My Vedic Life

What is Neem:

Neem is a tree that grows in tropical regions such as India and Myanmar. The bark, leaves, and seeds are used to make medicine. Less often, the root, flower, and fruit are also used. (More Details)

How is it prepared and available:

Neem is sold in capsule, tincture, powder, oil, cream, and mouthwash forms. While neem oil is generally applied to the scalp or skin to treat conditions like dandruff and acne, the extract of the neem leaf is typically taken orally. In some cases, the bark, flowers, and fruit of the neem tree are also used medicinally.

What are its benefits:

• Applying a gel containing neem leaf extract to the teeth or using a neem mouthwash can reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth. 
• Dandruff can be caused by dry skin, a fungal infection, contact dermatitis, or other skin conditions. Neem oil’s natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties may help treat the underlying cause of a flaking scalp and relieve symptoms.
• Neem oil may be helpful in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Neem flowers can be used to treat anorexia, nausea, belching and intestinal worms.
• Neem leaves are good for the eyes and useful in treating skin disease and headaches.
• Applying neem oil cream to the skin seems to protect against some types of mosquitos.

Ayurvedic Properties of Neem:

• It balances "Pitta" and "Kapha" doshas.
• It is used in the treatment of Vata disorders like thirst, cough, fever, worms, anorexia, wounds. Kapha disorders like the treatment of nausea, vomiting, leprosy, and diabetes.
• Leaves of neem are good for the eyes, used for treating Kapha, Pitta dosha, and poisoning, aggravates Vata dosha, and beneficial for all types of anorexia and leprosy.
• Neem undergoes "Katu" pungent taste conversion after digestion and has cold potency. It is used to control digestive fire and it is not good for the heart. The "Guna" i.e. quality of neem is "laghu" (lightness).
• According to Charaka Samhita, "Kandhughna" - a Group of herbs used for treating itching and skin troubles.
• According to Charaka Samhita, "Tiktaskanda" - Group of herbs that is bitter in taste.