Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Plant Family: Meliaceae (Mahogany family)

Botanical Description:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent, as well as parts of Southeast Asia and Africa. Belonging to the Meliaceae family, neem is characterized by its compound leaves consisting of numerous leaflets arranged in pairs along a central axis. The leaflets are elliptical with serrated edges and a pointed tip, giving the leaves a feathery appearance. Neem produces small white flowers arranged in clusters, which give way to olive-like fruits containing a single seed. The bark of neem is rough and fissured, while the wood is durable and resistant to pests and decay. Neem leaves, seeds, bark, and oil have been widely used in traditional medicine, agriculture, and personal care products for their diverse properties.

Introduction:
Neem has been revered in traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, for over 2,000 years and is considered one of the most versatile medicinal plants. It was often referred to as "the village pharmacy" due to its myriad of historical uses. It is used internally and externally.

Preparations:
Oil: Neem oil is used topically in skin and hair care. It is applied directly to the skin or hair, or more commonly diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
Powder: Neem powder is made by drying and grinding neem leaves into a fine powder. Neem powder is used internally as a food or dietary supplement and externally as a skin or hair mask. It can be mixed with water, honey, yogurt, or other ingredients to make a paste for topical applications.
Tea: Neem tea is made by steeping dried neem leaves or neem powder in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink it as a tea.