I rediscovered Neem during the research I did on 'Ayurveda' which is a hindu system of traditional medicine native to India, and a form of alternative medicine. However, there is such an awful lot involved in Ayurveda I think that might be a whole new blog needed. So, in this instance we will just stick to the Neem information.
I say 'rediscover' as I have used Neem before for the treatment of Psoriasis. I somehow managed to totally forget about it, this time my research was for teeth and gums but neem is used for many things. My initial introduction was many years ago at a Mind, Body and Spirit Fair in Bolton, were I met
The neeem People
I found you did not just need to listen to what they could tell you about Neem, but look at how wonderfully healthy this couple are.
(source wilkepedia.org)
AZADIRACHTIA INDICA otherwise known as the Neem Tree. Is a tree from the mahogony family MELIACEAE. It is one of the two species in the genus AZADIRACHTA and is native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh.. growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions, also grown in the Southern part of Iran.
(source discoverneem.com)
The botanical name AZADIRACHTA INDICA gives away the indian origin. The whole name is from the Persian language Farsi. AZAD - means Free, DIRKHT means Tree and IHIDI means of India.
So, the botanical name translates into "The Free Tree of India".
Neem Oil is used in cosmetics - soap, shampoo, balms and creams. Soaps are often mixed with other natural ingrediants making a wonderfully scented, natural and caring product.
Shampoo too, is a caring and natural product, also on the Neem Product list is a natural cure to rid head lice, an improvement on the chemical version.
Neem skin creams, balms etc are wonderful - I use one for softer youthful complection on my face and a slightly stronger neater one for my Psoriasis. I also have one for the summer months to deter insects, again preferable than the chemical versions for the skin.
Neem Branches have been chewed to clean one's teeth. Neem twigs are available on Indian markets for this purpose. In the UK available we have toothpastes, tooth powder and mouthwash. This is what I am using to help with my gum problems at the moment.
Neem is also a key ingrediant in non-pesticidial management (NPM) providing a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. Neem also supresses the hatching of pest insects from their eggs. Neem Cake is often sold as a fertiliser.
As you see I do advocate Neem for skin care and oral health care. This is just my opinion, I am not a health professional so do always consult a GP before using any of the products I mention om my blog. We are not all the same.
If it is safe for you to do so, Neem is available from the following on-line shops.
The neeem People
www.neemgenie.co.uk
www.junglesale.com
Maybe choosing a time of the week when I had more free time just 'might' have been a better idea for starting a new blog. I am (as you see) totally unprepared today so I have added a very 'brief' description of this lovely meal to the 'healthy meals' page. I did photograph last nights dinner too, but alas that is still on camera as time just ran away from me today.
I have little time left now as its 5pm and I havent even started dinner yet, and the husband in his infinate wisdom decided to choose tonight to allow a chap to come and talk to us about insurance, oh joy! So, I have to be all done, finished and vacced by 7pm.
Having said that, I did venture into town this morning to the 'farmers market' which is there once a month. It wasn't that huge this time and not much there for me. Though I did meet the organic cheese supplier for my local farm shop (Manic Organic) bought some more tasty cheese from him, as it is wonderful cheese - and no, not very good for the diet really, but a little of what you fancy and all that! I got a nice sample of stilton, and some lancashire and ginger cheese... yum. Met my Dad there so chat a plenty, then I wonder why I run out of time ... but is nice to get out and about on occasion and it was a nice day.
I also visited our Holland and Barrett health shop, their 'penny' offer is very good. I bought some rock deodorant, and some organic body butters, oh and some sunflower seeds (good for the gums and mind).
Better make a start, I think tonights dinner is going to be 'smoked mackerel and thia rice' assuming I have all the ingrediants in, I will try remember to photograph it for the meals section.
Thank you to those who have followed me from my other blog, much appreciated.
Here we are in October 2012 - the beginning of my new blog, to share what I have discovered from the extended research I have done (and continue to do) on health issues. I am not a famous person, nor a professional, just an ordinary woman in need of help that was not forthcoming from those it should have been.
I hope you will join me, and enjoy reading what I have discovered to help me and my family... and even my dogs!
I also spend my time with Art, I love to paint and to illustrate. I need a lot of practice too! So for each blog entry there will be an illustration (hopefully) as in order to ever improve art is to be a daily practice, its also part of my 'health' recovery to do something I enjoy and 'for me' - so there is lesson one for you already. I have art journal's and am involved in art journal on-line groups.. Art Journals are fabulous for 'letting it out' getting your thoughts and worries on paper so they do not fester inside the mind.
My health issues are discussed on the 'about me' page, so I dont need to witter on about those anymore. Part of my recovery is which supplements to take, which herbs are good for what, and the biggest part of all 'HEALTHY EATING' the amazing and frightening discovery of what 'exactly' is in the food we eat, how important avoiding processed foods is and finding the time to prepare your own, so as to know just what you are eating.
There is a link to the right of the page where I purchase my ORGANIC veg, meats and some dairy - shopping from a local farm for these is often the way to eat healthier for less, Organic might be expensive in some supermarkets, but not neccesarily so when bought direct from were it is grown.
As I enjoy my new healthy meals so much, I will also set up a seperate page for those - trust me, they are SIMPLE, nothing complicated, good food and rarely more time involved than a trip out to the take out would be (and have you 'any' idea what is in that??).
I think that will do for now - all that is left is to point out again, I am not a professional person, everything written on this blog is my opinion from the research I have done, when I remember I will show were this research is from.. if not by all means give me a nudge and I will add, also if you have any tips to share please do (but dont be offended if I stress these are OPINIONS).
