VILLAGE PHARMACY &

ARBOREAL BLESSING

 'Freedom Tree of India', 'Plant with a Promise', 'Reliever of Sickness','Queen of the Skin', 'One capable of curing every illness & sickness', are just some of the titles awarded this illustrious Medicine Tree. In India it is commonly called the 'Village Pharmacy' or 'Village Dispensary', for every part of this Magical Medicine Tree is known to possess unique therapeutic values and grows in most Indian villages.

'Declared the 'Tree of the 21st Century' by the United Nations, the US National Academy of Science published a report in 1992 entitled 'Neem: A Tree for solving Global problems' (article here), partly because of it's easy availability to areas where over-population is a concern and Neem offers a free, or relatively cheap, approach to contraception- see 'Birth Control' paragraph(below). This beloved 'Friend & Protector of the Indian Village', Neem, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic remedies as an antiseptic to fight viruses and bacteria, it is also used and recommended for urinary disorders, diarrhoea, skin disease, burn & inflammation.

THE LONG & TRULY FASCINATING

HISTORY OF NEEM

Neem is deeply imbued with Spiritual Meaning Indian mythology has several stories that relate how Neem became a 'Sacred' tree, blessed with the ability to heal all diseases. The most common story tells the time Indra, the Celestial King, was returning from Heaven with a golden pot filled with Ambrosia he had taken from the demons. Some of the precious Ambrosia spilled from the pot and landed on the Neem trees, thereby making the Neem trees blessed with miraculous, healing , curative properties for all eternity.

The System of 'Siddha' Medicine, originating in the south of India, was extremely popular in ancient India. The word 'Siddha' came from the word 'Siddhi' - which means 'the perfection of heavenly bliss'. Siddhars were a Divine Fusion of Saints, Doctors, Alchemists and Mystics. The first medicinal plant mentioned in the Siddha medical system is Neem.

In 1922, British archaeologists began to excavate the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, in Northwestern & Western India, and they were amazed to discover the remains of two long-forgotten cities of the 5 000 year-old Indus Valley civilisation. These cities were so advanced that they could practically compete with cities today in areas of architecture, engineering and construction. The streets were designed in a grid system that was well planned and organised. There was an underground sewer system with stone manhole covers for access. A sophisticated water supply and drainage system with waterproof brickwork ran throughout the city. The houses were spacious in the upper class sections containing modern amenities like lavatory facilities.

They also found skulls upon which cranial surgery had been performed, and clay pots, which contained medicinal herbs. One of the most prominent medicinal herbs they found was A. indica, which is also known as Neem. It shows the first evidence of an advanced medical system that includes both surgery and phyto-pharmacology in one of the world's most ancient and developed civilisations.

For centuries the Indian people have highly revered the Neem and it's miraculous powers - cleaning teeth with Neem twigs, smearing skin disorders with Neem leaf juice, drinking Neem tea as a tonic, and placing Neem leaves in beds, books, grains bins, cupboards, and closets to keep away troublesome bugs.

NEEM IN A MODERN WORLD

At the beginning of this century, the Neem tree was still highly esteemed by Indian emigrants who took it along to the places where they settled. Thus, the neem tree was introduced in places such as Australia, East and sub-Sahelian Africa, South East Asia, and South America. Today, the Neem is well established in at least 30 countries worldwide, in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Some small scale plantations are also reportedly successful in Europe and United States of America. It is estimated that there are around 18 millions Neem trees in India.

Africa considers Neem as a 'green-gold'. In Senegal, Neem tree is known as the 'Independence Tree'. Earlier this century, people somehow managed to introduce this Indian tree to West Africa, where it has since grown well. They probably expected Neem to be useful only as a source of shade and medicine, especially for malaria. Yet in Ghana, it has become the leading producer of firewood for the densely populated Accra Plains, and from Somalia to Mauritania, it is a leading candidate for helping halt the southward spread of the Sahara Desert.

The world's largest Neem plantations are 10 square km in the plains of Arafat, Saudi Arabia. A Saudi philanthropist planted 50 000 Neem trees to shade and comforts the two million pilgrims.

