarrassment and extreme shyness, I passed through as a teenager, long time back when my flawless face got sudden invasion of pimples. I used to hide myself inside. I missed college. Sometimes to cover the unsightly pimples I would apply Band-Aid. In short, I was utterly dismayed and suffered intensely until dear mother’s home made paste of neem leaves came to my rescue. Its regular application cleared my skin within days and restored my confidence.

Neem’s major contribution lies in eliminating skin diseases: Neem paste applied on cold sores, boils, pigmentation marks and simple wounds is proven effective.  Warm water boiled in neem leaves is squeezed via soaked cotton puffs slowly and gently on affected areas to treat minor skin infections, abrasions, bumps, hurts and bruises. Neem’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and help in the healing process.

It is considered as the most effective cure for acne, pimples and for cleansing skin pores. My successful personal experience of the timely use of neem paste for quick relief is the case in point.

A special creation by  the name of ‘Garnier pure active Neem face wash’  manufactured by the company, which is into hair coloring and skin care products is gathering a lot of positive support in the market. It combines maximum benefit with ease of use. It is a sort of blessing for young girls busy in settling in their careers and professionals with hectic life styles. With zero extra effort, one can reap the benefits of this holistic product for a smooth, healthy, blemish free skin. Young boys too, who generally suffer from the onslaught of acne during puberty, can get the desired relief early on. In fact, everyone who is serious about skin care can use it to great advantage.

This apart, Neem oil is very effective for mild massage in pains and aches of arthritis and osteo-arthritis. Its potent agents reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

Its usage for hair health is recognized widely. Its oil used for scalp massage, an hour before shampooing does wonders for eliminating dandruff and hair fall. For dryness and minor irritations of hair, water boiled with neem leaves proves efficacious as the last rinse. The act takes away the residues of chemicals and gives shine and luster to the hair.  

Luckily, I had found another use for it, which so many of my searches failed to redress. Our house remains locked for a couple of months in summer. On my return, the sight of excreta of lizards scattered around used to be revolting. At somebody’s suggestion, now, I throw green neem twigs on the kitchen counters, kitchen cabinets and at other strategic points and am surprised to find the problem has disappeared finally.

Neem trees are an asset to the environment as well. They purify the air and attract hordes of birds to its cool and congenial spread in summers. Good to walk near their presence in the mornings for oxygen suffused air.

Neem’s wondrous home remedies are finally receiving the recognition, which is overdue.
  
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4 comments:

  1. Great blog! just followed you:)

    you can follow me back on www.indiangirlamericanworld.blogspot.com

    thanks!

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  2. Hari OM
    Fabulous post Uppal!!! I love Neem soap; also Sandalwood. The problem with big companies like Garnier taking up 'natural' ingredients is they tend still keep all the unnatural ones with them and thus the efficacy is much reduced or counteracted. Better than nothing though! YAM xx

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  3. Nicely shared, Uppalji.
    Pimples are terrible. Nice when Neem comes to the rescue :)

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  4. In villages people used to brush teeth with neem stalks and i too have brushed with sometime. Now the mosquito killing coils also come in Neem flavour... indeed a tree must grow at every household. The house we have looked for shifting next month has a neem tree.

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