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Knowledge of the
virtues of the Neem tree
(Azadirachta
indica
A. Juss)
is deeply
embedded in Indian culture. In fact the Neem tree has earned the title
'The Village Pharmacy' because of the part it has played over 4000
years in treating a wide variety of ailments. Preparations of Neem
leaves, seeds and oil were traditionally made for their distinct health
promoting and protective properties and are referred to in early Sanskrit
writings.
In today's modern India, Neem is still
the treatment of preference for many, even when they have access to modern
medicines. Neem leaves
are often picked and stored along with grain, or placed under mattresses
to repel insects. Wounds are bathed in water boiled with neem leaves.
Twigs of the neem tree are used daily by about 600 million people as a
'natural' toothbrush ( Neem is currently undergoing extensive research
with reference to its effectiveness in combating periodontal disease).
Paste made from neem leaves is used to treat scabies, head lice, fungal
infections and chicken pox. Powdered neem leaf is used in the main to
stave off or treat fungal infections, eg athletes foot, nappy rash - or as
a general deodorant.
Neem is recognised to have powerful antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties . This is why it is used
in the manufacture of Neem Skin Cream, and other preparations for
the relief of skin problems, such as acne, athletes' foot and other fungal
conditions, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, dandruff, scalp scaling, mouth
ulcers and conditions, head lice, thrush, herpes, etc.
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