Indian Lilac known as “Neem” in hindi is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India and the Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem trees now also grow in islands located in the southern part of Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil with amazing neem benefits .

Neem leaves are dried in India and placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes, and also in tins where rice is stored. Neem leaves are dried and burnt in the tropical regions to keep away mosquitoes. These flowers are also used in many Indian festivals like Ugadi.

Neem oil is also used for healthy hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels. Neem leaves have also been used to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, etc.

Ayurveda was the first to bring the anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral constituents of the Neem tree to the attention of natural products chemists. The process of extracting neem oil involves extracting the water-insoluble components with ether, petrol ether, ethyl acetate and dilute alcohol.

 

Health benefits of Neem (Indian Lilac)

 

• Controls Diabetes

Indian lilac or neem can be beneficial in controlling blood sugar or helpful in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes. Neem leaf extract contains several compounds that can reduce insulin requirements among diabetic people without any apparent effect on blood glucose levels.

Those who are at a higher risk of developing diabetes can chew 4 or 5 tender neem leaves daily or every other day on an empty stomach to prevent it.

 

• Relieves Arthritis Inflammation

Neem benefits to treat arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its inflammation-reducing and pain-suppressing properties can alleviate pain, inflammation and swelling in the joints.

Boil a handful of neem leaves and flowers in 1 cup of water. Strain and allow it to cool. Drink it twice a day for 1 month for neem benefits to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation.

Regular massage with neem oil is effective in relieving muscle aches and joint pain. A neem oil benefits in reducing lower back pain.

 

• Treats Cancer

Extracts of neem seeds, leaves, flowers and fruits have shown chemo-preventive and antitumor effects in different types of cancer, including cervical and prostate cancer.

Several components as well as antioxidants in neem leaves are beneficial in cancer treatment. Neem can help prevent or treat cancer by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, removing free radicals, blocking hormonal activity and inhibiting cell division.

 

• Reduces conjunctivitis

Boil ten neem leaves in one liter water for about 10-15 minutes. Cool and strain the mixture. Washing the eyes with this liquid reduces pink eye or conjunctivitis. Besides, you can put two drops of neem juice in each eye 2-3 times in a day .

 

• Insect Repellent

Neem provides a nontoxic, environmentally friendly option to chemical insect repellents and flea treatments. It efficiently repels lice, fleas, ticks, mites, ants, and mosquitoes. Research of Azadirachta indica against mosquito.

 

• Neem benefits to get rid of Headache

Applying a paste of ground neem flowers is useful in getting rid of headache.

 

• Cure Asthma with neem oil
  

Asthma can be completely cured by this method. This also helps in controlling phlegm, wheezing, cough, and breathing. Neem benefits a long-term relief from such respiratory disorders when taken regularly.

Take a few drops of neem oil – 3 drops to start with, at the center of the tongue and swallow. Increase the dosage of intake gradually – say 4 drops in the 2nd week, 5 drops in the 3rd week and go up to one tea spoon within six months.

 

• Strengthens the immune system

Drinking mild neem tea once in a day reduces infections. Follow this therapy for about two weeks. If symptoms persist then continue for another two weeks by taking the tea every alternate day.

 

• Treatment of chicken pox

Indian lilac or neem benefits in the treatment of chicken pox by applying neem oil mixed with tea tree oil. In case the mixture is strong, dilute it by adding carrier oil like olive oil.

 

• Heal Fever

Prepare a decoction by boiling neem leaves in a cup of water and add pepper powder in it. Drinking this home medicine can heal fever considerably one of amazing neem benefits.

 

• Earache

Juice extracted from neem (margosa) leaves can be used as ear drops to treat earache naturally at home.

 

Neem benefits for skin (Indian Lilac)

 

• Neem face pack for acnes

Make a paste of neem leaves and turmeric. Apply this pack on your face to treat eruptions, acnes and marks left by acnes. Here are 10 amazing almond face pack for glowing and beautiful skin.

• Blood Purifier

Neem, being a purifying agent, clears toxins from the blood. This amazing health benefit of neem can keep you safe from acne, skin irritations and much more. It also controls the formation of free radicals.

 

• Neem face pack lightens Skin Pigmentation

Neem benefits to get rid of pigmentation and blemishes on the skin, mix neem powder, with tulsi powder, sandalwood powder and rose water to make a fine paste. Apply the paste on your face and let it dry before you wash it off with cold water. Regular usage will help in lightening the blemishes.

 

• For Dark Circles

Neem benefits in reducing the pigmentation as well as acts as a moisturizing agent, it is the perfect solution to this problem. Just make a paste of water and neem powder and apply it around the eyes. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Do this every day to see the difference.

 

• Treats Nail Problems

If you are suffering from common nail problems like splintering and peeling of nails, then neem oil is the best solution. Neem benefits in making your nails strong, thus preventing them from peeling or becoming brittle. Just massage your nails and cuticles with a few drops of neem oil and that is all that is required to get healthy nails.

 

Hair benefits of Neem (Indian Lilac)

 

• Treat Baldness

Applying neem paste regularly into your scalps can restore the hair and reduce your baldness. The neems have special treatment properties for baldness and stimulate the growth hormones for regaining your hair back.

 

• Prevents Head Lice

Using Indian lilac oil helps in getting rid of the problem of head lice. Not only this, it also reduces the problem of scalp inflammation and itching very effectively.

 

• Prevent hair fall and hair loss

For healthy scalps, apply Henna on your hair regularly which should be prepared along with 2 teaspoonof neem powder, 1 teaspoon of yogurt, lemon, black tea, The Henna will help in moisturising your hair while the neem will keep your scalp healthy.