Neem Tea: It's benefits, uses and the recipe

Azadirachta Indica, commonly known as neem or Indin lilac, is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta and is native to the Indian subcontinent, i.e. India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem trees also grow in islands located in the southern part of Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the sources of neem oil.

Indin lilac is a basic ingredient in the world of Ayurveda, which has been used in India for over two millennia for its medicinal properties. It is believed that neem is anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, antiviral, contraceptive, and sedative. The oil extracted from these leaves is used to balance blood sugar levels and detoxify the blood. This wonder herb has more health benefits than we can imagine.

What is Neem Tea?

Neem tea is a bitter tasted tea used as Ayurvedic medicine to heal various diseases. Indians love to have this tea. However, there are certain precautions and mustn't be drunk by everyone.

Neem tea is a herbal infusion made from the whole or ground dried leaves of the neem tree. The drought-tolerant tree is indigenous to Southeast Asia and has been used in India for a variety of purposes for centuries. The plant provides much-needed shade and natural pest control with minimal maintenance or water. Neem bark is used to clean teeth, neem oil is used for cosmetics, wood is used to make furniture, and almost every part of the plant is used in Aryuvedic medicine.

Neem tea is quite bitter to taste so it is combined with other herbs to kind of reduce the bitterness. Some are combined with green or black tea and others with herbal and free of caffeine. The flavour will taste as the blending of ingredients but the bitterness will be less.

Health Benefits of Neem Tea:

Neem tea is widely used in Ayurvedic medicines for various health properties from detoxifying to birth control. The bark of the tree and the neem oil is helpful in preventing lice and various gum diseases. However, neem is strictly not recommended for women who are pregnant. But some other health benefits are mentioned below.

Antioxidant:

Antioxidant is very helpful in neutralizing the free radicals that result in some health conditions. It also helps to cure cancer.

Anti-inflammatory:

All the neem products are created with an anti-inflammatory substance that soothes the body and prevents some health conditions.

Fights diseases:

Neem Comprises of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-malarial substance that acts as a protective shield from harmful diseases.

The recipe for Neem Tea:

Neem tea is typically served hot. About 1 teaspoon should be used per 1 cup of 200-degree water and steeped for 5 to 10 minutes. It can also be chilled and served cold.

As Neem tea is very bitter to taste so it is usually blended with green or black tea or herbs and spices such as cinnamon, fennel, and orange peel, etc in order to balance the bitterness. You might also add sugar, lemon juice or honey to reduce the bitterness to have a freshly brewed neem tea which is highly advantageous for your health.

Neem leaves are also sold as a fine powder. A small amount of powder should be stirred into warm or cool water and mixed well before consuming it. Consult the packaging for the recommended dosage.

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