Ayurvedic Insight
Issue #44, August 2005
Publisher: Banyan Botanicals
In This Issue
Herb for the Season: Neem
Neem is a miraculous tropical tree used medicinally in Ayurveda for thousands of years mainly to treat disorders of the skin and liver. The leaf is extremely bitter and is cooling in nature providing precisely two qualities necessary to balance excess pitta in the body.
During mid-summer is the time when Pitta accumulation is at its’ peak. Many times excess heat in the body will cause symptoms of fever, nausea, liver and spleen disorders. Neem is a major ingredient in Blood Cleanse, a formula used to detoxify the blood, cleanse the liver and spleen and reduce inflammatory conditions.
Traditionally neem has been used to rid the body of all forms of parasites, both internal and external. Internally, neem can control candida and rid the body of intestinal worms by creating an environment in which they cannot thrive. For parasitic conditions, Para Cleanse synergistically blends neem and other powerful herbs such as Vidanga and Kutaja to eliminate all types of unwanted intestinal parasites and restore the body’s healthy digestive environment.
In certain kapha conditions, such as lymphatic congestion and carrying excess weight, neem’s reductive, cleansing and diuretic actions alleviate swollen glands and edema. For kapha individuals, Sweet Ease, comprised of guduchi, amalaki, shardunika, turmeric, kutki, neem and mineral pitch, may be the best formula to balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol and promote weight loss.
Many skin disorders are due to excess pitta in the body. Bacteria, parasites and fungi can proliferate in the hot, moist conditions of imbalanced pitta. The common skin disorders of acne, hives, herpes, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, ringworm and scabies can be successfully treated with neem. In addition to taking Blood Cleanse tablets internally, neem soap is very effective in cleansing the infected area while cooling inflammed skin. The application of neem oil protects the skin while soothing any itching that may be a result of irritated skin.
Beautiful and healthy skin can also benefit from the use of neem oil to help promote collegan production, the substance that helps skin retain its’ suppleness. In addition, many people believe that it helps to protect against ultraviolet rays, preventing premature aging.
The twigs of the neem tree are used to brush the teeth around the gums, preventing periodontal disease and halitosis, again owing to its’ powerful antibacterial properties.
It is revered in India for not only its excellent properties of healing the human body but also as a commonly used, safe, inexpensive and environmentally friendly insecticide to protect food crops from numerous destructive insects with no harmful effects on mammals. This is yet another example of the many gifts the neem tree has to offer!
Neem Oil:
The most cooling of all Ayurvedic oils. It is the best oil for pitta-related skin irritations. It is traditionally used for scabies, ringworm, eczema, psoriasis and all types of dry, red rashes. Neem is naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
Recipe: Pitta Soothing Tea
- 4 c. water
- 2 T. dried alfalfa leaves
- 3 T. dried comfrey
- 1 T. spearmint
- 1 T. red clover
- 1/8 t. fennel seeds
- 1 T. dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 T. rose petals
Bring water to a boil in a stainless steel saucepan
Remove from heat and add herbs
Cover and let steep for 10 minutes or more. Strain, squeezing the tea out of herbs well. Sweeten with a little maple syrup if you like. Good hot or cool.
Comment: This is a particularly nutritive tea for Pitta, for overall strengthening and tonifying. It is a strong brew. If you like, you can dilute it with an additional two cups of water. Plain chamomile or mint make good simple teas for calming Pitta, when simplicity is the priority.
Recipe reprinted with permission from Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners by Amadea Morningstar, Lotus Press, P.O. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181.©1995 All Rights Reserved.
