Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Neem for Dental care

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an oldest tradition used effectively in dental care. It has antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and antiinfertility properties.

The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic and antiperiodic properties. Neem leaf extract has a fruit like smell and contains essential fatty acids. This extract finds large scale personal and industrial application. Leaf extracts have been used widely in both traditional and current times to manufacture tooth pastes and mouthwash in the oral care industry. Its antibacterial properties helps to remove many dental problems.

Neem bark is the most effective in preventing cavities and gum disease, followed by neem leaf. Neem dental care products contain either neem leaf extract or neem bark extract. Neem mouth rinse is very effective in the treatment of infections, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums. Neem is fast growing and every part of this 'village pharmacy' can be used. The twig of the neem tree is largely used as a tooth brush in different regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Uses of  Various Parts Of Neem
Neem Seeds
The fruit of the neem plant looks a lot like an olive. The flesh surrounds a seed that contains one or several kernels.Besides that the oil is valued for its huge range of medicinal uses. The seed kernels contain the highest concentration of active substances in the neem plant. Pressing them for oil is one way to get at them, but you can also make various extracts from the seeds.

Neem oil, the most popular neem plant product, is made by pressing the neem seed kernels.

In the western world the seed oil is mostly known and valued as a safe and effective insecticide. Neem oil is very popular with organic gardeners.

It is also used as a natural insect repellent, a safe and more efficient alternative to the harmful deet.

Neem seed oil is also an ingredient in many skin care products. In India most of the neem oil is used in neem soap, but there are also neem shampoos, lotions, creams etc.
The seed oil can be toxic and should not be taken internally.

Neem Leaves
The leaves of the neem plant are the most versatile and most easily available resource. They contain the same active ingredients as the seeds, just in much lower concentration.
Although the leaves of the neem tree have been used this way for thousands of years in India, Neem is a very powerful herb.

The topical use of neem leaf extracts and leaf paste is safe.

Skin care and the treatment of skin disorders is where the neem plant really shines .Leaf pastes and extracts are used in skin care products, hair oils, in neem toothpastes and mouth washs, and they also have lots of medicinal uses.

Many herbalists recommend chewing the leaves, taking capsules of dried leaf, or drinking the bitter tea.
The leaves cleanse the blood, help the gastrointestinal system (ulcers!), support the liver, and strengthen the immune system, to name just some of the most popular benefits

It is extremely effective in eliminating bacterial and fungal infections or parasites
Its antiviral activity can treat warts and cold sores
It soothes inflammation and reduces redness
It moisturizes the skin and keeps it supple

It can even lighten scars and pigmentation.
Examples of such uses are scabies and acne treatment.

Neem Bark
The bark of the neem tree is not used as much as the seeds or leaves, for obvious reasons. There is not as much of it, it does not regenerate as quickly, and it is slightly more difficult to use. Because of its dry and hard nature the ingredients are more difficult to extract.

However, in one medicinal field the bark is the recommended plant part to use. That field is dental care. The bark contains a higher concentration of active ingredients than the leaves, and is especially high in ingredients with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action. Neem bark is highly effective when treating gingivitis (gum disease).

Neem Twigs
Chewing young, supple branches, and then using them as a toothbrush, prevents cavities and gum disease
Indian villagers have used this method for centuries (Though in modern India neem toothpaste , daatun , mouthwashs, and bark powders are the preferred method)

Neem Cake
Neem cake is a strange name for the pulp that is left after extracting neem seed oil from kernels
It is indeed edible, at least for animals, and is sometimes used as fodder
However, the most common and recommended use is as a soil amendment and fertilizer

Neem Flowers
The flowers of the neem plant have a lovely, sweet, honey-like smell
It is quite intense, noticeable from a distance, but never overpowering
Bees love neem flowers and neem honey is popular
The flower oil is also used in aromatherapy and has a calming and restorative effect


Courtesy: Various Sources over internet

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for your information.Neem is the best herbal medicine in dental and other body parts of our body..Michigan teeth whitening

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  2. Neem bark is an ideal choice for daily oral care and yes you made right point that in modern India, neem toothpaste , daatun , mouthwashs, and bark powders are very popular choice for dental care.
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