The Neem tree is very well known for its medical properties and every part of the plant is used in ayurvedic medicines, the bark and the leaves being in breater use.
The bark is astringent a form of bitters, an anti – periodic, and has cooling properties. The fruit is emollient and acts as a laxative. The leaves possess blood purifying and antiseptic properties.
The decoction prepared from the leaves works as an antiseptic lotion and is used for dressing wounds and ulcers. Those who are suffering from blood impurities have a bath with this decoction where soap is contra indicated.
Poultices prepared from boiled leaves are applied on swellings. In the rural areas even today fresh juice of neem leaves, given in doses of 1 to 2 ozs. Prevents puerperal sepsis. It increases appetite, relieves debility, promotes normal bleeding and strengthens the uterus.
In cases of gonorrhoea, when there is external swelling, the boiled leaves can be applied, otherwise a patient is asked to have a tub bath. This relieves the pain and brings clear urine without any difficulty.
There are many prescriptions for blood impurities in which the internal bark of the tree is used.
Neem trees planted near dwellings have a prophylactic effect against malaria. Its antimalarial properties have been acknowledged by top-ranking research workers. Many European writers have found it useful I the treatment of intermittent fever and they have described its effect as akin to that of cinchona.
The bark, in the form of powder or decoction or fluid extract, is given in cases of fever. The decoction with a little black pepper and chiretta is a well known remedy for fever.
Oil prepared from the neem known as Nimbadi oil, given in doses of 10 drops with fresh milk once a day, has been found effective at the beginning of leprosy.
Oil extracted from the fruits is used for application in the case of scabies, itching, blood impurities and ulcers.
From the neem flower confections are made. These are very useful in soothing, healing and removing blood impurities.
Today from the neem tree is very useful in dyspepsia, general debility, chronic skin diseases and even in early stages of consumption.
A vast majority of people use the tender twigs of the tree even today as a toothbrush. It helps maintain dental health and keeps the mouth and breath clean and sweet.
About half an ounce of leaves mixed with camphor and asafetida (4 grains each) and ¼ tola of jaggery (gur) at bedtime is clained to act as a prophylactic during epidemics.
