Neem,
botanically known as Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) is a common
medicinal plant in Nigeria popularly known as Dogonyaro. The dogonyaro
tree originated from Southeast Asia before spreading to other countries
all over the world.
Dogonyaro
tree is a fast growing tree that can even survive very well in any part
of the tropics even under any agricultural soil condition. Researchers
agree that the neem plant possess antibacterial, anti-tumour,
pesticidal, anti-helmintic,sedative,contraceptive, anti-fungal,
antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which suggest why the plant
is very popular in the world.
The
dogonyaro tree starts bearing fruits after 3 years but becomes fully
matured after 10 years and can bear more than 50kg of fruits every year
for up to 100 years. Every part of the neem tree such as the bark,
leaves, seeds and fruits can be used as remedy for certain ailment and
diseases due to their beneficial medicinal properties.
Benefits of Azadirachta indica (Dogonyaro or Neem)
The presence of edunin and nimbidol compounds make the dogonyaro leaves very destructive to fungi.
Dogonyaro can be used as a vaginal suppository to avoid and control the spread of sexually trasmitted infections.
Dogonyaro is anti-fungal and antibacterial in nature hence the leaves extracts can be used for treating skin infections such as; psoriasis, eczema, scabies and acne.
Dogonyaro trees can be used for erosion control and deforestation.
Dogonyaro helps in the detoxification process of the body, which helps to maintain healthy respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems.
Dogonyaro extracts can be used in making soaps and oils, which when used can help to maintain healthy and glowing skin.
Neem helps with swollen and puffy eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Neem oil is antiseptic and antibacterial in nature hence, it is very useful for treating cavities, dandruff, halitosis, gum disease and controlling hair lice.
Boiled neem leaves water can be bathed with by malarial patients.
Researchers agree that dogonyaro is capable of reducing fertility in humans due to its contraceptive properties.
Dogonyaro can act or be used as a spermicide.
Individuals suffering from athletes foot can dip their feet in a warm water containing dogonyaro oil.
Individuals suffering from itchy and dry scalp can wash their hair with boiled neem leaves water but the water has to cool down before being used.
The anti-coccidial properties of neem makes it ideal for use as a pesticide.
Dogonyaro leaves extracts contain antiviral properties that destroy viruses as well as prevent them from growing and spreading to other parts of the body.
Neem oil can be used as nasal drops for treating sinusitis.
Dogonyaro water when mixed with honey and taken first thing every morning for at least 7 days is capable of curing jaundice.
Warm dogonyaro oil when applied to the ears can cure earache.
Dogonyaro can act as a blood cleanser thus stimulates antibody protection to boost the immune system.
Dogonyaro can be used in treating excessive vaginal discharge.
Skin bruises and cuts can be treated using dogonyaro leaves extract to prevent bacterial infection.
Due to the antibacterial properties of dogonyaro, the leaves extract is a trusted and recommended constituents of oral hygiene products, mouthwash and toothpaste.
Dogonyaro can be used to treat food poisoning associated with staphylococcus and salmonella bacteria.
The anti-malarial properties of neem render it suitable for teating malaria. Malaria is presently prevalent in the developing and under-developed countries but remains a global health challenge. The Ibo people of the Eastern part of Nigeria boil the dogonyaro leaves with pawpaw (carica papaya) leaves together for treating malaria. The local name for this anti-malarial drug is ogwu-iba and they believe that this local medicine has a high rate of curing malaria.
Dogonyaro water when taken orally is capable of reducing the insulin level of diabetic patients.
Reference: globalfoodbook.com
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