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Introduction of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that is indigenous to India. ‘Ayu' denotes life and ‘Veda' denotes Knowledge. The objective of this science is happy and healthy life, graceful old age and life free from disease. This healing system has been practiced in India from time immemorial. According to Ayurveda all living creatures are composed of macroscopic forms of five basic elements namely, ‘Prithvi' (earth), ‘Jal' (water), ‘Agni' (fire), ‘Vayu' (air), and ‘Akash' (ether). According to Ayurveda the unusual changes in weather results in imbalance in the five vital elements in the environment, which in turn directly influence the human body. Thus seasonal discrepancies are cause of illness in living beings. Of course, the abundant pollution on this planet is the cause of all these seasonal discrepancies.
The basic principles of treatment in Ayurveda are 1) balanced diet 2) proper deeds and 3) proper medicine. The medicines used in Ayurveda are of herbal, animal and mineral origin.
Role of Herbs in controlling Environmental Pollution
Herbs or medicinal plants have an important role to play in protecting our environment too. There is a special branch of Ayurveda called ‘Vruksha Ayurveda' (Plant Science) which describes the improvement of plant life and environment using herbs. Herbs are source of rich oxygen and prevent soil erosion. Plants like ‘Tulsi' (Basil), ‘Beal patra' (Agele Marcelos), ‘Neem', Mango, ‘Badh' (Banyan), ‘Peepal' (Ficus religiosa linn), to name a few are found in the roadside and backyard of most house holds in the Indian subcontinent and play significant role in controlling environmental pollution. Traditionally people decorate their home entrances with garlands made from Mango leaves as the aroma from the leaves purifies the surrounding air and brings coolness to the environment. ‘Badh' and ‘Peepal' are very long lasting trees and for religious reasons are never cut in India. These trees are usually fairly huge and are the source to fresh air and shelter in rural India where electricity is still not available. Of course the medicinal value of these plants is next to none too. ‘Tulsi' is commonly used in disorders of the digestive system, fever, worms, skin allergies, leprosy and urinary diseases. The fruit of ‘Beal' is a great appetizer, digestive stimulant and useful in controlling dysentry and diarrhoea. ‘ Beal' fruit pulp used orally improves eyesight. Extracts made from ‘Beal' leaves reduce blood sugar and are helpful for diabetics. Other plants like Ashok (Saraca asoca), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Amra (Magnifera indica linn), Jamun (Syzygium cumini linn), Gular (Ficus glomerota), Palash (Butea monosperma linn), Vebetaki (Terminalia chebula retz), Kutaz (Holarrbena antidysenttercia linn), Kacnar (bauch variegata linn) are some plants which have both medicinal value and are beneficial to the environment.
Neem and its diverse roles
Neem is a plant of diverse uses and of great medicinal value. There are three varieties of Neem namely, Azadirachta indica , Melia azedirach and Bergera koenigii . It is highly extolled as almost all portions of this plant namely, the main trunk, root, fruit, flower, bark, gum and toddy have some or the other medicinal value. If used judiciously, Neem tree can offer the world a wide variety of medicines, pesticides, cosmetics, and fertilizers and help solve challenging problems like pollution, epidemics and infectious diseases. Neem grows on almost any kind of soil and requires little water. It grows best in black soil and has a widespread natural distribution. It is commonly grown in the Indian Subcontinent Australia and in Africa. These trees have a life of 200 yrs. and grow up to altitude of 3000 ft. As the leaf canopy of this tree is so thick it is an excellent source of oxygen. Additionally unlike other plants it not only arrests soil erosion but it does not kill the undergrowth which is essential in maintaining the fertility and texture of the soil.
Neem and other Herbs as Pesticides and Fertilizers
The adverse effect of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on human health has brought a need for organic fertilizers and pesticide, which are environmentally safe, good for health, cheaper and easy to use. Lately worldwide organically grown fruits, vegetables and other edible plants are gaining popularity. Neem is one of the primary herbs used as an organic fertilizer and pesticide in most parts of the world. Neem oil mixed with kerosene is used as a pesticide. ‘Nimbin', an organic pesticide is obtained from Neem cake. Neem extract is used as a pesticide and Neem oil is used as bug repellant. Azardirachtin, the active compound from the seeds of Neem is the main component responsible for the anti feedant and toxic effects in insects. Extracts and oil obtained from some other herbs like ‘Karanch' and ‘Mahua' are also used as potent pesticides.
Neem in Medicine
Neem is used to treat both internal and external body ailments. Neem has been extensively used in treating Diabetes, Malaria and several other chronic diseases.
Diabetes : This is one of the most prevalent disease in most parts of the world and as been the cause of agony to many. Conventional medicine is good for controlling diabetes but not curing it. Intake of Neem leaves and its extract has been proved to be beneficial for not only keeping blood sugar under control but also curing the disease.
Malaria : Malaria is still a devastating disease in Southeast Asia and African countries. Although conventional medicine is now available but the use of Neem for treating Malaria has been known from thousands of years. Neem leaf powder and decoction taken orally three times a day for a certain period of time cures Malaria.
Other Chronic diseases : Different parts of the Neem plant are used to treat several diseases of human kind both externally and internally. Neem leaf extract is helpful in controlling gynecological disorders like Leucorrhea and Dysmenorrhoes, reducing spleenomegaly, accelarating recovery to hepatitis, in relieving burning sensation in the body caused by several ailments, in regulating bowel movements in patients suffering from Diarrhoea and Dysentry and other digestive disorders. Its astringent, antiseptic, depurative properties are helpful in speedy recovery of Typhoid and Malaria patients and in relieving hypertension. Neem oil and paste is used to treat skin disorders like Leucoderma, Leprosy, psoriasis, Herpes, Eczema, Pruritis, Acne. Honey obtained from the plant is used for treating eye disorders and is harmless to diabetics. It is now being used as supportive therapy for cancer and AIDS and has worked wonders for quite a few patients.
Neem in Veterinary medicine
Neem products are also used to control ecto and endoparasites of cattle and poultry and to reduce the insect population in animal housing. Neem oil and bark is used for both external and internal use in animal medicine.
Herbs and Cosmetics
Recently the awareness regarding carcinogenic and adverse effects of chemical cosmetics has raised a demand for cosmetics made from natural products which are safe for human skin and body. Herbs are being used almost in every kind of cosmetic product. They are used as ingredients in soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, creams, tooth pastes, talcum powders etc.
CONCLUSION
Neem is a wonder tree and can be used to prevent disease, epidemics, pollution and saving the environment. This is the right time to create a global awareness on Neem and increase its availability and utility.
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