Ultimate Benefits Of 'Ultimate Herb'

The Times of India,
Feb 5, 2003
Sanjay M.Johri

If recent research is any indication, then, from being considered the nation's 'village pharmacy' for ages, Neem (Azadirachta Indica) is slowly and steadily converting into the 'ultimate herb' which can take care of varied ailments.

If one group of researchers points to its beneficial role in ulcers, encephalitis and diabetes, others claim it caa be used as birth control measure and in treatment of hepatitis. Its function as insect repellent, insecticide and in malarial and periodontal disease is well established. Moreover, considering its undisputable blood purification property, a group of Indian researchers in Lucknow have found it highly effective in dermatological application also, using it for different allergies and in treating the dreaded psoriasis.

Whether it is the younger lot who wants a refreshing, glowing and forever young improved skin, or others who are suffering from skin allergies and other skin related ailments, neem is the most sought after herb.

Lucknow based International Institute of Herbal Medicine (IIHM) in an extensive study has established the immuno-modulator properties of neem and found that crude neem capsules can do wonders in treatment of all skin diseases, including psoriasis acne, ringworms, dandruff, pigmentation and scabies.

Director, IIHM, Dr Narendra Singh claims that around 300 patients with different types of skin problems have been treated and cured with neem capsules over a period of 6-7 years. Treatment has to be for a minimum three months to two years. In addition to crude neem capsules, the patients were also given beautiful skin (BS) capsules - each capsule being a combination of five herbs (raktchandan, manjeet, neem, haldi, tulsi and guruchi). The BS capsules, he said, were generally in demand among the younger generation,working women and professionals like air hostesses who wanted their skin to be glowing and devoid of any pimples. The BS capsules are a kind of herbal tonic for maintaining a healthy skin.

Asked whether fresh neem leaves could be as effective as neem capsules, Dr Singh said the capsules were a concentrated formula of tri-neem containing leaves, flowers and twigs. All these were first collected from the fields, washed, dried and then processed properly to give 100 per cent efficacy. It may not taste good to chew fresh neem 2-3 times a day if you are asked by your doctor to do so, Dr Singh said, and added, traditionally neem leaves were taken by people in rural areas. as a health tonic, but not for any particular disease.