Discovering the Miraculous healing powers of Neem

Introduction Since time immemorial, the leaves and seeds of the neem tree have been used in India and several other countries of the world to treat animals for many ailments. The neem tree is a tough, hardy tree that grows well under a diverse range of climatic conditions. Among the varied names that this miraculous healing plant has been called by, one that is apt is the Sanskrit way of describing neem:

" Sarvaroga nivarini - One that cures all "

Among the most remarkable and useful properties that neem has some of outstanding significance for veterinarians and pet owners are its role in healing skin infections. Many and diverse are the conditions and ailments that the leaves and seeds of tree can help to heal.

Listed below are some ways in which you can use neem to help heal your pet:

• Mange infestations :
  When your vet pronounces to you that your pet has scabies, Demodex or Cheyletellia mite infestation, not to worry. Just take some neem oil mixed with the oil of Pongamia and apply it on the affected areas of your pet's body.
  
• Neem for scabies:
  In scabies, the skin has a tendency to become crusty and very, very itchy. What you need to do is dab some neem- pongamia oil mixture gently on all the affected areas. Chances are that in a few weeks time, your pet's skin and fur will glow with good health. Often, in mite infestation, the mites come out of their burrows at night. That's when your pet will be at its itchiest worst. Therefore, consult your veterinarian about an anpruritic agent that can be given as a syrup or tablet. At the same time, apply the wonderful neem-pongamia oil everyday, thrice a day - at intervals of eight hours. Neem being bitter will discourage your pet from itching. That means a faster pace of recovery.
  
• Demodectic mange:
  Another mange infestation that is even more difficult to treat than scabies is demodectic mange. Demodectic mange caused by a microscopic mite called Demodex, causes the fur to fall off in patches. That's how the infestation starts in the beginning. Therefore, never neglect any patch where the fur has fallen off. Areas that the mite generally affects first are around the eyes, especially in dogs and at the tips of the ears. Although in earlier times, Demodectic mange was not very common in cats, of late it is being observed commonly in cats too! Here too, an oil made using equal proportions of neem and pongamia pinata can work wonderfully. Gentle and soothing, it helps to heal your pet's affected skin, safely and effectively.
• Neem for Cheyletiella mange:
  In infestation with Cheyletiella mange, all that you may observe is lots and lots of scales. If your pet's coat is speckled with fine, silvery white scales, that' s a definite indication to rule out Cheyletiella infestation. Rather easier to treat than the earlier discussed mange infestations, another effective solution is to make a fine paste of fresh leaves. Give your pet a gentle bath with the neem paste lotion. Do this everyday. Watch your pet's coat condition improve gradually.
  
• Neem in healing bacterial infections of the skin:
  Bacterial infections of the skin in cats and dogs are stubborn, painful, often itchy ions, a paste made using fresh neem leaves, fresh turmeric and the frconditions that do not immediately respond to treatment. In such conditesh leaves of sweet basil in equal proportions can work wonders. Just apply the paste everyday and see the results. With this simple and effective treatment, you will no longer have to worry about recurrence of the condition, antibiotic resistance and painful injections. Of course, you must always consult your vet before you start any treatment and discontinue any oral antibiotic preparation. Antibiotics have their own role to play but should ideally be reserved only for an emergency. Most bacterial infections look dangerous and alarming. However, in a significant number of cases, they get better with simple treatment.