Thanks for the info. If we chew the budding(new) leaves of neem & eat the fruits(nimbolies) there will be no issues of skin problems. more  

Medicinal use of Neem Traditionally Neem was used in Ayurveda for a number of conditions. It is one of the main ingredients in every blood purification formula used in Ayurveda and it appears in most Diabetic formulas as well. It is also used for arthritis, rheumatism, the removal of external and internal parasites, including malaria and fevers and as an insect repellent. Neem possesses anti-diabetic, antibacterial and antipyretic (fever reducing) properties. Neem is used for a wide range of ailments including flu, fever, sore throat, cold, fungal infections, skin diseases, malaria and many more ailments. The main medicinal use of different parts of neem in Ayurveda are: Medicinal use of NEEM in Ayurveda Part Medicinal Use Leaf Leprosy, skin problems, skin ulcers, intestine worms, anorexia, eye problems, epistaxis, biliousness Bark Analgesic, curative of fever Flower Elimination of intestine worms, phlegm, bile suppression, Fruit Diabetes, eye problem, piles, intestine worms, urinary disorder, wounds, leprosy, epistaxis Twig Asthma, cough, piles, intestine worms, obstinate urinary disorder, phantom tumor, spermatorrhoea Gum Scabies, wounds, ulcer, skin diseases Seed Intestine worms and leprosy Oil Intestine worms, skin diseases and leprosy Root Refrigerant, diutretic According to Ayurveda, it is useful in treating all sorts of Pitta, Kapha and Vatic disorders. It should be consumed early in morning on empty stomach for 15 days during the end of winter till the starting of summer season. This prevents most of the diseases through out the year. Under no circumstance should Neem products be taken by pregnant women. Modern Research (i) Neem's Effects against Bacteria: There have been a number of clinical studies showing that Neem has significant effects on several bacterial strains. Among some of the more prominent strains studied were staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pyogenes, cornebacterium, E. coli, and salmonella typhosa. These bacteria’s can cause meningitis, cystitis, sore throats, typhoid, blood poisoning, and food poisoning. Neem's ability to exert significant effects over the above mentioned bacterial strains indicates it’s ability to resolve the aforementioned conditions. (ii) Neem's Effects against Viruses: There are certain compounds in Neem that demonstrate a unique ability to surround viruses, which prevents them from causing infection. Neem also inhibits viral multiplication by interacting with the surface of the cells to prevent the cell from becoming infected by the virus. Neem has been observed to be effective against a number of viral pathogens in various clinical studies demonstrating it contains unique properties to inhibit viral disease. Neem is one of just a few known antiviral agents. Chickenpox, shingles, herpes, and hepatitis are viral conditions, which have been successfully treated, in clinical studies by Neem’s therapeutic compounds. The uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu’s can be relieved during seasonal changes by the regular consumption of Neem Leaf capsules, extract, or tea. (iii) Neem's Effects against Fungi: India's tropical climate especially in the coastal regions creates the kind of humid hot house atmosphere that funguses thrive in. Traditionally, in Ayurveda, Neem seed oil, aqueous extracts of Neem leaf, Neem leaf powder, the smoke from burning dried Neem leaves, and Neem leaf pastes have been used for the prevention and treatment of fungal conditions in India. Athlete's foot, ringworm, and Candida, which causes vaginal yeast infections and thrush, are some of the more common fungi that attack humans. There are two medicinal compounds in the Neem leaf, gedunin and nimbidol, which have been clinically proven to control these fungi. Jock itch, another fungi that attacks humans, has been treated traditionally in India for thousands of years with Neem seed oil and aqueous extracts of Neem leaf. Creating medicinal smoke by burning dried Neem leaves, is an ancient practice in Ayurveda for purifying the atmosphere around a seriously ill patient. A clinical study examining the efficacy of this ancient practice found that smoke from burning dried Neem leaves exerted an extreme suppression of fungal growth and germination. Amongst the thousands of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in India, modern clinical research has now proven that Neem extracts contain some of the most powerful antifungal compounds against certain fungi. (iv) Neem's Effects against Parasites: Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem to rid the body of all forms of parasites. Simple aqueous extracts of Neem leaves have been the