Neem Leaf, Powder (Azadirachta indica) – Dried Herb, Organic

Neem is a large, fast growing evergreen tree, which can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet in three years. This tree has spreading branches forming a broad crown, the bark is grey and rough, and the leaves are alternate, bluntly serrate with 8-9 glossy leaflets. The flowers are small, white or pale-yellow, and found in long axillary panicles. The fruit is a smooth olive-like drupe that varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish. The fruit skin is thin and turns yellow when ripe, with a single exalbuminous seed.

Neem flowers bloom between February to May and the honey-scented white flowers are a good source of nectar for bees; and pollination occurs by wind and insects. The tree begins bears fruit around May to June at three to five years. Each tree can produce up to 110 pounds of fruit in a year, which has a very unique bitter sweet taste that is most fondly consumed by birds. Neem is native to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. It is also called Nim or Margosa–a tree of the mahogany family (Meliaceae) and part of the family of flowering pants–mostly trees native to tropical and subtropical regions.

The healing and medicinal properties of the Neem tree have been known for millennia in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine. Many people who live in rural areas in India still call the Neem tree “the village pharmacy”.  In Ayurvedic medicine the cooling energetics of Neem combined with the capacity to support healthy blood, helps to balance pitta. When there is heat in rakta dhatu (the blood) the light and dry qualities give it the ability to counter kapha. Neem has been used traditionally as an eyewash for the eyes and topically and internally for treating skin diseases, wounds, fungal and bacterial infections, parasites, headaches and gum disease.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Neem Leaf are very bitter, cooling and astringent. Neem has an affinity to the teeth and gums, digestive system, immune system, musculoskeletal system, pancreas, lungs, skin, hair and blood. To support the blood combine a very small amount of Neem Leaf with Nettle Leaf, Chickweed, Oregon Grape, Sarsaparilla Root or Red Clover. As a possible anti-parasite formula combine with Wormwood, Black Walnut, Clove or Triphala.

How to use:

¼-½ teaspoon of Neem Powder to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to two cups a day.

Apply topically to skin or hair. As a poultice or mask mix water or oil with Neem Powder to make a thick paste and apply it around the eyes, face or anywhere else on the skin. For a face mask wash off after 15 minutes; and for a poultice or tooth and gum powder leave on as long possible or overnight.

For the hair make a paste with either warm water or Neem Carrier oil for a deeper penetrating hair care formulation. Apply it carefully onto your scalp, massaging gently into your hair. Let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse. Use Gaia Garden’s all natural Shampoo and Conditioner as part of your daily hair care regime.

Cautions & contraindications:

Not for internal use by men and women attempting to conceive.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.