Neem (Vembu) – Azadirachta indica

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree which belongs to Meliaceae family. Neem is native to India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan, growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions.

In India, Neem tree is variously known as “Divine Tree,” “Heal All,” “Nature’s Drugstore,” and “Village Pharmacy“.

Neem leaves with flower

The neem tree is one of the most versatile of India’s plants. Valued for centuries throughout tropical Asia for its multitude of medicinal and other uses, it has ­recently attracted attention in the United States as an effective botanical insecticide.

In East Africa it is known asMuarubaini (Swahili), which means the tree of the 40, as it is said to treat 40 different diseases.

Names:

Vembu (Tamil)

Neem(English)

Neem (Hindi)

Nimba (Sanskrit)

Arya Veppu  (Malayalam)

Vepu, Vempu (Telugu)

Bevu (Kannada)

Types of Neem:

Vembu, Karu Vembu, Sarkarai Vembu, Malai Vembu.

Part used:

Leaf, Flower, Unripe fruit, Fruit, Seed, Oil, Stem bark, Root Bark, Stem and Resin .

Common Uses:

Neem is a source of environment-friendly bio-pesticides.  It can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, including Leprosy, Intestinal worms, Fevers, Chicken pox , Skin disorders, Jaiundice ,  Skin ulcers, Piles, Diabetics, Scabies.

Principle Constituents:

The bitter compounds nimbin, nimbinin, nimbolide, nimbidic acid and nimbidin are present in the neem oil . The seeds contain a complex secondary metabolite azadirachtin. Neem Gum is a rich source of protein.

Medicinal uses:

• Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms and creams, for example Neem soap).
• Neem is useful for skin care such as acne treatment, and keeping skin elasticity.
• Neem oil has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent.
• Practitioners of traditional Indian medicine recommend that patients suffering from chicken pox sleep on Neem leaves.
• Aqueous extracts of Neem leaves have demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential.
• A decoction prepared from Neem roots is ingested to relieve fever.
• Neem is effectiveness in treating infestations of head lice in humans.
• A tea made of boiled Neem leaves, sometimes combined with other herbs such as ginger, can be ingested to fight intestinal worms.

In SIDDHA medicine:

• Powder of tender leaves and mature leaves of Vembu is mixed with omam and salt and taken for a period is useful for Kamalai (jaundice), Night blindness, Alopecia and Dysentry.
• Vembu leaves and Manjal are grinded together and make it into paste and apply for Skin diseases and Chicken pox. It is very effective treatment.
• Vembu flowers are added, when milagu rasam is prepared, It is very useful for vomitting, tastelessness and Ulcers.
• Dried unripe fruit of Vembu is useful for Fever.
• The seeds of Vembu are making into paste and apply it for Chronic Ulcers. It will cure.
• Vembu seed oil is useful for Arthritis and Skin diseases.
• Vembu pattai thylum is useful for Vatha diseases, Sinusitis, Ear diseases, when the oil is apply over the head and take bath.
• Malai Vembu is useful for women’s infertility.