Bitter Neem is a Boon of Nature

Neem, or Nimba, is a bitter gift from nature. From a health perspective and in everyday life, its uses have so many benefits that it is also called the "Kalpa Taru" (wish-fulfilling tree) of the earth. Despite the entire tree being full of bitterness, every part of it, such as its leaves, fruit, seeds, stem, bark, root, and twigs, are all extremely useful. For centuries, bathing in water boiled with neem leaves has been used to treat boils, pimples, and skin diseases. Neem leaves have been mixed with grains to protect them from insects. For cleaning teeth and for gum diseases, nothing has been considered better than a neem datun (twig). The smoke of neem to drive away flies and mosquitoes, and leafy branches hanging at the doors of houses to prevent diseases and germs from entering are proof that neem is endowed with qualities in every way. According to the Rigveda, among the species and varieties of trees and plants, neem is not only the most beneficial but also the most important because, compared to the harm caused by the use of artificial pesticides, it is a traditional, natural, cheap, and safe pesticide, and besides this, from the point of view of medicinal and commercial use, it is a boon for mankind. Although there are countless benefits of the entire neem tree, let's learn in detail about its main benefits in daily life.

Neem Purifies the Environment The neem tree plays an important role in maintaining the balance of nature because, like the Peepal tree, it produces more oxygen. Due to the anti-depressant, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties present in neem leaves, it purifies the air around it, so resting in its cool shade not only keeps the body healthy but also cures diseases like depression.

Neem as an Insecticide and Pesticide Neem has about 20 active ingredients that are helpful in killing insects because it is impossible for any insect to develop resistance to all its active ingredients. Therefore, it controls more than 100 species and varieties of insects, besides ants, flies, termites, locusts, and borers of paddy, maize, and sugarcane, as well as flies and mosquitoes.

Therefore, neem leaves and neem oil are widely used in germicidal and insecticidal medicines, and they are also heavily promoted as a natural herb. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties found in neem leaves keep viruses and diseases at bay. Therefore, it has been an ancient tradition to spread fresh neem leaves under the bedsheets of sick people and to hang neem leaves at the door of the room of a seriously ill person and a new mother. The practice of burning dried neem leaves to create smoke not only kills flies and mosquitoes but also keeps the atmosphere of the sick person's house pure and clean.

Neem as a Blood Purifier and Sugar Controller According to Ayurveda, every person should especially consume the new and tender leaves of neem that grow in the spring season and the fruit of the neem tree, i.e., nimbori, because this not only purifies the blood but also prevents serious diseases caused by common fever, skin diseases, and viruses throughout the year. For this, one should chew 8 to 10 tender neem leaves on an empty stomach in the morning, or when the neem fruits ripen, one should also consume 3 to 4 fruits. This controls high blood sugar. Besides this, drinking a spoonful of fresh leaf juice in the morning is also beneficial for diabetes. Taking a large spoonful of crushed dried neem leaves with dried bael leaves on an empty stomach with lukewarm water also keeps sugar under control.

Neem is Beneficial for Hair and Skin If there is a problem of itching, dandruff, boils, pimples, or any kind of infection on the scalp, the use of neem is beneficial. Applying a paste of fresh neem leaves on the scalp gets rid of all kinds of hair problems. In addition, grinding neem leaves with jujube leaves and applying it on the head not only turns prematurely white hair black but also stops hair fall and shedding, and the hair becomes black, long, and thick. Similarly, neem is a famous and natural remedy for removing prickly heat, boils, pimples, fungal infections between the fingers and toes, ringworm, itching, and acne on the face. A paste of fresh neem leaves or a fresh paste of neem fruit kernels is the best option to get relief from such problems. Applying a paste of fresh neem leaves with yogurt also gets rid of problems like boils, pimples, and ringworm-itching. In addition, massaging the skin with neem leaves ground with camphor also cures skin-related diseases and infections.

Beneficial in Dental and Oral Diseases Neem datun has been used as an alternative to a toothbrush and toothpaste since ancient times. A neem datun not only cleans the teeth well but also keeps the teeth and gums free from diseases and problems by maintaining the pH level of the mouth's saliva and also removes bad breath. Gargling with a decoction of neem flowers works like a natural mouthwash. Brushing teeth with a powder made by drying and grinding neem bark mixed with rock salt and neem oil or mustard oil also makes the gums and teeth healthy and strong.

Special Uses of Neem Every part of the neem tree, whether it is the root, stem, bark, leaves, fruit, or seeds, is extremely useful. Its use as a medicine, pesticide, mosquito repellent, manure, fodder, machine oil, soap, shampoo, paper, toothpaste, toothpowder, contraceptive, and diabetes medicine is effectively useful. Along with the extract of neem leaves, neem oil is also very effective, which is used in traditional medicines and practical cosmetics. The pulp available after extracting oil from the kernels of neem fruit or nimbori is not only used as a soil amendment and fertilizer for the production of crops and vegetables but is also used as animal fodder, which is very beneficial for their health. The honey prepared by bees from neem flowers also has considerable utility from a health point of view. The pleasant fragrance emanating from its flowers and flower oil, being anti-depressant, is also used in aromatherapy. Neem herbal tea is also used to reduce headaches, migraines, and fever. Due to its higher oxygen production compared to other trees, neem plantation is being widely promoted all over the world against global warming and increasing air pollution so that this bitter gift of nature proves to be a boon.