Neem: Traditional Knowledge from Ayurveda

Abstract

Ancient Indian medical literature is said to be one of the world’s most well-documented and incomparable evidences of the extreme wealth of Indian knowledge systems which dates back between 1500 BCE and 1900 CE. Detailed theoretical foundations and resources from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Tibetan medicine on medicinal plants, disease diagnosis, and treatment methods have long existed with considerable documented evidences. While on the other hand, undocumented knowledge is widely practised by hundreds of tribal communities across India and is often regarded as folk medical knowledge. Surpassing 6500 well-documented medicinal plants, India holds a treasure house of knowledge in this regard and Neem is one of the most important medicinal plant being widely used by all medicinal systems. This chapter aims to capture the essence of traditional knowledge on Neem, as documented in Ayurveda with detailed references. Various examples with detailed citations and descriptions, translated from ancient Acharyas such as Charaka, Susrutha, and Vaghbata have been covered. Vernacular names and Sanskrit synonyms of Neem along with its descriptive meaning illustrates the importance and popularity of Neem at a wider scale. The sheer depth of Indian Knowledge Systems is demonstrated with Sanskrit slokas and its approximate English meaning with the explanation on the use of various parts of the Neem as well as simple and compound medicinal formulations. Highly informative data sources and bibliography with supportive evidences authentic in nature have also been provided for further referencing.