2. Ancient History
For India, it begins from the Indus Valley Civilization (for which the date is a matter of hot
debate, but historians have agreed to disagree on 3000BC) to just after the king Harsha
Vardhana (see Ancient Indian History), which is around 700-800BC.
Medicine:
Human beings have been practicing medicine since the big bang and it is no news to us
since we know the roots to the modern medicine is what we have followed and improved
upon. Back then civilizations existed and thrived and from what we hear, people led
healthy lives. Diseases of all kinds existed then as they are now and people were treated
then as they are treated now. What was the medicine then that cured people from
ailments? Was it allopathic ? You and I today know that allopathic is modern day medicine
and Homeopathic was and is the medicine of the yester years and todays.
3. In 1922 British Archaeologists discovered the 5000-year-old Indus Valley
archaeological site in Northwestern India. During their archaeological expeditions
something amazing happened, instead of the civilizations becoming more primitive, as
the archaeologist's dug deeper through the layers, the civilizations being uncovered
became more complex and advanced then the ones previous. The result when they
reached the final layers of the dig was two cities Mohenjodaro and Harappa. These
cities were so advanced 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 organized. 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.
4. 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 Azadirachta Indica also known as Neem. So here we find in one of
the worlds most ancient and developed civilizations the first evidence of an
advanced medical system that includes both surgery and phytopharmacology, this
system is called Ayurveda. However we should also note that one of the most
important herbs in this system was and is Neem.
5. What Happened?
What made them fade away from being practiced today is, as I suspect, and
kind of sure is:
The advent of the European powers into Asia.
Enforced upon or adopted, either way, allopathy made it's appearance in Asia
and today Asia is in sink with the rest of the world.
Human beings lost their touch with the forests. Modern day medicine is a
trillion dollar business and hence very powerful in nature. The Europeans
popularized modern day medicine for monetary gains. Asians went abroad
and got educated into the modern day medicine and popularized it. The Local
medicine man was out of a job and slowly but surely we lost touch with our
trees that had cured us before.
Today if we start researching into homeopathic medicines , modern
Medical science will benefit from it as these homeopathic medicines have no
side effects. The only side effect they have is “ cure”.
One such medicine that survived the ages is the medicine that comes
from the tree called “Neem”. Believe it or not, this tree works wonders.
Heavy research is being carried out in the US and Europe and slowly
but steadily the adoption process has begun.
What is Neem?
6. Neem
Among the many natural plants and herbs that people in India use for their medicinal
properties, the Neem tree (L. Azadirachta Indica) is one of the most beneficial for natural or
Ayurvedic medicine. Found over most of the forested regions of the Indian Subcontinent,
as well as in other countries of similar climatic conditions, the Neem tree can thrive in
climates that range from hot, or tropical (45 degrees Celsius) to altitudes of semi-
temperate, higher altitude regions, with temperatures slightly above freezing. Used in
Indian Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years, the Neem tree's bark, Neem
leaves, Neem seeds, and roots can be made into various medicinal remedies for a wide
range of ailments, ranging from anti-hemorrhoids and loss of appetite, to leprosy and other
skin disorders.
For generations, Indian medical practitioners have made poultices from Neem leaves
to cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm. Pastes and extracts
from Neem trees have also proven effective in treating various skin fungus conditions,
including athlete's foot and lesions in the mouth and vagina. More serious diseases such
as chicken pox and small pox have been treated with Neem tree pastes; and even people
suffering from herpes and hepatitis B viruses have obtained relief from Neem tree
preparations.
7. Oil made from the Neem tree's fruit and seeds is light to dark brown in color and
somewhat bitter tasting; almost like a combination of peanuts and garlic. The oil
contains quantities of steroids, including beta-sitosterol (used to treat men suffering
from enlarged prostate glands) as well as linoleic and olei acids (Omega 6 and 9), and
is found to contain the well known Omega 3 fatty acid (used to prevent arterial
sclerosis). In addition to its medicinal properties, Neem oil is also used as a base for
variety of organic cosmetics including soaps, shampoos, hand and body lotions
and creams. It is also used as an organic bio-pesticide repellant against insects such
as Japanese beetles, meal worms, and aphids.
8. Need Neem? For Personal Care and More
Long prized in Ayurvedic medicine, neem (Azadirachta indica) grows abundantly
throughout India, Sri Lanka, and Burma. Because of its many and varied traditional
uses, the tree has been termed “the village pharmacy” of South Asia—and now
people worldwide have taken note of its antibacterial action, among other
promising uses.
by Johanna Arnone | Deputy Editor, Taste for Life Magazine
9. “the village pharmacy”
The medicinal benefits of Neem are spoken about in the Veda's, the worlds oldest books. In India's
ancient Ayurvedic Medical texts the medicinal information about Neem spoken about in the Vedas is
expanded upon in great detail. In Ayurvedic Medical texts it is explained that every part of the Neem
tree has health promoting benefits. What is clear from the above information is that the general
population of India for, over 5000 years, has used Neem safely and effectively. In fact the people of
India call the Neem Tree quot;The Village Pharmacyquot;.
10. Neem trees are now grown
commercially in more than 30
countries, and have even been
successfully introduced into warmer
regions of North America. Because
of its climatic versatility, Neem trees
are being used in many reforestation
projects around the world. A
worldwide foundation, known as the
Neem Foundation, helps make
people aware of the values of the
Neem and other natural quot;greenquot;
products for a better and healthier
lifestyle. The use of Neem tree
pesticides, as noted above, is
creating a greater awareness of the
benefits of natural, non-chemical
solutions for our environment.
11. Yes, it cures the below aliments/diseases
Heart Disease: Including high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, and Arrhythmia/rapid
heart beat.
Blood Disorders: Including poor circulation, blood poisoning, and kidney problems.
Digestive Disorders: Including heartburn/indigestion, peptic/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and hemorrhoids.
Nervous Disorders: Including anxiety, epilepsy, and hives.
Sexually Transmitted
Diseases: Including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital/vaginal warts,
candidiasis, and urinary tract infections. As far as AIDS is concerned the
immunomodulatory properties of Neem appear to enhance cell-mediated immune
response in people who are HIV positive but who do not have full blown AIDS.
However invitro tests at The National Institutes of Health which used Neem Leaf and
Bark extracts to find a cure for AIDS were very encouraging.
* Birth Control:
Works for Men & Women.
Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Conjunctivitis, Allergies, Bad Breath, Hangover, Stress, Insomnia, Smoking, and
on and on.
Furthermore the general population in India has used Neem for thousands of years as a bug repellant and
insecticide. Today researchers have proven that Neem is despised by over 200 species of insects and is a
safe and effective insecticide and bug repellent that is harmless to humans.
I think you will agree with me that there is considerable clinical evidence confirming the multiple uses of
Neem in the ancient Ayurvedic texts and then some. Neem has a history of continuous, safe and effective
use among the general population of India for over 5000 years. This also has been validated in numerous
clinical studies. Acharan Narula a research Professor in the department of biology in at The University of
North Carolina has done extensive research on Neem. He feels that Neem stands true to its Sanskrit name
Arishta which means quot;reliever of sicknessquot;.
12. Now the questions!
What does it taste like?
Bitter and Bitter it is, but these days there are capsules.
What are the side effects?
Well, the only side effect known to me is that I feel better and colleagues from the past
see me and say
“you look good and healthy”
