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- Home >> Mind-Body: Healing
Center:
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- An
Introduction to Neem Rasayana
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- Neem, also
known as nimba or margosa, is regarded by the ancients and modern
science alike as a powerful healing herb with diverse applications.
Described in the ayurvedic texts as sarva roga nivarini—that
which keeps all diseases at bay or arishtha—reliever of
disease—neem has been used in the ayurvedic tradition for
thousands of years to maintain health. The roots, bark, gum,
leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic
preparations for both internal and topical use.
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- Specific
benefits of Neem
- Neem is regarded
as a powerful supporter of the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Thus it helps support natural immunity, and helps protect the
body from free radical damage. Free radicals have been implicated
in a number of diseases as well as premature aging.
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- Because it
offers the bitter and astringent tastes, Neem is especially helpful
for balancing Pitta (fire-predominant persons) and Kapha (water
and earth predominant persons)
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- Neem leaves
are regarded by ayurvedic healers as an effective internal cleanser.
Neem leaves have a powerful purifying effect on the blood and
help cleanse the liver and skin of toxins. Neem leaf tea with
a dash of honey can help soothe a dry irritated throat.
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- Neem bark
is cooling and astringent, and is particularly helpful when taken
internally for Pitta-related issues such as excess stomach acid
and premature thinning and graying of the hair. It is also helpful
in alleviating tiredness and helps maintain oral health, including
healthy gums. Externally, neem bark has been used for centuries
by people in India to clean the teeth and gums. It helps maintain
oral health and purifies the breath because of its anti-bacterial
property.
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- Neem’s
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties have been well known
for centuries and find extensive application today in soaps,
shampoos and other skin formulations.
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- Neem is regarded
as a twacha rasayana in the ayurvedic literature—an herb
that is excellent for the skin. Neem has a purifying and clarifying
effect, drawing out excess oil and smoothing out blemishes, so
it’s wonderful for persons with Kapha (earth or water predominant)
skin. It is also soothing for dry, irritated skin when combined
with aloe vera or rose water. Because its cooling nature, neem
is also helpful for Pitta-related skin inflammation.
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- Neem also
helps maintain healthy nails. Neem oil can help restore damaged
cuticles or brittle or yellowed nails with regular use. Taking
neem internally also helps keep skin, hair and nails healthy.
In addition to maintaining the color and strength of hair, neem
can also help with a dry, flaky scalp and lice. Mix a few drops
of pure Neem oil with a base oil such as coconut for Pitta and
sesame for Kapha and apply comfortably warm oil to the scalp,
covering the hair strands as well. Wrap your hair in a warm towel
and leave on overnight or for as long as you can before you shampoo.
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- Neem is also
regarded as chakshushya—an herb that is good for the eyes.
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- With so many
therapeutic applications, little wonder that Neem has been called
“the village pharmacy” in India and is gaining increasing
attention from researchers all over the world.
Note: This ayurvedic information is educational, and is not
intended to replace standard medical care or advice.
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- About the
Author:
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- Shreelata
Suresh
is a yoga instructor from the Bay Area who writes on yoga and
ayurveda. For more information on ayurveda, or to buy pure ayurvedic
products, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
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- ©Copyright
Shreelata Suresh. All Rights Reserved.
- _______________________________________
- ARTICLE POSTED
NOVEMBER 15, 2004
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