About Malai Vembu
The herb belongs to neem family. It grows naturally in forests and hill stations, hence called as malai vembu. The tree grows in various parts of India. It is more popular in Tamil Nadu. The tree is used as a source of firewood and its leaves, roots and barks have great medicinal properties.
The tree grows very fast and has been grown on either side of the national highways throughout India.
Common and Botanical Names
The tamil name of the herb is Malai Vembu. The botanical name is Melia Dubia and belongs to Meliaceae family. The tree grows widely in India, Australia, and South East Asia. Other names include Maha neem, Forest neem, etc.
Primary Medicinal Uses
Cures Dengue
The combined juice of papaya leaf, malai vembu or hill neem and common neem has been given to dengue patients for getting rid of the disease. Recently, when dengue has been spreading in Tamil Nadu, the government made it an official medicine to get treated by this herb. The decoction needs to be taken twice a day for a week to get cured.
Tooth problems
Traditionally, neem stems have been used to brush teeth. It keeps the teeth and gums strong, removes bad mouth odour and cures all mouth related infections.
Stomach Worms
To get rid of worms from the stomach, eat tender neem leaves early in the morning in empty stomach and at night.
Diabetes
The malai vembu juice is consumed by diabetic patients. It has the potential to reduce sugar levels in the body.
Mosquito Repellent
In many parts of the country, the neem oil is used as mosquito repellent. Some people burn the leaves whose smoke drives away and kills mosquitos.
Skin Diseases
Neem is a very good medicine that can be used for treating skin related diseases like skin infections, allergies, etc
Chicken Pox
Malai Vembu is used for treating chicken pox.
Additional Medicinal Uses
Body heat
The juice of the barks and roots is consumed for reducing body heat. It can also cure fever.
Dandruff
Powdered neem leaves can be used to remove dandruff and lice.
Neem Oil
Melia Dubia is used in making Neem oil from its seeds.
Herbal Products
The leaves are used to manufacture herbal soaps, shampoo, creams, balms, etc
Other Uses
- The leaves of the tree are used in making plywood.
- The wood of the tree is used in making of furniture. It is also usd in making cases for packaging, pencils, match boxes, kattamarams, etc.
- Many agriculturists cultivate it for their livelihood by selling its leaves, wood, seeds, etc