THE BITTER – BETTER NEEM LEAVES
Our life journey travels with different experiences like the different taste in the food. Is it possible to stop anything that happens?
When I was round 13, I remember one evening I went to my relation’s home and was chatting with my friends. I don’t know how the time passed. And it got around nine at night for me to reach my home. Lot of chats and fun…and I happily entered my home, my grandma was waiting for me and rebuked me very badly for coming late. That day was a bitter day for me. Years passed… now my growing son made me realize that sometimes bitter too is needed in our life…bitterness makes our life better later…Coming back to Bitter – Better neem leaves…
Neem is a renowned medicinal herb that’s been a part of conventional treatment that date back almost 4000 years ago. Neem tree is a large eternal tree that grows 15 – 30 meters tall with fresh green leaves and flowers. The word Neem comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Nimba’, that means ‘contributor of good health’.
HISTORY
Neem tree originated from the tropical forests in Burma, India and Sri Lanka. It was also later introduced to parts of Africa, the Caribbean and in South and Central America.
India is the largest producer and exporter of neem extracts all over the world.
Neem is a blooming tree with high medicinal properties that every part of it is useful in some way.
SPRIRITUAL IMPORTANCE
In Indian culture, the neem tree signifies health. In Hinduism, it is believed that the neem tree was first born through the drops of immortality ‘Amrit’, which was showered on the Earth by Gods.
In many Indian festivals, it is considered as sacred and the neem leaves and flowers are used for bath and decoration.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS
It is believed that planting three neem trees in one’s lifetime would open the way to heaven.
The Indian ancient scriptures call neem as ‘Sarva Roga Nivarini’ which means ‘one which cure all ailments or health problem’.
Some Indian mythological stories tells that the Sun took refuge in the neem tree to escape from the powerful demons.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF NEEM
RICH IN ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES
Neem leaves are rich in polyphenolic flavonoid, nimbosterol and liminoids. The flavonoids have antifungal and antibacterial properties that cures sores and scabies.
CONTROLS BLOOD SUGAR
Neem plant contains hypoglycaemic properties that controls the blood sugar level. It prevents the oxidative stress that is caused due to diabetes.
CURES ASTHMA
Taking few drops of neem oil regularly can boost the lungs. It prevents and cures asthma if taken on a daily basis.
CURES EYE PROBLEM
The boiled and cooled neem leaves water can be used to wash the eyes that helps in redness, tiredness or eye irritation.
GOOD FOR HAIR
For dandruff problems, the boiled and cooled neem water can be used for washing your hair after using shampoo. It also prevents head lice due to its antiseptic properties.
GOOD FOR SKIN
The neem paste can be used to treat skin disorders like acne, dark spots, itching and other mild skin diseases. It can also be used to prevent and cure leprosy.
INSECT REPELLENT
Applying neem oil or neem extract cream on the skin helps repel black flies and protect against some types of mosquitos.
GOOD FOR DIGESTION
The neem leaves and fruits are used for treating intestinal worms, haemorrhoid and other digestive problems.
BLOOD PURIFIER
Neem cleanses the whole body and neem oil is a natural blood purifier that promotes good blood circulation. It is also used to balance hormone levels in the body.
ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY
Ecologically, neem is esteemed as a natural air purifier, releasing the oxygen in the air and balances the oxygen level in the atmosphere. The neem plays an important to improve soil fertility, controls soil erosion, salination and floods.
MAINTAINS ORAL HYGIENE
Taking neem leaf or neem water can also cure tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis and dental plaque. A neem twig which is rich in antioxidants makes your teeth whiter, stronger and build up the gums.
PRESERVATION OF FOOD GRAINS
The dried neem leaves can be used as a preservation of food grains like rice, lentils, wheat, etc. It has to be replaced every 2-3 months.
HOW TO TAKE?
Neem Leaves – 4-5 tender leaves once a day(you can chew it) or
Neem Juice – 2-4 teaspoons twice a day.
Neem Churna – ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day with honey
It is good to take them on an empty stomach else before meals.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The neem leaves and its parts are used as medicine, cosmetics, toiletries, fertilizers and insecticide. The neem is used as a medicine to balance Pitta aggravations. It is good to take the neem in moderation otherwise it gives possible side effects. Even though neem is bitter, it provides better results to our health.
“The bitter in life is better than the sweet”
“Bitter experiences toughen you”