Organic Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica)

Family: Meliaceae

Common Names: Indian Lilac, Nimtree, Margosa Tree

Botanical Description: Neem is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 50 to 65 feet in height. It has a straight trunk with a rough, fissured bark. The leaves are compound, consisting of 20 to 30 medium to dark green leaflets that are sharply serrated. Neem produces small, fragrant, white to pale yellow flowers in clusters. The fruit is a smooth, olive-like drupe that turns yellow when ripe, containing a single seed. The leaves, seeds, bark, and other parts of the neem tree are used in traditional medicine.

Habitat and Cultivation: Native to the Indian subcontinent, neem is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. It thrives in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. Neem is often grown in home gardens, along roadsides, and on plantations for its medicinal and agricultural uses.

Parts Used: Leaves (also seeds, bark, and oil are used medicinally)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Neem has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is known as "Sarva Roga Nivarini," meaning "the curer of all ailments." It has been revered for its ability to treat a wide range of health issues, from skin conditions to infections and digestive disorders. In Indian folklore, neem is considered a sacred tree, and its leaves were traditionally hung over doorways to ward off evil spirits and protect the home. Neem leaves have also been used in religious ceremonies and rituals for their purifying properties.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Bitter, astringent

Medicinal Actions:

• Antimicrobial: Fights bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the skin, digestive system, and joints.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.
• Antiparasitic: Expels intestinal worms and other parasites.
• Immunomodulatory: Supports and enhances immune function.
• Detoxifying: Helps to cleanse the blood and liver, promoting overall detoxification.

System Affinities:

• Skin: Neem leaves are commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in soothing irritated skin and promoting healing.
• Digestive System: Neem is used to support digestive health, treat ulcers, and expel intestinal parasites. It helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote healthy digestion.
• Immune System: Neem’s immunomodulatory effects make it useful in supporting the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
• Oral Health: Neem leaves are traditionally used in oral care to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. It is often used in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations for its antibacterial properties.
• Joints: Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis.

Active Compounds:

• Azadirachtin: A key compound in neem with potent insecticidal and antiparasitic properties. It also contributes to neem’s antimicrobial effects.
• Nimbin and Nimbidin: Compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Tannins: Astringent compounds that contribute to neem’s ability to tighten tissues and reduce inflammation.
• Limonoids: Compounds that have been shown to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Uses:

1. Skin Care: Neem leaves are widely used in creams, lotions, and poultices to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections. It soothes irritated skin, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
2. Digestive Health: Neem is used to support digestive health, treat ulcers, and expel intestinal parasites. It can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form for these purposes.
3. Immune Support: Neem leaves are consumed to boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections, particularly bacterial and viral infections. Neem can be taken as a tea or in supplement form.
4. Oral Health: Neem is traditionally used in oral care to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Neem leaf powder or neem sticks are often used for brushing teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.
5. Joint Health: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, neem is used to reduce pain and inflammation in joints, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis. Neem can be applied topically or taken internally to support joint health.

Cautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Neem should be avoided during pregnancy, as it may induce miscarriage due to its potential uterine-stimulating effects. It is also recommended to avoid neem during breastfeeding unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Infants and Young Children: Neem oil and high doses of neem leaves are not recommended for infants and young children due to the potential for toxicity.
• Liver Function: While neem is detoxifying, it should be used with caution in individuals with compromised liver function, as high doses may put stress on the liver.
• Blood Sugar Levels: Neem may lower blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes or those taking blood sugar-lowering medications should monitor their levels closely and consult a healthcare provider.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of neem, supporting its traditional use in treating skin conditions and infections .
2. Research in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated the antiparasitic and immunomodulatory properties of neem, validating its use in treating intestinal worms and boosting immune function .
3. Another study in Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research explored the benefits of neem in oral health, confirming its effectiveness in preventing gum disease and tooth decay.