Azadirachta

Botanical: Melia Azadirachta
Family: N.O. Meliaceae

• Description
• Constituents
• Medicinal Action and Uses
• Dosages and Preparations
• Poisons

---Constituents---Margosin, a crystalline principle, and tannic acid.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---The oil obtained from the fruit is used for burning, that from the bark is used medicinally and is anthelmintic and emetic; it is applied externally for rheumatism. The decoction of Azadirachta is said to be cathartic and in large doses slightly narcotic; it is also supposed to have febrifuge properties, it is used as a remedy for hysteria. The Hindu considers it a stomachic and taps it for toddy. The name Bead Tree is derived from the hard nuts which are used for making rosaries. An ointment to destroy lice is made from the pulp and is also used for scald head and other skin diseases. The oil from the nuts is useful for cramps, obstinate ulcers, etc.

---Dosages and Preparations---The decoction is made from 2 OZ. of bark to 1 pint of water boiled down to 1/2 pint, one tablespoonful every two or three hours for a dose. This, or 20 grains of the powdered bark, is an effective dose for worms if followed by a purgative.

---Poisons---The name Azadarach implies a poisonous plant and the fruit is considered to be so.

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