The neem tree, or sầu đâu in Vietnamese, may be unfamiliar to some, but its medicinal properties are considered truly remarkable in the field of healthcare and culinary delights. Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating tree and uncover its myriad benefits.
1 What is the Neem Tree?
The neem tree is a versatile, woody tree with multiple uses, from medicinal purposes to culinary delights. It goes by various names, including cây Neem, sầu đông, xoan Ấn Độ, and sầu đâu rừng.
In Vietnam, neem trees grow wild in abundance in An Giang, Kiên Giang, Ninh Thuận, and the Mekong Delta region, with cultivated trees found in the provinces of Bình Thuận and Ninh Thuận, as well as the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Agricultural Medicine Research.
Is the neem tree the same as the xoan tree?
While they may bear a resemblance, there are distinct differences between the neem tree (xoan Ấn Độ) and the native xoan tree:
- Neem Tree (Xoan Ấn Độ): Features green leaves, white flowers, edible leaves, and is a prized medicinal herb for treating various ailments.
- Native Xoan Tree: Also has green leaves but bears purple flowers. Importantly, its leaves are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Utilized Parts of the Neem Tree
Remarkably, all parts of the neem tree—from its trunk, bark, leaves, roots, flowers, to fruits—are used for medicinal purposes.
2 Benefits of the Neem Tree
The neem tree boasts a wide range of therapeutic properties, with many of its parts being harnessed by the pharmaceutical industry to create potent medicines.
Neem Leaves
Characterized by a bitter taste with a sweet aftertaste, neem leaves offer a cooling effect and are used to treat ailments such as leprosy, eye disorders, nosebleeds, nausea, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, cardiovascular issues, fever, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, gum diseases, and liver disorders. Additionally, neem leaves are known to aid in birth control.
Neem Bark
The bark of the neem tree is commonly used to treat malaria, stomach ailments, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, pain, and fever.
Neem Flowers
With a mild bitterness and a pleasant fragrance, neem flowers are used to reduce phlegm, control mucus, and treat intestinal worms.
Neem Fruits
Neem fruits are employed in the treatment of hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary disorders, nosebleeds, mucus issues, eye problems, diabetes, skin wounds, and leprosy.
Neem Seeds
Neem seed oil and seeds are used to address leprosy and intestinal worms, and they also find application in contraception and abortion.
Neem Branches
The branches of the neem tree are used to alleviate cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm count, urinary disorders, and diabetes.
3 Medicinal Recipes Using the Neem Tree
The miraculous properties of neem leaves have been harnessed by Indians since ancient times, and today, the neem tree is recognized for its extensive medicinal benefits.
Neem Tree for Diabetes Treatment
Diabetic patients can effectively control their blood sugar levels by incorporating neem leaves into their regimen. Research has substantiated the leaf’s remarkable ability to lower glucose levels in the body, while also stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin, thereby regulating blood sugar levels.
To prepare this remedy, use 5–10 fresh neem leaves or leaves dried in the shade, boil them, and drink the decoction daily. While the concoction is extremely bitter, it is not unpleasant to drink, and regular consumption yields positive results.
Neem Tree for Pain Relief and Injury Treatment
Combine 6g of neem leaf juice with 12g of ginger juice and water. Apply this mixture to the affected area daily, and you’ll soon notice a reduction in pain and faster healing.
Neem Tree for Skin Conditions (Pimples, Warts, Hives, Scabies, Chickenpox, and Heat Rash)
Take 85g of neem leaves and wash them thoroughly. Place them in a copper vessel, add mustard oil, and heat the mixture. Once the oil starts to boil, add another 85g of neem leaves and continue heating until the leaves turn black. Remove from heat, allow it to cool, and then filter the oil. Add borax and some mineral oil to the mixture.
The resulting ointment can be applied to pimples or used to treat fungal infections and other skin wounds.
Neem Tree for Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Use 20–30g of neem bark and decoct it with water for daily consumption. Regular intake over 10 days will alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, and indigestion.
Neem Tree for Malaria and Chronic Fever
Blend 60g of fresh neem leaves with four black peppercorns, and then add 125ml of water to the mixture. Consume this regularly to see a reduction in symptoms and prevent relapses.
Neem Tree for Treating Kidney Stones and Gallbladder Disorders
To treat kidney stones, burn neem tree branches into ash and mix one spoonful of the ash with cold water. Drink this concoction three times a day to help dissolve kidney stones and alleviate pain and discomfort.
For gallbladder disorders, combine neem with kim tiền thảo, nhân trần, sài hồ, mã đề, chỉ xác, uất kim, đại hoàng, and chi tử. Toast all the herbs, decoct them into a drink, and consume one bowl daily for two weeks for optimal results.
Neem Tree for Snake and Centipede Bites
Take a handful of neem leaves, add a pinch of salt, and grind them into a paste. Have the patient drink the juice, and apply the paste to the wound. This remedy quickly alleviates pain and promotes wound healing.
Neem Tree for Treating Baldness, Lice, and Itchy Scalp
To address baldness, apply fresh neem leaves to the affected areas of the scalp.
For those experiencing hair loss, blend neem leaves with leaves from a táo tàu or Indian plum tree, boil the mixture with water, and use the decoction for daily hair washes. This regimen helps reduce hair loss, stimulates hair growth, and promotes shiny, smooth hair.
To treat lice or an itchy scalp, crush neem fruits, add water, and use the mixture for bathing or hair washing.
Neem Tree for Chronic Diarrhea and Indigestion
To treat diarrhea, take 1g of neem seeds, add a little sugar, and grind them into a fine powder. Consume the powder with water and stick to a diet of plain white rice during the treatment.
For indigestion, take 25 neem leaves, three cloves, and three black peppercorns, and grind them into a paste. Add a small amount of water and sugar, mix well, and consume twice daily for three days to see a rapid improvement in symptoms.
4 Precautions When Using the Neem Tree for Medicinal Purposes
While neem leaves can be incorporated into one’s diet to support treatment, it’s important to keep the following precautions in mind:
- Avoid overusing neem leaves for medicinal purposes, as excessive consumption may lead to sleep disturbances, anemia, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
- Neem tree oil and bark are considered harmful to pregnant women and their fetuses, so it’s essential to consult a physician before using these herbal remedies.
- Neem leaves may negatively impact sperm quality and fertility, so thorough research is recommended before use.
