Neem Seeds (Tukhm-e-Neem)

Neem seeds/Tukhm-e-Neem (تخم نیم) is also known as Azadirachta Indica. Neem is known as ‘The Free Tree of India.” Popularly known as Margosa the Neem related to the mahogany tree belongs to the botanical family of Meliaceae. An evergreen magical tree each part of the tree, such as the  leaves, fruits, flowers and bark have been used for centuries in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, agriculture, insect repellents and medicinal cures.

Resembling an olive, the fleshy fruit of the Neem tree encloses a few elongated seeds (kernels) having a brown seed coat. The fruits and seeds are the main source for extracting oil.

Benefits and Uses of Neem Seeds:

1. Neem seed is a natural antiseptic, antifungal, wound healing agent, and has been used for treating skin conditions ranging from ringworm acne, psoriasis, eczema dry skin and irritation.
2. Applied to hair, it improves the health of hair and prevents greying and hair loss.
3. The antibacterial activity of Neem seeds extracts against bacterial pathogens associated with eye and ear infections. Researchers indicate that extracts of Neem seed could be used in the manufacture of eye and ear drops or ointment for the treatment of common problems caused by germs.
4. A tea made from the leaves and mature seeds are still a popular remedy today for treating bladder, kidney and prostate ailments. This brewed tea added to a base cream may be used as a healing, soothing treatment for hemorrhoids.
5. In Ayurvedic medicine system, Neem is used to treat malarial fevers.  Recent experiments have shown that one of the Neem’s components, gedunin (a limonoid), is as effective as quinine against malaria.
6. Neem acts as an excellent birth control agent for both men and women.  Various experiments prove that Neem has the ability to make sperm infertile in men, without altering sperm count.  Neem oil used as a lubricant in the vagina prevents pregnancy in women effectively.  Therefore, it is very important for people who are planning to have a child and expecting mothers to stay clear of Neem.
7. Neem is an effective repellent of a wide variety of common garden bugs, including caterpillars, nematodes, locusts, aphids, Japanese beetles and mites. In the home, Neem can combat ant, cockroach, fly, termite, mosquito and bedbug infestations.
8. Neem bark, leaves and seed oil contain Polysaccharides and limonoids, which are beneficial for alleviating cancers and tumours without side effects.

Caution:

The seed oil can be toxic and should not be taken internally.