Neem (Yin Lian Ye)

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Native to India, neem has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, periodontal disease, gastric ulcers, head lice, wounds, and urinary tract infections. It is an effective blood, liver, and kidney cleansing herb and can be used externally to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, wounds, and skin ulcers.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Neem: “The Village Pharmacy” that Cools.

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of neem, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of neem.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Bark, Leaf, Seed, Oil. Less Frequently: Root, Flower, Fruit.

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Cooling

Caution: Considered safe if used properly, however large doses used over long periods of time may harm the kidneys or liver. Not recommended for pregnant women or infants and children internally. Neem oil should only be used externally.

Key Constituents: Azadirachtin, NLGP (Neem Leaf Glycoprotein), Nimbidin, Fatty acids (Including: Oleic, Stearic, Palmitic, and Linoleic acids), Limonoids, Gedunin, Salannin, Quercetin, Polyphenols, Sterols, Tannins, Triterpenoids, Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Carotene, Amino acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E

History/Folklore: Neem has been long used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat and cleanse the liver, blood, and the kidneys. There are records dating back over several hundred years pointing to the plant’s deep history as a healing and rejuvenating herb. Over 140 diverse compounds have been isolated from various parts of the plant giving neem its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, and wound healing properties.

The Latin name comes from the Persian words, ‘Azad’ meaning free and ‘dirakht’ meaning tree. The botanical word ‘indica’ means India. The botanical name translates as a “free tree native to India.” It is a tree that can be found growing in neighborhoods and all around, making it a highly available and free medicinal plant.

At the root of Ayurvedic medicine is Siddha medicine, one of the world’s oldest medical systems dating back 10,000 to 4,000 B.C. Neem is recorded in some of the texts from this period. It was used to prevent smallpox and other infectious diseases, ward off evil spirits, treat bile disorders, paralysis, psychiatric disorders, and ulcers. The definition of Siddha medicine is “that which ensures prevention against mortality”. It was used to heal the body and promote mental and spiritual health.

In Indian history and culture, the neem tree is rich in spiritual significance. It is a symbol of health and according to Hindu mythology, the neem tree was born from the drops of Amrita (the elixir of immortality) sprinkled on Earth by divine beings known as Devas.

NLGP (Neem Leaf Glycoprotein), found in neem, is a purified form of protein that slows the growth of tumor cells. Instead of targeting cancer cells directly, the protein modulates the immune cells in the cancer environment and blood, thereby inhibiting further cancer growth.

The active compound azadirachtin fights parasites, including lice. The compound disrupts parasite growth by interfering with reproduction and other cellular processes. The compound nimbidin, found in neem oil, aids the treatment of dandruff due to fungal buildup on the scalp.

Neem contains liminoids that have been found to target malaria-infected cells as effectively as conventional treatments using chloroquine.

The leaf is used for treating leprosy, bloody nose, intestinal worms, eye disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fevers, gum disease, and liver problems. They are also used for birth control and to cause abortions. Juice extracted from the leaves can be used to soak bandages to help heal wounds and prevent infection.

Neem twigs are used for treating coughs, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary tract disorders and diabetes. Neem seeds and oil are traditionally used to treat leprosy and intestinal worms. Inside the vagina, they are used to prevent pregnancy and cause abortions. Neem oil is also used for its calming effects. The stem, root bark, and fruit are used as a tonic and astringent. The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms. The bark includes potent antibacterial properties and is used for treating malaria, skin diseases, fever, brain disorders, intestinal ulcers, and reducing pain. The fruit has a sweet tasting pulp. The fresh twigs are chewed to promote dental health. The “cake”, the pulpy substance leftover after the oil has been extracted from the seeds, is used as a fertilizer and mulch to help discourage mildew and rust. It is also used as livestock fodder.

Neem oil has been applied directly to the skin to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds, and skin ulcers. It also repels mosquitos.

Neem has antacid properties that help to counter excessive stomach acids that can cause ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, and aid the absorption of nutrients in the body.

In China, there are now over 14 million neem trees being cultivated in Yunnan province. The plant’s are used medicinally and for insect pest control.

Neem continues to be studied for its many abilities, including the possibility of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. The initial reporting has been strongly positive for this application.

Studies have found that on a sweltering day, the temperature under a neem tree can be at least 10 degrees cooler than being in direct sunlight. Though cultivated in tropical climates it grows well in arid regions with little rainfall and can even withstand drought. Neem oil, besides repelling mosquitoes and lice, is an excellent herbicide. It is effective against mites, aphids, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and whiteflies. The oil can also be used as a fungicide to treat powdery mildew, black spot, and sooty mold.

Neem’s sticky bark resin is commonly used as a glue. Neem is a good clean burning firewood, although given its medicinal and other practical applications, it is more valuable as a living tree.

Neem oil is banned in Canada due to the fact that it has never been registered as a pesticide.