Neem: Overview of the plant and its uses

The use of neem

The neem plant or neem tree (neem tree), scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen tree found in tropical and subtropical regions. Neem is an essential part of traditional Indian medicine and has been valued for centuries for its many health benefits.

The different parts of the neem tree, including the leaves, bark, seeds and oils, are used in various products. The leaves can be used to make teas, extracts and powders. The neem leaves as well as the neem oil are used in the cosmetics industry for soaps, shampoos and lotions. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds by cold pressing. Neem oil, a pure, valuable plant oil with a high content of essential fatty acids, is used to make numerous products, all of which are of great benefit. One very important use is as a natural pesticide.

Neem press cake and neem oil are very frequently and increasingly used as biological inputs in agriculture and horticulture. They are used both as organic compound fertilisers and to repel, drive away and prevent various plant pests.

The uses of the neem plant are many and varied. It is used to treat skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of neem oil can help to reduce skin irritations and infections. In addition, the neem plant is also used to ward off and prevent parasites such as bacteria, viruses and fungi due to its antimicrobial properties.

History and origin of the neem plant

The history of the neem plant goes back a long way and is closely linked to Ayurvedic medicine and Indian culture. In India, the neem plant has been used for centuries, both for medicinal purposes and as a source of building materials, vegetable oil, fuel, fertiliser and animal feed. Soaps containing neem oil are widely used as they promote skin health and are also affordable for poor sections of society. Traditional soaps in India very often contain neem oil.

The neem plant has also gained importance in other parts of the world, including Africa, South America and South East Asia. It is cultivated and utilised in many countries due to its many uses and health benefits. Its global spread in tropical countries was triggered by Indian labourers who were taken by their English colonial masters to their many colonies. These Indian migrants brought much of their cultural heritage with them, including the neem tree, which is known at home as the "village pharmacy".

In recent decades, the neem tree has been introduced to many tropical countries due to its many valuable properties. It has adapted particularly well to arid regions such as the African Sahel and numerous dry regions in Asia, South America and many Caribbean countries. It is cultivated there to combat erosion and desertification. The neem tree is an evergreen shade tree even in extreme drought. It continuously renews its leaflets and thus contributes to the organic enrichment of the soil.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the neem plant is known as the "village pharmacy" as it is used to treat a variety of diseases. Its uses range from treating various skin diseases and strengthening the immune system to treating digestive problems and diabetes.

The neem plant has also attracted increasing interest in modern research, so that its health benefits and economic potential are being further explored. Studies have shown that the neem plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that could help in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Overall, the neem plant is a unique plant with a fascinating history and a multitude of health benefits. Its uses are diverse and range from traditional medicine to the cosmetics industry. Further research and development of the neem plant could reveal even more potential in the future.

Ingredients of the neem plant

The neem plant, also known as the "miracle tree" or "medicinal plant of the Indian people", has been known for centuries for its many health benefits. It originates from the tropical regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Here you will find an overview of the ingredients of the neem plant and its uses:

Neem leaves: benefits and properties

Neem leaves contain a variety of active ingredients that give them their health benefits. One of the most important substances is azadirachtin, which is valued in modern agricultural science as a kind of natural insecticide, as it repels pests and mites. In addition, the leaves also contain tannins, flavonoids, antioxidants and other compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunostimulant properties.

Neem leaves are used in various forms. They are gently dried and used as tea infusions, alcoholic extracts or in powder form. Neem leaves can help to alleviate skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin infections. When used as a defence against pests, neem leaves are processed into extracts or mixed in pure form with the protective seeds or textiles.

Neem oil: use and benefits

Neem oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the neem plant. It contains various active ingredients such as azadirachtin, nimbin, salannin and quercetin. More than 100 active substances have now been found, the most important of which belong to the limonoids and the chemical group of tetranortriterpenoids. These compounds give neem oil its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, insecticidal and moisturising properties.

Neem oil is often used in skin and hair care. It can help alleviate skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and fungal infections. It is also used as a type of natural insect repellent to repel fleas, lice and other pests. It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties and can help heal wounds.

Neem to promote plant growth and protect against diseases

Neem to promote plant growth and protect against diseases Apart from its properties to prevent insects from infesting plants, neem also offers benefits for plant growth and protection against diseases. Neem press cake is a by-product of neem seed extraction during the production of neem oil. Neem press cake is often used as a soil conditioner and fertiliser. It enriches the soil with nutrients, promotes microbial activity and improves the soil structure. When applied together with nitrogen-rich organic fertilisers (e.g. liquid manure or chicken manure), neem press cake successfully fulfils the function of a nitrification inhibitor, which leads to significantly lower leaching and volatile losses of nitrogen. Another positive effect of Neem press cake in the soil is the prevention and reduction of soil-borne parasites or other pests such as fungus gnat larvae, weevils or various parasitising nematodes. The use of Neem press cake results in healthier soil life and more productive plant growth.

