Neem Plant Benefits

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a tropical evergreen native to India, Burma, Southeast Asia and West Africa. It has been used for over 4,000 years to treat a myriad of ailments.

Oral Health

• Neem is often added to toothpaste. In his book "Neem: A Treatise," K.K. Singh describes the practice of chewing neem twigs in India for maintaining oral health. According to "Medicinal Plants of the World" by Ivan A. Ross, neem bark possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which may account for its effectiveness in oral hygiene. Ross also mentions that neem is traditionally used in Senegal to treat gingivitis.

Antiparasitic

• Neem is also used as a anthelmintic -- a substance that expels parasites such as tapeworms from the body.

Healing Wounds, Fevers and Skin Conditions

• The Herbal Encyclopedia lists traditional uses for neem tree, including as a topical application on wounds, burns and scrapes. K.K. Singh professes that neem is also used to reduce fevers, treat skin conditions and improve the symptoms of leprosy.

Natural Insecticide

• Neem keeps destructive insects at bay. pattern created worm after eating the leaf image by Heng kong Chen from Fotolia.com

  Neem tree oil repels mites, nematodes, snails and all manner of insects. It is a natural alternative to commercial insecticides.

Warning

• Neem should not be used by pregnant women, as it is an emmenagogue, or a substance stimulating menstruation.