Neem is considered to be of divine origin according to Indian mythology. After Samudra Mantthan when amrita (ambrosia or the elixir of immortality) was being carried to heaven by Devas few drops of it fell on the Neem tree which attributes to its amazing medicinal properties. That’s why it is also known as ‘Kalpavruksha’.
Neem stands true to its Sanskrit name Aristha. The Aristha, means ‘reliever of sicknesses’. In Vedas Neem is mentioned as ‘Sarva Roga Nivarini’, which means ‘one that cures all ailments and ills‘. In Africa it is known as ‘Mahorbany’, because it can cure forty major and minor diseases.
The use of natural products, in particular plant based products in order to improve health and the quality of life is an integral part of mankind’s history. References are found in the earliest recordings essentially from all cultures. Hence, plant-based natural products have played a key role in the development of medicinal chemistry. The birth of the pharmaceutical industry in the late 15th century and its tremendous growth especially since the mid twentieth century spurred the search for the plants possessing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cytotoxic, fungicidal, insecticidal or pesticidal properties.
External medicinal uses of Neem is for the treatment of dermatological disorders like psoriasis, herpes, eczema, purities, and acne vulgaris, inflammatory condition, infected wounds, abscesses and ulcer, ophthalmic care, ear infection and sinusitis, alopecia and hair care, snake bite and scorpion sting, rheumatic pain, gout, etc. Internally Neem is used for dental hygiene, for treating malaria and filaria, typhoid, digestive disorders, liver disorders, intestinal worms, hepatitis, spleenomeglay, respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, urinary disorders, gynecological problems, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, leprosy, leucoderma, allergies, etc., infectious diseases such as smallpox, chicken pox, and measles, vaginal disorders, sexually transmitted infection, and AIDS.