Some less known traditional medicinal uses of Neem (Azadirachta indica, family : Meliaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Neem is well known tree in India. Now it is becoming well known herb at international level. It is one of the most studied herbs of the world. The natives and traditional healers of India are aware of its unique medicinal properties and uses since time immemorial. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use this tree in their Tree shade Therapy. Neem is a native to Myanmar but it is grown all over area. A lot have been written on various uses of Neem in different languages. In present article, I am not repeating all these details. For its botany, reported and traditional medicinal use, I suggest you to read my previous article. Through ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected many information on promising but less known traditional medicinal uses of Neem . I am giving the details in this article. From the traditional healers of Narharpur region, Chhattisgarh, I got information on use of Neem branches in treatment of Eczema. The healers collect the branches and put it in fire. As burning starts, the liquid substance from the branches comes out. The healers collect the substance and apply it directly in affected parts. According to them, after two or three applications, the patients get rid from this trouble for ever. I have seen use of many other herbs and herbal formulations but not found all these herbs as effective as this treatment.

I have not observed this use in any other parts of Chhattisgarh. In treatment of gynaecological troubles, the traditional healers of Kondagaon region suggest the patients to boil the young leaves in well water and take the decoction internally upto a month. You will be surprised to know that this simple treatment is enough effective to treat many common troubles. The healers also use it in treatment of toothache. When I disclosed this use to the traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh, they showed ignorance but promised me to test this method: Although the smell of Neem oil is very odd but if used as hair oil, it helps in many ways. According to the traditional healers of Durg region, this oil is a boon for the patients having the problem of Alopecia. The healers claim that it regular use can maintain the hairs upto long time and in many cases, promotes the new growth or flush of hair in barren head. The natives of Chhattisgarh are using this oil as lice destroyer since time immemorial successfully. In general, the traditional healers suggest the patients to apply Neem oil for new hair growth upto two three months. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region, use the Neem leaves in combination with Bhui aonla (Phyllanthus simplex) in treatment of liver complaints. According to them it is one of the promising herbal combination to give new vigour to liver damaged due to excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks.

The Neem and Bhuiaonla leaves are mixed in equal ratio and boiled in water. The decoction prepared is stored for future use. Five teaspoonful of decoction is given to the patients in every three hours. The treatment is continued upto complete cure. It is considered as good tonic also. This herbal combination is not mentioned in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. I am proud to write that this formulation is developed by the traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region. This use is limited to this area only. As mentioned earlier, due to odd smell of Neem oil is difficult to use it as hair oil, the traditional healers of Bilaspur region suggest the patients to use it both internally and externally. They use it in treatment of Syphilis. The patients are advised to take teaspoonful of Neem oil internally and apply the oil externally on genitals. The healers told me that due to odd smell, the patients avoid this use initially but later when they feel its miracle effect, they show no hesitation in its use. From my grand father's diary. I noted the use of Neem leaves leachates in treatment of chronic constipation. The method is very simple. Twenty five Neem leaves are dipped a glass of water whole night. Next morning the leachates are taken empty stomach . Its long term use regularize the motion and root out the problem of constipation. I have tried it successfully many times. A lot have been written on utility of Neem parts in treatment of skin troubles and as blood purifier, but very few persons are aware that the oil prepared from Neem leaves have unique property to treat gout. The leaves, specially the new leaves, are boiled in Sarson Tel (Mustard oil) and when the green colour of leaves changes into black, stop the boiling process and collect the oil for future use. This oil can be stored upto very long time. This oil is popular among gout patients in Chhattisgarh. The above mentioned uses are less known and location specific in Chhattisgarh and it is my duty to document these information in scientific way. Through visit to other healers and articles in regional languages, I am disseminating this knowledge among natives and healers also.

Thank you very much for reading the article.