New Delhi, Aug 2: Neem has been referred to as a "wonder herb" for the many beneficial properties it possesses. It has as many as 130 different biologically-active compounds that enhance the wellbeing of several body parts such as skin, hair and blood, among others.

This wonder herb is a cornerstone in preventive health remedies to achieve holistic wellness. During monsoon, there is an increased risk of infections, and your skin and hair also require extra care, all of which neem can help you with.

Dr Hariprasad, Ayurveda expert at The Himalaya Drug Company, elaborates on how neem has properties that can benefit various parts of our body.

Skin:

In Ayurveda, it's commonly known that neem is an incredibly effective acne combatant and is often associated with naturally beautiful, glowing skin. During the monsoon, the sebaceous glands that are responsible for producing body oils and regulating perspiration, go into overdrive due to the increased humidity. This can lead to breakouts and oily skin. The anti-bacterial properties of neem have a positive impact on any pimples or black/whiteheads. The harmful effects of bacteria that cause these breakouts are nullified by the anti-inflammatory properties of neem. Mild skin problems like rashes, irritation, burns and infections can also be healed with this herb.

Hair:

Dandruff and dry scalp can also be treated with neem. The change in weather can affect your scalp's pH balance, making your hair oily, frizzy or dandruff-prone, depending on your skin type. Because of the antibacterial properties of neem, a dry scalp and dandruff can be tackled. Dandruff, much like acne, can be significantly reduced with the purifying properties of neem. It can also be used to strengthen hair and prevent hair fall.

Blood Purification:

The changing seasons are said to have a huge impact on the body and, compounded with unfavorable diet and lifestyle, leads to a build-up of toxins in the body. Ayurveda recommends cleansing of blood as a healthy measure against the toxin build-up, to boost immunity, prevent infections and promote overall well-being. Neem, which is rich in natural antioxidants, and has other medicinal properties, is traditionally known to be a very effective blood purifier. It is also known to support key organs - the liver and kidney -- that assist in taking out waste and toxins from the body. Neem also helps to promote blood circulation by supporting healthy dilatation of blood vessels. Regular intake has also been useful in controlling high blood sugar and regulating blood pressure.

Intestinal health/Digestive wellness:

A healthy digestive system is extremely important for one's overall health. Prevention is always better than cure, and neem is very beneficial in maintaining and supporting a healthy digestive system. During monsoon, the integrity of your food, especially leafy vegetables, is compromised. This often leads to stomach issues and infections or parasites. The herb can be used to treat intestinal worms, nausea, belching and phlegm. The anti-inflammatory properties of neem make it incredibly useful for intestinal health as it soothes the entire digestive system. It is a great immunity booster and its regular use can help one feel naturally energised.

Oral health:

Neem is used as an active ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes and can also be used to treat toothaches. During monsoon, complaints about sensitive teeth increase due to the cold air and changing weather. Neem helps stave off gingivitis and suppress swelling and inflammation of the gums. In many places, neem twigs are chewed as a natural substitute for brushing teeth; this is because it is a natural oral deodorant with antibacterial properties. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties present help minimise plaque build-up and reduce the presence of bacteria associated with tartar and gum diseases.

There are multiple reasons to incorporate neem into your life, but these are some areas where it is known to have incredibly positive effects. This monsoon, take that extra step to prevent seasonal health issues. A natural road to health and wellness can start with bringing neem into your life in a significant way.



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Bengaluru (PTI): Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government in Karnataka on corruption, BJP leader R Ashoka on Friday said, being foolish was forgivable, but being "shameless" in public life was not.

The Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly claimed that in just 30 months of its tenure, the Congress administration has broken every previous record on corruption-related controversies.

He was responding to Siddaramaiah's post on 'X' on Thursday hitting back at the BJP, stating that Upa Lokayukta Justice Veerappa's claims of "63 per cent corruption" were based on his report in November 2019, when BJP's B S Yediyurappa was the CM.

"But Ashoka, without understanding the Upa Lokayukta's statement properly, has ended up tying the BJP's own bells of sins onto our heads and has effectively shot himself in the foot," the CM had said, as he accused Ashoka of foolishness for trying to twist Veerappa's statement to target the current government.

Responding, Ashoka said, "it is one thing to be called foolish in politics, that can be forgiven."

"But in public life, especially in the Chief Minister's chair, one must never become shameless," Ashoka posted on 'X' on Friday addressing Siddaramaiah.

Noting that the CM himself had admitted on the floor of the Assembly that a Rs 87 crore scam took place in the Valmiki Development Corporation, he said that when a CM acknowledges such a massive irregularity inside the floor of the House, the natural expectation is immediate action and accountability.

"But instead of taking responsibility, you continue in office as if nothing has happened. What should the people of Karnataka call this, if not sheer shamelessness," he asked.

Pointing out that the CM's Economic Advisor and senior Congress MLA Basavaraja Rayareddy had publicly stated that under Congress rule, Karnataka has become No.1 in corruption, Ashoka said, "Yet, you still cling to the Chief Minister's chair without a moment of introspection. What should the people of Karnataka call this, if not sheer shamelessness."

Senior Congress MLA C R Patil had exposed the "money for House" racket in the Housing Department and even warned that the government would collapse if the details he has were made public, Ashoka said.

"Despite such serious allegations from within your own party (Congress), you neither initiated an inquiry nor acted against the concerned minister. What should the people of Karnataka call this, if not sheer shamelessness," Ashoka asked the CM.

Highlighting the "40 percent commission" allegation Congress made against the previous BJP government, the opposition leader said, the commission that the Siddaramaiah government appointed concluded that the accusation was baseless.

"After your own panel demolished your own claim, what moral right do you have to continue repeating that allegation. What should the people of Karnataka call this, if not sheer shamelessness," he asked.

For the last two and a half years, Karnataka has been 'drowning' in corruption, scandals, irregularities and allegations across departments. Ashoka said, "If I begin listing every case that emerged under your government, even 24 hours would not be enough." 

"And the most tragic aspect of your administration is this: the unbearable pressure, corruption demands and administrative harassment under your government pushed several officers and contractors into extreme distress - including the suicide of Chandrasekharan which exposed the Valmiki Development Corporation scam - a sign of how deeply broken the system has become under your watch," he said.

Instead of fixing this hopeless environment, the government has tried to bury every complaint and silence every voice, he charged.

"Being foolish is forgivable, but being shameless in public life is definitely not."

"When your own ministers admit scams, when your own advisors certify Karnataka as No.1 in corruption, and when your own MLAs expose rackets inside your departments - clinging to power without accountability is not leadership. It is shamelessness in its purest form." PTI KSU

Earlier on Thursday Ashoka had demanded that the corruption case and allegations in the state against the Congress government be handed over to a CBI investigation, citing a reported statement by Upalokaykta Justice Veerappa alleging "63 per cent corruption", following which Siddaramaiah hit back at the BJP leader.