Neem Plant: Introduction, History, Advantages

INTRODUCTION
As we all are very familiar to neem trees, neem is a natural herb that comes from neem tree (Azadirachta indica) but commonly known as neem, nimtree or Indian lilac. Neem has its own medicinal, religious and traditional value as well. It is generally grown in tropical and semi tropical regions. Its fruit is used as source of neem oil. Every parts of neem plant has own value, importance and uses. It has bitter taste so it kills numerous germs and bacteria.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY
Neem is believed to be originated from the Indian sub- continent and to dry areas all over south Asia. It is also found in some parts of Africa and central America. Neem has immense usefulness in ayurvedic, cosmetic as well as organic farming sector.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
The Azadirachta indica (neem) belongs to family Melaceae( mahagony) of kingdom Plantae of order Sapindales. It is one of the fastest growing perennial tree of height measures 15-30 metres. It possesses attractive rounded crowns like structure and thick furrowed bark. It has compound green leaf with reticulate type venation which is characterized by broad leaf. Neem consist of small white fragrant flower which are arranged in cluster more or less dropping axillary panicles up to 25 cm long with smooth yellow-green drupe and has a sweet flavored pulp. Flower is bisexual. Neem is usually grown from seed but can be propagated from cutting or root suckers. Neem is drought resistant and grows in areas with arid conditions and low annual rainfall. It can resist heat but cannot tolerate temperature below 5°c so it is typically found in terai region of our country.

USEFUL ADVANTAGES OF NEEM
Almost all the parts of neem tree are equally useful and beneficial to human. It has wide range of coverage in various sectors like ayurvedic, cosmetic and traditional. It also provide shade. Some people apply neem directly to the skin to treat lice as well as mosquito repellent.

Medicinal use:
Since it is solely medicinal plant which is used to treat various types of diseases. It is one of the chief component of ayurvedic field. Its leaf is used to treat diseases such as leprosy, eye disorder, intestinal worms, stomach ache, loss of appetite, skin diseases, diseases of heart and blood vessels, diabetes, gum problems as well as liver problems. The bark of neem is used to treat malaria, stomach, intestinal ulcers, skin problems, pain and fever. The flower is used to reduce excessive bile production and control phlegm . The fruit is used to control hemorrhoids, urinary tract disorder, bloody nose, wounds and leprosy. Its twing are also used to cure cough, asthama as well as low sperm production in male. Usually the people of Terai region uses neem twing instead of toothbrushes to clean their teeth by chewing it, as it cure gum disease and keep our mouth healthy. It whiten and brighten our teeth so people dry the twings for further use. That’s why toothpaste company also uses neem as it’s constituent ingredient.

Cosmetic use:
Nowadays cosmetic has become one of the essential need of modern generation. As neem oil contain fatty acid, antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds which is beneficial to our skin in different ways. Different research have found that these compounds help to fight against skin infection, promote wound healing, combat sign of skin aging as well as whitening and brightening skin. Different brands like Himalayan, Patanjali uses neem as its chief component in product like cream, facewash, cleansing milk and facial kits. Many people uses neem leaf paste as a face pack for glowing skin as it fight against acne, skin dullness and wrinkles. The use of neem also moisturize the skin and prevent water loss. There are various neem soaps available in market which is getting positive feedback from customers.

Religious value:
According to our Hindu mythology, the neem tree was originated from drop of Amrita and sprinkled into earth by divine God. Neem is also regarded as mother goddess Durga and deified as Neemari Devi. It plays important role in the region religious tradition as well as ayurvedic healing system and said to be the creation of evil demons and protect people from them by weakening the insect’s life pattern. Since it provide fresh air and had antibacterial properties. Neem is planted in front of houses in Terai region and worship it.

Agricultural uses:
Neem is a natural soil conditioner that helps improve the quality of soil, thereby enhancing the growth of plants and fruits. Organic soil conditioner is getting popularity in agricultural industry. It is used as natural soil fertilizer to cash crops. When the neemcake is ploughed into the soil cake to provide them with various nutrients. Neem- based insecticides and pesticides do not leave any residue on plants and is environment friendly. It is nontoxic and it caIt is nontoxic and it can be used in combination with other pesticides and oil for more effectiveness. It is useful and organic way of controlling insects, pests and mites.

Contraceptive use:
Neem can be used as natural population controlling factor in the era of population growth. The neem leaf or oil extracted from neem plant can be used to avoid pregnancy because of its extremely powerful and high spermicidal properties. If women is injected with even the little amount of neem oil at a point where fallopian tube meets the uterus, which cause blockage which is reversible.
Beside these, neem is known as powerful immuno-stimulant and that’s what make it ideal to have in current time when the entire world is under threat of novel corona virus infection, it can help us in effective fight against corona virus boosting immune function and help recover fast.

DISADVANTAGES OF NEEM
Everything has its own usefulness and harmfulness, similarly if neem when taken wrongly or in excess amount causes disadvantage to human body directly or indirectly . Although it has enormous usefulness, it has some drawbacks which are given below:

1. Neem oil and neem bark are unsafe when taken to mouth during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.
2. Neem oil is harmful for children and infants as it cause vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorder and sometimes lead to death.
3. Some people might have allergy of neem which result inflammation of applied area and mostly face region.
4. Neem cause immune system to become more active than normal which could result to the symptom of auto-immune diseases.
5. It can be harmful to the organ transplanted people .
6. Over consumption of neem can cause problem in fertility of men.
7. Neem taken for long period of time might harm liver and kidney.

In conclusion, I would like to recommend to plant neem tree in houses to get fresh air which contains adequate amount of oxygen and purify air as well. It have more advantages if used in proper manner than disadvantages. Please plant trees and go green ?

Writer: Saloni Pradhan (Student, Bsc. Ag IAAS Paklihawa Campus)