Niembaum is the name given to a large tree that is native to India. Many of its ingredients can be used for medicinal purposes.
Occurrence and cultivation of the Niembaum
The evergreen Niembaum can become up to 200 years old and belongs to the family of the mahogany plants (Meliaceae). The Niem tree (Azadirachta indica) is also known as Niem or Neem. This evergreen tree can live up to 200 years and belongs to the mahogany family (Meliaceae). The Niem reaches a height of between 15 and 20 meters. Under certain conditions, it can even reach 30 to 40 meters in length. On its branches grow leaves that reach a length of 20 to 40 centimeters. On their front side, the leaves are equipped with a tip. From the age of four years, the Niembaum bears spherical or oval drupes. These resemble olives and grow 1.4 to 2.8 centimeters long. One or more seeds are found inside the fruit. The neem tree is native to South Asian countries such as India, Burma and Pakistan. To thrive, the neem requires a subtropical to tropical climate. After people brought the neem tree from South Asia to other continents such as Africa, America, and Australia, as well as some Pacific islands, it was planted there as well. It most commonly thrives in flat areas. In contrast, it is rarely found in mountainous regions.
Effect and use
Although the ingredients of the neem tree have been scientifically studied for decades, it has still not been possible to explore them all. Thus, the neem has about one hundred different chemical substances that are found in the fruits, trunk, bark and leaves. Due to the high complexity of the ingredients, only imprecise approximations of the structural formulas could be found so far. The most important constituents of the rivet tree are azadirachtin, which has an insecticidal effect and is extracted from the rivet oil, as well as salannin, meliantrol, nimbidin and nimbin. The medicinally valuable components of the rivet include the oil, leaves and seed. In India, the neem products have been used for therapeutic purposes for a long time. However, it is recommended to use the seeds and the oil of the neem only externally. Thus, they are considered too strong for internal use. On the other hand, the leaves are quite suitable for internal use. The oil of the Niembaum is also used in numerous cosmetic products. These include body lotions, creams and Niem shampoo. The products are also suitable for the treatment of skin complaints, itching and mild fungal diseases. A rub with Niem is also considered helpful in case of neuralgia or rheumatism. In case of inflammatory respiratory complaints such as cough, Niem oil can also be used. The patient adds it drop by drop to hot water and then inhales it. A decoction of the seeds is also suitable for inhalation. Smaller sections of skin can be rubbed with neem tree oil without any problems. For larger treatments, however, the oil should be diluted with vegetable oil such as olive oil or almond oil. A tincture made from the neem seed is suitable for protection against insects. The leaves of the rivet tree can be used both internally and externally. For internal use, boiling a tea is considered good. Alternatively, the leaves can also be chewed, which is even true for dried leaves. Fresh rivet leaves can be squeezed and used as juice. This is considered effective against intestinal diseases, liver weakness, high blood pressure and inflammation of the bladder. Even a contraceptive effect is said to the rivet leaves. Thus, the leaves are said to prevent the implantation of fertilized eggs.
Significance for health, treatment and prevention.
The components of the Niembaum can be used against numerous acute and chronic diseases. Already about 2000 years ago, ancient Indians used the products of the tree against hypertension, hepatitis, anemia, leprosy, ulcers, digestive problems, diseases of the thyroid gland and hives. Ayurvedic medicine also used the Niem tree for therapeutic purposes. Although it is not a panacea, it can have a helpful effect on numerous diseases. Among other things, it can be used against acne, because the bacteria responsible for the skin condition are killed.Particularly proven in this regard, the rivet soap, which has an antiseptic effect. The neem tree can also be used against allergies such as skin rashes. It counteracts allergic reactions both externally and internally. In addition to skin rashes, bronchial allergies can also be combated in this way. The application is done by drinking Niem tea or applying Niem cream. For respiratory ailments such as coughs, bronchial asthma and colds, the steam from boiled neem leaves can also be inhaled. In India, neem tea is used to treat intestinal worms. Thus, these troublesome parasites can be gotten rid of by drinking two cups of niem tea a day. A fourteen-day tincture cure is also recommended. Also in India the Niembaum is used against diabetes mellitus. Scientific studies have shown that its ingredients significantly reduce the need for insulin. Some substances of the neem also have a positive effect on ulcers such as gastric or duodenal ulcers. In this case, the ingredient nimbidin is taken orally. Furthermore, rivet is considered a first-aid remedy for minor injuries and ailments. Thus, a tincture of Niem has a hemostatic and disinfecting effect. It also has antiviral, antibacterial and antipyretic properties. Other possible uses of rivet products include athlete’s foot, fever, eczema, venereal disease, gingivitis, sore throat, and aching limbs and joints.
