Neem…a magical scrubby little tree

The Most Powerful Detoxifier Used in Ayurvedic Medicine (excerpt from, “The Elemental Cleanse”)

I discovered Neem at the age of 32 when adult-onset acne reared its ugly head. My neck and jawline were inflamed in boils that would last up to six months. I picked and aggravated the boils which led to redness and scarring. I found myself at the dermatologist and even the plastic surgeon looking for a remedy. Antibiotics and creams helped a bit, but the problem persisted. It was horrible.

At the same time, I began studying yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. I stumbled upon Neem while doing some holistic research into acne cures. I immediately started using Neem soap, Neem lotion and ingesting Neem in capsule form. Not only did my skin immediately start to heal, but the redness and scarring began to diminish as well. I’ve been using Neem ever since. There are a few herbs I take daily and Neem is one of them.

In holistic medicine we advocate managing stress and eating a wholesome diet to prevent acne. Herbs are therapy and many shouldn’t be taken long term. I find, however, that my Fire (Pitta) skin is easily upset by the slightest stress, changes in diet and my ever shifting hormones. If you are a woman over the age of 35 you probably can relate. Neem is safe to take daily and I recommend it for not just treating acne, but any skin condition. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory and I have seen incredible results from people taking it to heal arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraines.

To Purchase Neem

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Neem is a wonderful addition to the Elemental Cleanse and is the number one seller in the studio. It is a tonic for your liver and facilitates digestion. It works to soothe your doshas and your nervous system.  You will notice diminished aches and pains, your skin will clear and you will feel good. Neem works to cleanse your cells of accumulated toxins. Neem is bitter. Think about when you bite into something bitter. Your reaction is to spit it out. While cleansing, you ingest Neem (don’t worry, you won’t taste it) and it is taken into your cells. The bitter taste of the Neem stimulates your cells to literally “spit out” the toxins. We add to this process our oil therapy and the cells get lubricated so that the toxins come out even easier. All of these toxins end up in your digestive system and are eliminated naturally through your bathroom ritual.

CAUTION

WHAT IS NEEM?

The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a scrappy little evergreen native to India. It thrives in harsh conditions, including poor soil and high temperatures. Because of its healing properties, people are now cultivating Neem, not just in India, but also in Asia, South America and Africa. In the United States, we are testing the growth of the Neem tree. I’m crossing my fingers that they flourish. I have three Neem trees planted in pots in my home and yoga studios. They flourish outside in the summer of Ohio, but must be brought inside in the fall. They do moderately well inside, but seem to long for their native Indian climate. Still they survive, offering their leaves for tea and facials.

NEEM RECIPES:

In India, the Neem Tree is considered sacred because of its miraculous healing properties. It has been used as a holistic medicine for 4,500 years.  In India, it is used to treat or prevent intestinal worms, malaria, encephalitis, meningitis, scabies, fungi, smallpox, head lice, diabetes, epilepsy, ulcers, headaches and fevers.  More than six hundred million people use the branches of the Neem Tree as a natural toothbrush.  Neem has been shown to be effective in reducing cavities and healing gum disease.  I’ve been using Neem toothpaste and an electric toothbrush for years and my teeth are almost as white as many of my friends who use harsh chemical whiteners.

I hope this is helpful.  OM, Pamela