standard treatment for external parasitic infestation without any side effects throughout India. Neem’s effectiveness against parasites is due to compounds that mimic hormones. This activity interrupts the life cycle of parasites by inhibiting the ability of the parasites to feed, and preventing parasite eggs from hatching. Neem has demonstrated these effects against lice, and against itch mites which cause scabies. Intestinal worms are treated and prevented throughout the tropics by regular consumption of Neem teas. Neem has both curative and preventative effects on the Malaria parasite the methods for accomplishing this are as varied as the active ingredients in Neem. There are two compounds in Neem, which are clinically proven to be as effective against the malarial parasite as both quinine and chloroquine; they are gedunin, a limonoid and quercetin, a flavonoid. The leaves can be chewed and consumed on a daily basis as a preventative like quinine and Neem leaf extracts are clinically proven to be as effective as chloroquine against the malarial parasite. There is still another study, which shows that Neem leaf extracts prevent the normal development of the malarial plasmodia by increasing the state of oxidation in the red blood cells. One of the most impressive accomplishments of Neem against parasites is its effectiveness against encephalitis. (v) Neem's Effect against Skin diseases : Eczema: In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema. Using a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil can easily relieve the itching and redness of eczema. Acne: Neem effectively ills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne. Skin problems: Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts are other conditions that can be effectively resolved by the use of soaps, lotions, and creams, containing Neem leaf extracts and oil. Grind neem leaves and turmeric together and apply the paste on the face to remove dark spots. (vi) Neem's effectiveness against Periodontal Disease: Throughout India village people use Neem twigs and leaves to brush their teeth, and keep their gums free of disease and infection even though they have limited access to modern dental care. The ancient Ayurvedic practice of using Neem to heal and rejuvenate gum tissue and to prevent cavities and gum disease is verified in modern clinical studies. (vii) Neem’s effects on the immune system: According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda the bark of the Neem tree will strengthen an individuals resistance to disease. Modern clinical studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate immune system functions. There are immunomodulatory polysaccharide compounds, especially present in Neem bark, that apparently increase antibody production. (viii) Treatment for several diseases: Heart Disease: Including high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, and Arrhythmia/rapid heart beat. Blood Disorders: Including poor circulation, blood poisoning, and kidney problems. Digestive Disorders: Including heartburn/indigestion, peptic/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and hemorrhoids. Nervous Disorders: Including anxiety, epilepsy, and hives. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital/vaginal warts, candidacies, and urinary tract infections. As far as AIDS is concerned the immunomodulatory properties of Neem appear to enhance cell-mediated immune response in people who are HIV positive but who do not have full blown AIDS. Jaundice and Hepatitis: Drink the diluted juice of the tender neem leaves with a tea spoon of honey to flush out toxins in liver disorders. Neem is anti-pruritic, thermogenic, tonic, stomachic and abdominal movement controller. 2 teaspoon of Neem leaves juice with honey is indicated to accelerate the process of cure. Birth Control: Works for Men and Women. It is said that neem might be the solution for birth control in men as experiments have shown it can make sperm infertile without affecting sex drive or impeding the sperm count. Respiratory disorder: Decoction of Neem bark is used as anti-tussive in dry cough. Dried Neem leaves powder given daily in 1 gm dose twice a day with honey suppresses cough. Neem oil 5-10 drops given with 2 tablespoon of sugar once a day for 15 days helps in tropical Eosinophilia. The expectorant, depurative and antiseptic properties of Neem attribute to cure cough. Diabetes: Neem being biter, stomachic, anti-pruritic, and revitalize works wonders in this disease. One table spoon of Neem leaves juice approximately 5 ml taken early in the morning on empty stomach for 3 months is helpful in diabetes. 