Important Uses Of Extract, Seed, And Other Components Of The Neem Tree

Azadirachta indica, popularly called the neem tree, is an abundant reserve of multiple use that can change for the better the fortune of individuals who are ready to invest into unconventional but practical indigenous knowledge source. The plant's popularity is linked to its popularity in Asia, but it is in Africawhere its application is also considerably extensive, that is not much publicised.

Popularly called Dongoyaro in Nigeria, and a million other names from one ethnic group to another, spreading from the philippines, sweeping through the middle east to touch the Atlantic ocean; It's flowers, leaves, bark, wood and seeds have been able to services to humans in medicine, cosmetics, food, culture and tradition, agriculture, and recently in the environment.

Azadirachta indica

Use of neem in cosmetics

The Neem seed contains up to 50% of oil. Its anti-fungal properties are useful in making Anti-Dandruff shampoo. It's use in making toothpaste, balms and body creams are quite remarkable. It is also very useful in making soap.

Neem oil will be very helpful in local environments where the need to look inwards for alternative indigenous endowments is needed to increase access to basic needs. There are places where the plant is still seen as weed. Local people can be encouraged to collect the seed for the oil, and utilise the native source of lye as portrayed in the article:

Use of neem in medicine

The various parts of the neem tree has one or more medical applications. The uses ranges from antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diabetics, anthelmintic, sedative, to contraceptive (spermicide). The leaf is considered to be important in terms of itsmedicinal use.

In Nigeria for instance, the leaf can be boiled in a pot of water for several hours to extract the extremely bitter content referred to as the neem tea which is used to treat malaria, abdominal pains and high fever. Bathing with the tea is also said to be potent against chickenpox and measles. Apart from boiling in hot water, some cultures prefers to extract the medicinal content by soaking the leaves in native Gin.

Which ever way it is extracted, the leaf is used to boost immunity and extracts have been used to treat Scabies, Acne, Diabetes, Ulcers, Eczema, Rheumatism, Headache, Hepatitis, Aids, Cardiovascular Diseases, Allergies and Herpes.

Extracts from this plant have also been used to heal wounds, treat burns, cuts and sprains. Local people have been able to manage broken bones or dislocation by adding components of the neem plant before tying the affected site.

Insecticide and pest control

In India, the leaf is used in silos to prevent pests from attacking stored grains. Its insecticidal properties is used here to repel termites and other insects. It has a great mosquito repellent quality and also, used to eradicate Lice in Humans, Fleas and Ticks in animals.

Other uses of the neem tree

Further great uses of the neem tree are as shown below:

1. In agriculture where the neem seed cake obtained after extracting the oil from the seed is used as an organic fertilizer and a nematicide. It is said to retard nitrification thus reducing the amount of nitrogen loss from the soil.

2. The neem tree is also used in the preservation of the environment and prevention of global warming. In terms of preservation, the plant can survive in regions of low rainfall. This quality is being utilised to prevent desertification. Also, its seed pulp are used to produce methane gas which if properly utilised can reduce attention on natural gas. It has also been shown that the plant has a high potential to mop up carbon (iv) oxide.

3. Its application also extends to the dye and tanning industries. The back has also been discovered to contain tannin extracted and used for dyeing and tanning.

4. It is recorded that the Indians weaves the back into very strong ropes, and the wood is a good source of raw material for furniture. Traditional native people also creates heating fuel from the wood.

5. slender twigs are used in Africa as chewing stick for cleaning the mouth and teeth.

6. The neem plant can sometimes be eaten as salad or as a part of traditional recipe of cultural festivals, with taboos attached.

The Neem plant remains one of the most widely research plant on the planet. Its popularity and local use spans from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, India, the middle east, to Africa. It also had attracted researchers from all over the World (including the west) which has led to extraction and characterization of some of its components. Attempts on patent had been made, but it was soon rejected so that the plant remain available for all who which to create a new product from one of its potentials. You can take that bold step today.