Neem The Miracle Tree

Neem - The Miracle Tree
T
he Neem tree is indigenous to India. Indians have revered the neem tree
for a very long time. To millions of Indians neem has miraculous powers.
For centuries people of India have used neem twigs for cleaning their teeth,
treated skin infections with neem leaf juice, used it as a tonic and kept away bugs
with different neem extracts.It also formed part of several rituals.The tree has
been used in curing so many ailments that it has been called ‘the village pharmacy’.
Neem Kernel
Kernel is the inner part of the neem seed.
It is the richest source of neem oil and is
used widely in agriculture. It is used for
preparing bio-pesticides, insecticides etc.
It is also used to manufacture skin products.
Its extracts are used in the preparation of
ayurvedic medicines and also to protect
cattle from ticks and lice.
Neem Roots
They are used to manufacture medicines and drugs
for curing different ailments and are also used as
an active ingredient in medicines, meant for killing
worms in human body. The root extracts are used
to manufacture oils curing sinusitis and are used in
toothpastes and tooth powders as the antibacterial
and germicidal properties help to keep dental
hygiene and prevent diseases.
The neem seed has the maximum number of
compounds with curative properties. It is used
to manufacture effective pesticides, as seeds
have the highest content of azadirachtin. They
are used for livestock production, wildlife food,
manufacturing facial creams, bodylotions and
other cosmetics, preparing drugs and medicines
and in hair care products.
Uses of
parts of the
Neem Tree
Neem Bark
A popular ingredient in a number of herbal
medicines, the neem bark is used in manufacturing
herbal teas with curative properties. It also has
insecticidal properties in it and is utilised in
manufacturing herbal pesticides and insecticides.
It is considered to be effective in curing gum
problems and maintaining dental health naturally.
Its powder and extracts are used in treating fevers.
Supported by
Neem Seed
Oxfam Trust
Oxfam Trust in India is part of Oxfam International
Neem Gum
Neem has been commercially tapped for
using its gum which is of use in large number
of industries. It is used in facial masks, lotions,
soaps, tooth paste, tooth powders, antiseptic
creams, tablet binders and coaters. It isused as an
adhesive for strengthening paper. It is also utilised
in dyeing and printing of fabrics. Sometimes it is
also used as a stabilizing and thickening agent.
Neem Leaves
Neem leaves find a number of uses to prevent, cure
and treat a number of diseases and ailments. They
are used as a potent cure for acne, pimples,
blemishes. A large number of herbal product
manufacturers make extensive use of neem leaves
to make medicated herbal facial creams, lotions,
syrups for dermatological problems. Neem leaves
are of tremendous use in the agricultural industry.
JANHIT
FOUNDATION
[email protected]
www.janhitfoundation.in
Lemongrass – The Wonder Herb
L
emongrass belongs to the Cymbopogan genus and is a member of the
Poaceae family of grasses. The scientific name of Lemongrass is
Cymbopogan citratus. Lemongrass has green pseudostems, slightly narrower
leaves and the smell emitted on crushing its leaves is vastly different to Citronella.
Thus, though the two grasses belong to the same family, a difference
between the two can be easily ascertained. The grass is a ‘must have’ in any
medicinal or fragrant garden.
Medicinal uses
It has good effects on the body. It can help
significantly in detoxifying the organs in the digestive
system like the pancreas, kidney, bladder and liver.
This is made possible because it aids in cutting down
the cholesterol, uric acid and toxins in the system.
At the same time, this helps in stimulating digestion
and blood circulation. Consequently, gastroenteritis
and indigestion can be avoided with it.
Insecticidal uses
With its pleasing aroma and overall effectiveness,
lemongrass oil has become one of the most
popular of all natural insect repellents. Lemongrass
oil, which is closely related to citronella, repels a
greater variety of pests than most natural "onescented" oil mixtures. It is used to repel
mosquitoes, fleas, gnats, ticks etc. It is also known
for repelling poisonous snakes.