Neem against aphids, mites and fungus gnats:

The use of neem to prevent and repel aphids, mites and fungus gnats has proven to be extremely effective. Neem oil is a natural extract from the seeds of the neem tree and contains azadirachtin, which has a deterrent effect on various pests. One way to use neem against these pests is to make an oil-water emulsion from the neem oil. As pure neem oil is a fatty vegetable oil, it cannot be mixed directly with water. It must first be mixed with a suitable vegetable oil emulsifier so that it can then be dissolved in water. Here, too, care should be taken to use natural emulsifiers wherever possible in order to preserve the positive, environmentally friendly and harmless properties of neem oil. The neem oil protects the plant from infestation by pests and ensures that they are kept away. The neem oil-water emulsion can be sprayed directly onto the affected plant parts, whereby a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0% neem oil in the emulsion is sufficient. The feeding and sucking insects present will soon stop feeding on the plants and try to leave the treated plant. Flying insects such as beetles, butterflies, cicadas, grasshoppers or aphids avoid plants treated with neem and do not lay their eggs there. As a result, not only is a possible infestation of insects or mites contained, but a new infestation is also successfully counteracted. Neem is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and at the same time protects the plant and animal world.

The harmonising and balancing effect of neem oil leads to its antifungal properties, so that it can be used successfully to prevent and combat fungal diseases such as mildew and rust. In the form of foliar sprays or for watering the soil, neem oil forms a protective barrier on the plant surface or the soil and inhibits the growth and spread of fungal pathogens. Its use in combination with sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate base) has proven to be particularly favourable, as the two substances have a synergistic effect. It can also be used as an adjuvant together with fungicides. This also triggers synergistic effects and the effect of the fungicide can unfold better.

As well as being used to ward off and prevent pests and diseases, neem has been shown to stimulate plant growth and increase crop yields. It promotes root development, improves nutrient uptake and plant defence mechanisms. These benefits contribute to overall plant health and resilience, making neem a valuable input for sustainable agriculture. The use of Neem press cake to enrich the soil is particularly recommended.

To summarise, neem is a natural and environmentally friendly solution for agriculture and can replace many conventional methods for pest control and maintaining plant health. Its properties and mechanisms of action that naturally deter insects and mites from attacking plants, as well as its ability to promote plant growth and protect against disease, make it a versatile and valuable resource. As the demand for sustainable and organic farming methods continues to grow, neem is likely to play an increasingly important role in the future of agriculture.

Summary: Neem – effects and applications

The neem plant, also known as the neem tree or Azadirachta indica, is a versatile and useful plant with a range of ingredients that are used in both traditional medicine and agriculture.

Important points about the neem plant and its ingredients

Distribution of the neem plant:

The neem plant originates from India and now grows in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Neem has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It contains numerous bioactive compounds such as nimbin, nimbidin and quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Use of neem raw materials in agriculture:

Neem oil  is regarded and used by many as a natural remedy and therefore an alternative to pesticides. It has properties that protect plants from sucking and sucking insects and mites. Important plant pests such as aphids, whiteflies, tripes, caterpillars, beetle larvae, cicadas and spider mites are successfully prevented from infesting plants.

Care for hair and skin with neem:

Neem oil is often used in skin care products as it can help treat acne, eczema and other skin conditions. It can also be used to relieve scalp problems such as dandruff and itching.

The benefits of neem in dental and oral hygiene:

Neem is often used in dental care products due to its antimicrobial properties. It can reduce gingivitis, prevent plaque formation and combat bad breath. It also has anti-caries properties and can therefore be used instead of fluorine in dentifrices. The neem raw material used here is the bark of the neem tree, which is ground into a fine powder and used directly or as an extract in toothpastes, herbal toothpastes or mouthwashes. Traditionally, the Indian rural population uses the fine stems of the pinnate leaves to clean their teeth. Chewing on the stems of the neem leaflets releases the ingredients that naturally clean the teeth and protect against tooth decay.

Frequently asked questions about neem and its use

Is neem safe?

Neem is considered safe for use in food, cosmetics and in the protection of plants and pets. However, it is important to follow the instructions for use and be aware of possible allergic reactions. The neem raw materials used must be pure and must not contain any foreign substances or microbiological contaminants.

How is neem used?

Neem can be used in many different forms, including oil, powder, extract and for processing into various products. The method of application depends on the intended use, be it in skin care, agriculture or medicine.

What precautions should be taken when using neem?

Pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before using neem. It is also important to follow the instructions for use on the products.

The neem plant and its ingredients offer a wide range of applications in traditional medicine, agriculture and other areas.