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Indian culture dating back 4000 years makes reference to using the leaves, fruit and bark of the Neem tree for treating a wide variety of human ailments. The earliest Sanskrit writings outline its medicinal uses, which have been applied in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine - and the time honoured title 'Villlage Pharmacy' has been earned by virtue of its amazing properties.
In 1922 a British archeologist discovered the 5000 year old Indus Valley site in North Western India (now Pakistan), where the Harappan civilization has been extensively studied. Clay pots were found containing medicinal herbs, most prominently Azadirachta indica or 'Neem'.
The early systems of treatment, though simple, have stood the test of time - and are still used today in many parts of rural India. They exploit Neem's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and insecticidal properties.
Fresh leaves are often picked and stored along with grain, or under mattresses to repel insects. Wounds are bathed in water boiled with neem leaves (decoction). Twigs of the neem tree are used daily by about 600 million people as a 'natural' toothbrush (Neem is currently undergoing extensive research to corroborate anecdotal evidence regarding its' impact on periodontal disease, and some findings have already been published). In tropical countries with restricted access to modern medicines, children are fed neem to treat or prevent a variety of ailments. Paste made from neem leaves is used to treat scabies, head lice, fungal infections and chicken pox. Powdered neem leaf is used to stave off or ease eczema, athletes foot, nappy rash etc., or as a general deodorant. Neem is still the preferred treatment for many Indians, even when modern medicines are available.
These properties have led to its' inclusion in many personal care products, such as soaps, shampoos and skin creams - to help ease eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.
Neem has been heralded: 'An Ancient Cure for a Modern World'.
As we begin the 21st Century, Neem has been little known and under-utilised in Western culture. However, with bodies such as the National Research Council (USA) declaring Neem 'A tree for solving global problems' - the future seems optimistic.
Requirements in the West are more exacting and stringent in respect of quality control assurances, but this is achievable by using carefully sourced raw materials from reliable and ethical sources, and using state of the art manufacturing technology. |
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