Neem A versatile herb

The Neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a beautiful evergreen tree that can reach a height of over 90 feet and live up to 200 years. Native to India, Burma and Sri Lanka, the neem tree now grows in many tropical areas of the world. The honey scented, tiny white neem flowers turn into a small fruit that turns yellow when ripe. The bark, seed, leaves and fruit of the tree are used in traditional herbalism for a variety of ailments. The bark, leaves and oil are considered antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiamoebic and antiparasitic.

Neem has been traditionally used for malaria, fungal or bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, improving digestion, and many more health promoting properties.

Neem leaves are cold and drying with a very bitter flavor.

The powdered leaf can be combined with water and made into a paste to apply to red, inflamed, weepy skin issues.

Taken internally, the bitter flavor stimulates digestive function and can cool heat/infection in the blood. Combine it with other warming bitter herbs, such as turmeric, to help balance the cold nature of this plant.

Neem leaf extract has also been studied for the ability to reduce blood glucose levels and was found to be beneficial. Combine it with other blood sugar regulating herbs such as Fenugreek or Cinnamon to balance the cold nature of neem.

Neem would also be a good herb to include in anti-parasite formulas as it strongly expels many types of parasites.

Neem is a powerful herb so dosage rates are small and best used combined with other herbs.

Equine Dosage ground leaves is 1-2 tsp twice daily.

Tincture dosage is .5-2ml or 10-40 drops twice daily

Neem bark with its bitter flavor has been used with other gastric healing herbs to heal ulcers. Combine it with other herbs that heal the gastric mucosa such as plantain, meadowsweet, calendula or marshmallow. The bark dosage is the same as the leaves.

Neem seed oil is often used in shampoos, fly sprays and topical creams to repel insects and heal red inflamed skin and wounds.

Neem seed oil is usually mixed at a dilution of 3-5% oil combined with water, apple cider vinegar or a base oil such as sesame oil or coconut oil.

The beautiful Neem tree has often been called the “Village Pharmacy” due to its multitude of uses. However, it should not be used internally in pregnant or nursing mares or foals. There is a possibility of neem preventing or inhibiting fertility with extended internal use.

Neem Flower Essence

This amazing tree also has a flower essence that opens the heart connection and clears barriers for you and your horse to connect.

Neem is an amazingly versatile plant that has been used for repelling insects, healing skin, supporting healthy digestion, and much more. A wonderful herb to have in your healing toolbox for you and your horse.