In the last decade, Neem has been introduced into the Caribbean, where it is being used to help reforest several nations. Neem is already a major tree species in Haiti

In the last few years the rest of the world has started to show interest and recognise Neem's versatility and potential. Scientific research reports from Universities ranging from Bangalore, India to Baltimore, USA, have explored Neem's ability to help prevent and treat an astonishing number of health disorders, including many that are not successfully addressed by modern conventional pharmaceuticals. There are over 2000 clinical trials and study conducted in many countries and the Neem tree is the most researched tree of any tree world wide.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE 'DIVINE AMBROSIA' OF NEEM 

 The entire Neem tree has medicinal value and all parts of the tree can be used, such as the bark, seeds, fruit, flowers, gum, leaves, twigs, cake, root, resin, timber, honey, tea and pulp, containing pharmaceutical constituents that offer some impressive therapeutic qualities, including:

• Anti-Anxiety: capable of preventing depression

• Anti-Arthritic: effective in treatment of arthritis

• Anti-Bacterial: able to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria

• Anti-Emetic: An 'anti-emetic' is a medicine that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Typically used to treat motion sickness and the side-effects of opioid analgesics, general anaesthetics and chemotherapy - directed against cancer. 

• Anti-Fungal: able to destroy fungi

• Anti-Gastric: able to prevent or destroy ulcers 

• Anti-Inflammatory: able to reduce inflammation

• Anti-Microbial: able to inhibit or destroy the growth of disease causing organisms

• Anti-Pyretic: able to lower body temperature or prevent and/or alleviate fever

• Anti-Thelmintic: capable of expelling or destroying parasites

• Anti-Tumour: able to reduce the risk of tumour growth

• Analgesic: able to relieve pain

• Alterative: able to cure or restore health

• Immune system: stimulation and  booster

Neem stimulates the production of T-cells to mount a head-on attack against infections. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, Neem does not destroy beneficial bacteria and other micro-organism needed to maintain optimum health. Medical experts believe that the overuse of chemical antibiotics contributes to the breakdown of the function of the human immune system. Neem offers a non-toxic alternative to powerful and usually damaging prescription medicines.

Numerous active compounds have been isolated from the Neem plant. Some of the most studied include:

• Nimbin: anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-histamine, anti-fungal

• Nimbidin: anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-fugal

• Ninbidol: anti-tubercular, anti-protozoal, anti-pyretic

• Gedunin: vasodilator, anti-malaria, anti-fungal

• Sodium nimbinate: diuretic, spermicide, anti-arthritic

• Quercetin: anti-protozoal

• Salannin: insect repellent

• Azadirchtin: gives Neem its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties ...  insect repellent, anti-hormonal

Neem leaves contain fibre, carbohydrates, and at least ten amino acid proteins. They also contain calcium and other nourishing minerals. Analysis also reveals the presence of carotenoids, nutritive compounds being hailed for their ability to ward of many types of cancer. From this esteemed tree comes the 'famed' Neem Oil - a vegetable oil extracted from the fruits and seeds of the Neem tree which is especially high in important fatty acids, and contains many vital nutrients in significant quantities. Researcher believe the high fatty-acid content of the oil may be why Neem is so effective for treating skin ailments, absorbs quickly into the skin, and has very powerful skin-rejuvenating qualities. Thick red or green oil in colour, depending on the method of processing used, Neem oil is very bitter in taste - mainly due to the triglycerides and triterpenoid compounds.

 THE AHHH-MAZING BENEFITS OF NEEM FOR SKIN CARE

Neem often reportedly has a truly magical effect on chronic skin conditions that fail to respond with classical treatments - acne, eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, hives, herpes, ringworm, shingles, rosacea and apparently even warts!!! It also fights fungal infections like ringworms, nail fungus and athletes foot. Neem contains extraordinarily high levels of antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage. Neem also contains carotenoids (similar to carotene) which provide high antioxidant compounds that help defend the skin against age-promoting free radicals.

Here is a list of just some of it's extensive benefits for skin;

HIGHLY PRIZED IN THE TREATMENT OF ACNE

Neem is often a secret weapon for acne-prone skin. Although the western world usually associates the usage of 'Neem' with 'Neem oil', in actuality Neem Leaf, Leaf-extracts and Neem Powder have ALL proved successful in treatment. Research has shown Neem contains an aspirin-like compound, similar to 'salicylic acid' which effectively controls the harmful bacteria that causes the infection, while also reducing the inflammation that causes the redness, swelling and tenderness.The high fatty-acid content of Neem oil is non-comedogenic and prevents and treats acne scars. 

Neem Leaf can be taken internally as a tea, or in powdered form as a capsule. The capsules can also be opened-up and added to water to make a tea. I will be including Organic Neem Leaf capsules into our inventory VERY soon.

