Biological Name: Melia azadirachta, Azadiracta Indica

Family: Azedarach, Meliaceae

Other Names: Veppu, Nim, Neem, Margosa Tree, Ravipriya, Holy Tree, Nimba, Pride of China, Bead Tree, Nimb, Indian Lilac, Persian Lilac

Additional Info: The plant is indigenous to Iran and India, particularly Western Himalayas. It is specially raised in other areas of India, as well as tropical areas across the globe, like West Africa, Australia, and Indonesia. It is highly valued by Ayurvedic specialists and applied for a range of conditions conventionally.

Elements Applied: Each plant’s part is applied in herbal medicine.

Used For: Root bark is particularly applied to prevent disease recurrence, it is also used to relieve diarrhea. Trunk bark is applied for the same purposes, but is additionally used to treat viruses, kill helminthes, and stimulate the digestive system. The leaves are especially valuable for their capacity to relieve infections and induce menstruation. The flowers are applied to stimulate the digestive system, and treat stomach diseases. Fruits are applied to kill helminthes, treat constipation and soothe the tissues. The juice is known to kill bowel worms. Oil, produced from the nuts is used to stimulate skin, repel insects and treat bacterial infections.

The range of conditions in which the herb is applied includes: bowel helminthes, vomiting, tumors, thirst, syphilis, skin conditions, rheumatic conditions, parasites, obesity, nausea, malaria, leukorrhea, jaundice, fever, eczema, drowsiness, diabetes, coughs, bronchitis, blood purifications, and arthritis.

The plant is applied to relieve fevers and inflammations. Additionally, it is effectively taken to eliminate worms. Ayurvedic herbalists prescribe it for a wide range of conditions, as part of several mixtures or separately.

Preparation and Intake: The plant is used in form of ghee, powder, decoction and infusion.

Safety: There is no data concerning the plant’s safety level. Exercise care. Ayurvedic plants are commonly mixed with other herbs to reduce the toxic effect one of them may produce on the body. Use only under medical control.