It is not uncommon to see people eat baby neem leaves or even fruits. People of East India are highly aware of neem and its antioxidant benefits, and they use it for different purposes and even for eating.
Neem trees are commonly found everywhere in India. One must remember their mothers insisting on eating "neem bhaja" because it is good for health without looking at the taste. Along with all the medical applications and benefits, one of the downsides to eating it, is that neem tastes extremely bitter.
Young leaves cannot be eaten after they mature because they contain high toxins and antibodies, harming digestion and taste buds. Also, neem fruit and neem flowers are edible when fresh, retaining the qualities the body can digest and its benefits.
But what about neem oil? Neem oil has a high concentration of antioxidants and is extremely bitter-smelling and tasting. Neem oil is not recommended for edible purposes because of its strong toxins and antioxidants. There are certain different ways in which one can experience similar taste. Get to know more about it.
What Is Neem Oil Used For?
While neem oil can cause food poisoning if you digest it in higher quantities, it works with our body externally in miraculous ways.
Skin And Hair Treatment
Since neem oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities, it is a common ingredient in skin and hair care. It is applied to dandruff, psoriasis, acne, and eczema. Neem oil can be used topically for skin care or combined with other oils, such as coconut or jojoba oil. It lessens redness, eases irritation, and fights infections.
Usage In Medicines
Neem oil has been utilised in traditional medicine for generations. It is well known for its capacity to strengthen immunity, fend off infections, and support the detoxification process. Neem oil can be applied topically to minor burns, wounds, and cuts to encourage quicker healing and guard against infections.
Pet Care
Pets might benefit from neem oil as well. It is a natural insect repellent against mites, fleas, and ticks. Neem oil can be diluted in water and sprayed on pets' fur, or pet owners can mix it with their pet's shampoo. It lessens itching, soothes skin irritations, and encourages a robust coat.
Usage In The Home
Neem oil has domestic applications and is used in agriculture and personal hygiene. As a natural insect repellent, it keeps flies, mosquitoes, and other insects away. Homeowners can use neem oil in DIY spray formulations to deter insects from visiting interior plants and outdoor dining areas.
The Alternative To Neem Oil
The process of extracting neem oil makes it chemically concentrated with its properties. You can always get different alternatives for a bitter-tasting oil, or can get creative. Simply put one or two neem leaves in the oil and fry it similar to tempering. As everyone knows, even a small quantity of neem leaves can provide an extremely bitter taste.
By frying the neem leaves, you will get your bitter-tasting dummy neem oil to use creatively in bharta and other food preparations. After making neem bhaja or bitter gourd dishes, many Bengali households do the same with leftover oil, using it in bhartas, adding to the taste and tradition.