Nim, Kadulimb, Veppillai, Vepu, many names for one wonder tree-Neem. This plant has also been given many names in Sanskrit. Each one highlighting the many qualities of the tree. One of the names is Arista which means perfect, complete and imperishable. Another name for the tree is NimbatiSyasthyamdatiwhich means the tree which gives good health. Our texts also call this tree as “SarvaRogaNivarini” which means the tree that cures all ailments.
Neem has been in use in the Indian subcontinent since 4th century BC. It finds a mention in many ayurvedic texts like the Arthashastra, Charakasamhita, SushrutaSamhita, Upavanavinod etc.
Uses of the Neem tree
You would have seen Neem leaves hung outside houses, a person infected with measles is swished regularly with Neem leaves, on certain festivals we make dishes that has Neem flowers in it. So, why is this bitter tasting tree so revered by people in India by people and Ayurvedic practitioners alike? What makes it outstanding and what are its uses? The medicinal uses of neem are never-ending. Listed are a few of them.
- Antibacterial in nature
- Antioxidant
- Detoxifies the body
- Increases immunity
- Gives relief from joint pain
- Prevents gastrointestinal diseases
- Purifies the blood
- Balances the Kapha and Pitta dosha
- Treats fungal infections and wounds
- Exfoliates and nourishes skin
- Effective in treating malaria
Neem decoded by science
Our ancestors knew one thing that there is something in this bitter tasting wonder tree that cures diseases. This research which talks about the history of neem and its uses in modern science. Today science has also accepted neem as a super-medicine. Research has shown that neem contains alkaloids and limonoids. These are present in large quantities in neem and they have numerous medicinal properties. For example, a limonoid called azadirachtin is found to be 95% effective against pests and insects. Another limonoidgedunin treats malaria. Alkaloids like nimbin and nimbidin have antiviral and antifungal properties.
This study talks in detail about the components in neem that are curative in nature.
Now let us have a look at how Neem helps with detoxification and building immunity. But before that let us understand the terms detoxification and immunity.
What is detoxification?
Detoxification in simple words is resting, cleansing and nourishing your body from the inside. The six organs of the body that need detox are liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, lymph and colon. The toxins or harmful materials get accumulated in these six organs.
Among these, the liver is called the natural detoxifier of the body. It purifies the blood and eliminates the toxins. The liver also eliminates the toxins that we ingest through natural and chemical sources.
What is immunity?
Immunity is the body’s ability to fight diseases. A strong immune system ensures that the body is protected against seasonal changes, viruses and other disease-causing germs.
Detoxification and immunity in Ayurveda
Ayurveda classifies the toxins in our body into three categories Ama, Amavisha and Garvisha. Amais the most common of all the toxins. It is produced in the digestive tract when the foods we eat is not digested properly. Ama, when not eliminated, travels to the weak areas and settles there. It disrupts the flow of nutrients to that particular area and also hinders the body’s natural waste removal system. Amavishais a more complex form of Ama and is very harmful. Garvishais the toxins that we ingest from the external environment. This includes both natural and chemical toxins.
According to Ayurveda the functioning of our immune system can be directly correlated to the levels of toxins in our body. When toxins are high they disrupt the flow of nutrients and weaken the organs thus making us susceptible to diseases. Likewise, a body free of toxins ensures that organs are functioning perfectly and thus we have a strong immune system.
Neem- aiding detoxification and boosting immunity
Since time immemorial people in India have been consuming Neem leaves for detoxification.
Scientifically speaking the alkaloids and/or limonoids in the Neem leaves help to eliminate toxins especially from the liver. If you look at it from the Ayurvedic perspective the Neem leaves help in eliminating amafrom the body.
So, when amaand toxins are eliminated from the body the immune system naturally is improved and our body is protected from diseases.
So, this one medicine has a two-pronged benefit of not only eliminating toxins but also boosting the immune system.
Neem from Vedi
Why go to a doctor, when you have an herb which is SarvaRogaNivarini. With this thought in mind, Vedi Herbals is introducing a new supplement “NEEM”. This product has the pure extract of neem leaves in capsule form. Regular intake of Neem can benefit us immensely. Apart from detoxification and boosting immunity intake of neem has many more benefits which have been mentioned here in detail.
Neem from Vedi is available in tablet form. You can consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or the doctor at Vedi for dosage recommedations.
Be RogaMukt by taking in the SarvaRogaNivarini!