Azadirachta indica juss
Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica Juss
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Sanskrit: Nimba, Arista, Hinguniryasa, Manda, Tiktaka
English: Neem tree, Margosa tree
Hindi: Neem, Nimb
Malayalam: Aryaveppu, Veppu
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), rarely to 35–40 metres (115–130 ft). It is evergreen, but in severedrought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or ovular and may reach the diameter of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens.
In India, the plant is variously known as “Sacred Tree,” “Heal All,” “Nature’s Drugstore,” “Village Pharmacy” and “Panacea for all diseases”. Products made from neem trees have been used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal properties: neem products are believed to be anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease.
Neem tree is used to stop the bleeding from the nose and mouth due to the bite of vipers. The bark of the tree is used for the preparation of medicinal decoctions.