***BINNAH-NOTE***

This is a benefit that I can personally attest to!!! The MIRACLE of Neem and Neem Oil is that within three weeks of usage it has completely 'normalised' the bacteria on the skin. This bacterial imbalance is what causes acne and psoriasis, so whilst the 'Good Oils' in this Salve are deeply nourishing the skin they are also neutralising the bacteria that results in acne and skin imbalance. Before researching this article I had no idea of the reported benefits for acne and pimples but, purely through trialing my new salve , which is especially potent with Neem oil, I can personally testify to a remarkable improvement in areas of skin which have been clogged and scar-ravaged for many years. People are pften scared of 'oil' and greasiness for acne, but Neem Oil is a classic example of how the right oils can nourish and normalise all skins, especially in oily, congested and acne-prone skin. 

SOOTHING RELIEF FOR ECZEMA & PSORIASIS

Neem Oil  generally  enhances skin health and immunity and is a brilliant emollient so it soothes and softens any dry, cracked skin whilst moisturising, protecting and healing lesions. The steroid-like ingredients soothe redness and irritation without the nasty side-effects. Being strongly anti-bacterial, Neem oil cleans up any skin infections that may have developed because of cracked broken skin and also prevents future skin infections that may aggravate symptoms. As a bonus, it prevents insect bites which can trigger symptoms.

The Nimbidin and Nimbin are two anti-inflammatory compounds that are found in the Neem Oil which helps to relieve swelling and redness. A third is Quercetin, which is well known as a compound that supports the body’s ability to respond to inflammation by inhibiting both the manufacture and release of histamine and other irritants.

Neem Leaf ,revered for its antibacterial and antiviral properties both supports and stimulates the immune system  Scientific research reports that psoriasis patients taking Neem leaf (available soon here at Tickety-Boo in capsule form) orally, combined with a topical Neem oil treatment  were equally, and usually MORE, effective than coal tar and cortisone treatment.

REMOVES PIGMENTATION

Known as the 'ultimate' pigmentation killer, Neem Oil slows down the production of melanin in the skin, hampering excessive formation. Melanin is the agent which gives colour to skin and which, when secreted in higher amounts, leads to pigmentation

BEAUTIFYING & ANTI-AGING

Neem Oil is especially high in important fatty acids and vitamin E and is easily absorbed into the skin WITHOUT leaving skin greasy. Once absorbed, these powerful properties work to rejuvenate the skin’s cells and restore elasticity.When used regularly, this blend of compounds, makes Neem perfect for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of ageing. The saturation of antioxidants and vitamin E will help restore a youthful glow to dry or damaged skin and balance skin tone. 

BIRTH CONTROL

Indian scientists have demonstrated that Neem oil is a potential new contraceptive for women. It kills spermatozoa within 30 seconds and has proved effective both in laboratory trials and in practice—where an intra-vaginal dose of 1ml of Neem oil was used. Histopathology failed to reveal any side effects.

DENTAL CARE

Millions of people in both India and Africa use 'twigs', often called 'miswak', as toothbrushes, and many choose the Neem twig as this 'toothbrush'. Dentists and researchers have endorsed this usage, finding Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients and are able to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Neem bark is an active ingredient in toothpastes and other oral hygiene preparations and I regularly use this in own future formulations of Tickety-Boo Toothpastes and Toothpowder. We also sell a Miswak stick, not Neem, but exceptionally effective.

HEART DISEASE

Scientifically tested for its ability to reduce high blood pressure, blood clots, heart irregularities and high cholesterol levels. The anti-histamine effect of Nimbidin found in Neem leaves cause blood vessels to dilate and may be why Neem helps reduce elevated blood pressure. A recent study showed that Neem lowered high cholesterol levels when Neem Leaf extract, tincture, or capsules were taken for a month.

MALARIA

With an estimated 1-3 million people dying every year from this mosquito-born disease, and with 70% of those deaths from children under 5 years of age, it is exciting news that scientists are finding an active ingredient in Neem leaves, called Irodin A, which has proven toxic to resistant strains of Malarial patients for centuries, reported as far back as 2000BC by Charaka, and 1500 B.C. by Sushruta. Even outside of India, in Nigeria and Haiti for example, Neem leaf teas are used to treat malaria.

DIVINE NEEM FLOWER

 NOT JUST A VERY PRETTY FLOWER...

Many are aware of the health benefits of the the Neem tree, but a very few of us know about the therapeutic benefits of Neem flower