Part of the family of trees that mahogany is the most celebrated member of, neem trees commonly reach 50 feet and can get as tall as 100 feet. They’re a familiar sight in India, valued by communities countrywide. Pretty much every part of it can be used in medicinal ways, which is why it has long been appreciated in Ayurveda.
Neem leaves are rich in biologically active compounds – more than 130 of them. That accounts for the wide range of applications they have in health. Just for starters, it’s great for your skin thanks to anti-inflammatory properties that also make it good for joint and muscle injuries or wound recovery. Oh, and it can lower blood sugar which is great for diabetics.
Take the leaf in powdered form and use it in a drink that helps with digestive issues and to deal with scabies. Also as a liquid it’s a great mouthwash to reduce the chances of gum disease. Added to oil and it makes a fine insect repellent.
There’s more – much more. Much was discovered through dravyaguna, the Ayurvedic system of pharmacology which discerns the qualities and uses of substances through tiny distinctions in their taste. The headline is the dravyaguna description of neem as ‘the bitter green blessing’. Perfect.
Maybe one day you’ll see that line on more Tri-Dosha neem products. For now, and with winter coming up and darkness with it, our powdered neem is a wonder added to smoothies – vitamin C and a range of minerals mean it’s got feelgood benefits to help with stress relief and more.
The beauty of neem is you can introduce it to family members and friends who, like all of us, are experiencing strains in these weird times and might not want an Ayurveda chat or to discuss problems. No worries. Simply enjoy your time together over a pot of neem tea while talking about happier times, past and to come, and make today a happy memory as you do.
Until next time … Namaste
Founder Tri-Dosha
www.tri-dosha.co.uk