The Palmarosa species of the lemon grass has
distinct sweet-smelling oil that can be of
significant use in aromatherapy. Lemongrass oil
helps a great deal in getting rid of fear,
depression and anxiety. It plays the role of a
tranquilizer, thereby providing soothing and
soporific effects to the person to whom the
lemongrass oil massage is given.
Uses of
Lemongrass
Culinary uses
It is known for its use in cooking, especially for
most cuisines of Asian countries like Thailand and
Vietnam. Its flavor can be achieved whether it is
used fresh, dried or powdered. It can be cooked as
it is and let it release its oils for aromatic endeavors.
People can also use it in their teas, curries and
soups. It can easily suit any poultry or seafood
dishes. It is also used in herbal teas.
Supported by
Theurapatic uses
Oxfam Trust
Oxfam Trust in India is part of Oxfam International
Antibacterial uses
Lemongrass has been used in traditional Indian
medicine to treat fever and infection. Its oil is an antiinfection powerhouse. The oil of lemongrass is
antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic and antiviral.
It also has good deodorising properties. It is used for
its antiseptic and astringent properties as well as for
its detoxifying effects. It is a natural product to deal
with foot fungal infections.
Cosmetic uses
The extract of lemon grass is used in soaps,
perfumes, moisturising lotions, skin care products
etc. It is a natural remedy for treating acne and can
be used to prepare home made treatments for the
skin. It is high in vitamin A and can be found in
bath and facial herb blends. It is also used as an
elasticizer in hairsprays. It is also known for its body
toning ability.
JANHIT
FOUNDATION
[email protected]
www.janhitfoundation.in
Citronella – The Mysterious Grass
C
itronella belongs to the Cymbopogan genus and is a member of the
Poaceae family of grasses. The scientific name of Citronella is
Cymbopogan nardus. Citronella has red pseudostems, slightly wider leaves
and the smell emitted on crushing its leaves is vastly different to lemongrass.
Thus, though the two grasses belong to the same family,
a difference between the two can be easily ascertained.
The grass is a ‘must have’ in any medicinal or fragrant garden.
Medicinal uses
The leaves have been used for their value as a
medicine for centuries, mainly for the treatment
of digestive complaints, intestinal parasites and
to combat fever. Its antispasmodic property
helps with gastro-intestinal distress including
stomach ache and colitis. Citronella oil is an
astringent and if used correctly it may help
with oily skin areas.
Insecticidal uses
Citronella is renowned for it's use as an excellent
insect repellent. It repels various insects such as
black flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes etc. Citronella
oil is a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical
insect repellents, therefore, is usually the
preferred choice. Some products available for its
insecticidal properties are citronella oil candles
and cartridges.
The fragrant oil extracted from citronella grass is
much used in aromatherapy. The oil is also
mixed with other vegetable oils and used in
massages. The oil vapours help with fatigue,
headaches and migraines as well as cases of
neuralgia and depression. The aroma of
citronella oil may help with nervous fatigue due
to its clarifying properties.
Uses of
Citronella
Domestic uses
Citronella oil, when combined with cedarwood oil,
is a remedy against mosquito attacks. Citronella
extracts are used in preparing candles and
inscence sticks to repel mosquitos. Apart from
keeping the bugs at bay, these also add to the
ambience. Citronella also stops cats from digging
around plants in the garden. Citronella collars are
used to ease pets of fleas and lice.
Supported by
Theurapatic uses
Oxfam Trust
Oxfam Trust in India is part of Oxfam International
Antibacterial uses
As an antiseptic, it can be used to sterilize food
preparation surfaces. It's antibacterial properties
find use with intestinal parasites. Its oil can help
with minor infections but is more commonly
known for its abilitiy to cure colds and flu. As a
poultice, it is excellent at reducing excessive
perspiration and is generally used to control
body odours.
Cosmetic uses
Citronella extracts are commonly used in the
perfume and soap industry for adding fragrance.
It's found in lotions, gels, sprays, soaps and towelette
wipes to be used on clothes and humans. Citronella
extracts are also used in preparing night creams, hair
care and baby care products. Also, there are a wide
range of industries using citronella extracts in their
skin care products.
JANHIT
FOUNDATION
[email protected]
www.janhitfoundation.in