Neem Plus
By Viana Muller, Ph.D.
Neem Plus is an Ayurvedic formula whuch contains neem (Azaradichta indica), amla (PhIlanthus embelica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bahera (Myrobalan bellerica), Tinospora cardifolia and Rubia cordifolia. Traditionally neem has had a wide number of applications from skin conditions to insect repellent.
Neem
(azaradichta indica)
Neem is primarily indigenous to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri-Lanka, with the subsequent reforestation of the neem tree in Africa, the Carribean, the Middle East, and Hawaii. This tree belongs to the Meliacea family and grows rapidly in any soil condition. Neem is one of the very bitter herbs. Its active principle are Margosine, which is found in the bark and leaves, and Nimbidine from the fruit oil. The limonoids found in neem can be used alone or synergistically with other herbs.
Clinical studies have revealed neem extract to be effective for the treatment of inflammatory bacterial stomatitis. Research also indicates neem's anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The leaves have shown to work effectively against ringworm, athlete's foot and other fungal skin infections. In addition it helps combat bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Clostridia, and is effective against Pediculosis (lice).
Traditionally, the bark has been used for skin and rheumatic conditions. The leaves are considered antiseptic and the berries are a purgative as well as containing emollient properties.
Anila
(phyllanthus embelica)
Amla is 20 to 25 feet tall found throughout India. Amla fruit is also known as Indian Gooseberry. It is one of the greatest known sources of natural vitamin C. In addition amla is a rich source of flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin 13 complex, and carotenoids.
Studies suggest that amla possesses antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, digestive, mild laxative, hypotensive, hypocholesterimic, adaptogenic and alterative properties. The use of amla has shown to increase lean body mass, accelerate the repair and regeneration of connective tissue, and enhance interieron and cortisteriod secretions.
In Ayurveda, amla has been used to balance pit, the regulator of metabolic processes.
Bahera
(terminalia avellerica)
Bahera is a 60-80 foot tree found in the Himalayan foot hills. The fruit is rich in tannins. Clinical trials have observed bahera to have remarkable results with asthma and chronic sinusitis. These trials have also shown that bahera has anti-histaminic, anti-tussive, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-yeast, choleretic, and cytotoxic effects.
Haritaki
(terminalia chebula)
Haritaki is a 50-80 foot tree found at various altitudes, reaching up to 5,000 feet in the Himalayas. Haritaki is rich in tannins, fructose, amino acids, succinic acid, and betasitosterol. Clinical studies have shown it to have antiviral and antibacterial activity against E. coli, to be antinflarnatory, antihistaminic, and have laxative effects. Ayurvedically, it balances vat. Vat is comprised of air and ether and it regulates the nervous system.
Tinospora Cardifola
Tinospora cardifolia is a bitter herb, which has antispasmodic, antipyretic and antiinflamatory properties. Its leaves are rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorous. Their decoction is used for gout. The root is a powerful emetic and used for visceral obstruction, and its watery extract is used for leprosy.
Rubia Cardifola
Rubia cardifolia is a multi-branched twine which grows in the Western Himalayas. It contains glucosides, calcium salts and purpurin as a coloring agent. Its leaves are tonic, anticlysentric, antiseptic, and deobstruent. A decoction of the leaves and stems is used as a vermifuge and for skin conditions such as dermatitis.
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