The Indian Lilac, or Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen tree that is native to India. It is the only source for the herb known as neem. The extract from the neem herb has historically been used as a way of fending off mosquitoes, fleas, moths, and termites. There are a few other uses for this powerful herb, which has been proven to have insecticidal, repellant, antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
Powerful Insecticide and Repellent Properties
You’ll find various products with neem as an ingredient in some pharmacies and health specialty stores. The finest neem products are oils that are certified organic and cold-pressed from the seeds. Neem is such a powerful insect repellant, it is often mixed with hot water and castile soap and sprayed on plants to ward off pests.
There are more commercial blends available as well for keeping insects and other pests off flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other valuable vegetation. Due to the unique chemical make-up of neem, it is not harmful to birds and insects that are useful to the health of plants.
Neem for Healthy Gums
Neem has powerful antiseptic properties and has a strong, pungent scent. You can find it as an ingredient in some kinds of specialty toothpaste that contain herbs and other natural ingredients. Studies have been conducted using the purest extracts of Azadirachta plants that have shown it to be highly effective against the buildup of plaque, which is the primary cause of gum disease. Neem reduced inflammation and decreased chances of infection in the gums.
Fighting Malaria in India with Neem
Malaria is a serious illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and it’s a big problem in many third-world countries. Although malaria is not always fatal, it sometimes is. Indian scientific researchers are trying to develop an insecticide that can help them eradicate mosquitoes that carry the protozoan parasite Plasmodium, which is the cause of malaria.
So far, the results of the research have been promising, showing that it was only necessary to use a tiny amount to interfere with the growth of mosquito larvae. Millions of Indians already use neem in their homemade mixtures for this very purpose. A cheaper and more potent version will soon be mass-produced and made available for those most at risk of contracting malaria.