|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Azadirachta indica.
Synonyms: Melia azadirachta, Antelaea azadirachta.
Common Hindi name: Neem.
Plant: 10-15m. Fast growing evergreen tree.
Leaves: Alternate, pinnate 20-40cm long, with 20-31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3-8cm long.
Fruit: Glabrous olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe are 1.4-2.8x1.0-1.5cm.
It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Pakistan growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions.
Products made from neem have proven medicinal properties, being anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-infertility, and sedative. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease.
Neem twigs are used for brushing teeth in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This practice is perhaps one of the earliest and most effective forms of dental care. All parts of the tree (seeds, leaves, flowers and bark) are used for preparing many different medical preparations. Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms and creams), and is useful for skin care such as acne, and keeping skin elasticity. Besides its use in traditional Indian medicine the neem tree is of great importance for its anti-desertification properties and possibly as a good carbon dioxide sink. Practictioners of traditional Indian medicine recommend that patients suffering from Chicken Pox sleep on neem leaves. Neem Gum is used as a bulking agent and for the preparation of special purpose food (those for diabetics). Aquaous extracts of neem leaves have demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential. |
Gert-Paassen, clnaef, jpdenk has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 274 W: 0 N: 955]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(3531)![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 752 W: 57 N: 589]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(6043)