NEEM

Neem (Azadirachta indica):
Neem is called Margosa in English, Nimba in Sanskrit, Vepa in Tamil and Telgu, and simply Neem in Hindi, Bengali and most other languages.

Neem is a common tree growing almost throughout India. It is often planted near villages and along roads. It is a medium or large sized tree, and is evergreen with a dark rough bark.

Neem leaves are very distinctive. These are pinnately compound leaves with leaflets. The leaflets are obliquely curved with toothed margins.The flowers are small, pale yellowish coloured and honey-scented. The fruits (“Nimbolis”) are usually yellow or purple, 1.5-1.8cm long with a single seed inside.

Neem leaves contain a bitter principle which consist of Nimbin, Nimbidin and some sulphur.

Medicinal Uses Of Neem:
The green leaves are crushed and made into a paste or poultice for healing skin wounds, eczema etc.
An infusion of leavesin vegetable oils is used for curing skin infections.
Young leaves are also cooked and eaten to get rid of intestinal and other infections.
The Neem sticks are used as tooth sticks.The twig sap has bactericidal effect and helps in keeping gums and teeth free of infections.
Neem seeds are crushed to obtain the famous Margosa oil which is very effective in curing of leprosy and skin diseases.