10 Neem leaves chewed or powder taken daily in the morning also controls diabetes. Cancer: Neem being depurative purifies the blood and being an astringent decreases the body heat. Chewing of 10 to 20 Neem leaves early morning with warm water is helpful. Leprosy and Leucoderma: 10 drops of Neem oil mixed with 1 teaspoon sugar twice a day acts as a supportive part of treatment. The anti-leprotic action of Neem works. Allergy: 8 to 10 fresh Neem leaves are to be eaten early morning on an empty stomach. This helps in purifying blood and controls the allergic condition. It is used also in Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Conjunctivitis, Allergies, Bad Breath, Hangover, Stress, Insomnia, Smoking, and on and on. (ix) Treatment for AIDS: The National Institutes of Health reported positive results from a 1993 study using neem to kill the AIDS virus in a lab. The suggested pathway is via neem’s immune modulating polysaccharide compounds that may cause increased antibody production. Further research is underway. (x) Diabetes: Neem has been shown to reduce insulin in the blood. The Indian Government allows the sale of neem for this purpose. Dosage as small as one tablespoon a day can reduce insulin levels by 50%. Modern Studies: 1. Anti hyerglycemic activity of neem leaf extracts was observed in experimental studies on non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus -induced rats. 2. Antifertility effects of aqueous and steroidal extract of neem leaf were observed observed in an experimntal study in West Indies. 3. Immunomodulatory effects of NIM-76, a volatile fraction of neem oil were found in experimental study in Delhi. 4. Anti diabetic and antihyperlipemic effects of neem seed powder were observed in experimental studies in Baroda. 5. Neem Seeds found to be a promising coagulant in defluoridation according to a research in Ghana. The plot of the fluoride conc. levels of neem seeds as coagulants reveals that it has the potential of removing up to 10 mg/L of fluoride in 24 hours. 6. Recently it is found that neem trees have been hit by a plant virus called root-knot nematode, which destroys trees by killing off their roots. Worse, this virus is spreading among other trees also. Experts treating the trees are unable to ascertain how the trees caught the virus. Neem Extracts and Oils Neem extract contains the concentrated form of active or principle compounds found in neem. Method of Neem Extraction: Industrial scale neem extraction process make use of solvents such as alcohol, ether, and hydrocarbons instead of water. Aqueous extracts are said to work nearly as well as others. Aqueous Neem Extraction : Powdered seeds, kernels or leaves are soaked overnight in water and the next morning the extract is strained through a piece of cloth; the desired volume of concentrated extract can then be used for desired purpose. Aqueous extract is generally rich in water soluble amino acids, pigments, soluble bitters and carbohydrates. Solvent Neem Extraction : Organic solvents such as alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide and ethers are also used to manufacture high concentration extracts. The choice of solvent and temperature and time determine the efficiency of extraction. Neem oil is a versatile natural vegetable oil extracted from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a renewable resource native to eastern India and Burma. It kills insects, mites and fungi, and is said to repel mosquitoes. It's hardly a new product, having been used for medicinal and agricultural applications for more than 4,000 years. Neem Honey In India, neem trees are a major source of honey bee forage. Honey obtained from the Neem tree has more medicinal properties. Neem honey is composed primarily of water, fructose and glucose (22.88%), sucrose (7.46%), ash (0.06%), free acid (20.8 meg/kg). The honey is light amber in color, and its viscosity is low. The taste is good although slightly bitter. Neem honey improves eye sight and is harmless for diabetic patients. It is also used to treat eye disorder by applying as netranjan (eye-liner). It is very beneficial in care of burning sensation of the body. One teaspoon to 2 teaspoon twice a day may be given. Since Neem is believed to be a great blood purifier and good for the eyes, Neem honey is highly valued. Uses of Neem Neem extracts can be used in different industries like agricultural industry, herbal industry, pharmaceutical industry to manufacture quality natural products. Neem extracts have a high medicinal value, they are used to cure a number of diseases such as: Malaria Prevention: Drinking neem teas or chewing a couple of leaves every day reduces the possibility of contracting malaria a mosquito-born fever. Extracts obtained by a water and acetone combination are even more effective than plain neem tea. more  

Can someone kindly summarize this for me in English please? more  

Thank you sir, for the very useful tips. more