As spring season marks its beginning, many states in India are gearing up to celebrate 'Yugadi' . Yugadi is a combination of two words Yuga meaning an Era or Year and Adi meaning Beginning, so the literal meaning of Yugadi sums up to beginning of the New Era/Year. The festival is known by different names in different states of India. While it is Yugadi in Karnataka, it is Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Cheti Chand for the Sindhi community, Navreh for the Kashmiris and Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba in Manipur. 

Irrespective of the names, distributing or eating a mixture of jaggery and a bit of neem forms the integral part of the festival, particularly in the southern states of India. The combination of the sweetness of jaggery and the bitterness of neem mainly signifies the way life brings us both joys and sorrows. While the neem and jaggery have their own place in the celebrations, in this health article we bring forward to you what goodness and benefits they can also bring to your health.

Health benefits of Neem

Neem has several medicinal properties. Listed below are some ways in which neem has been used traditionally (or is used even now):

  • Neem powder or neem leaves paste for various skin, hair and scalp problems - A neem face mask or hair mask is believed to be very effective solution to skin and hair problems such as pimples, blackheads, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, itchy scalp, dandruff, hair fall, etc. Neem is also known to cure skin rashes and allergies.
  • Neem oil for muscle and joint problems - Neem oil is believed to have properties that can cure various muscle and joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, back pain and muscle soreness.
  • Neem twigs for gastrointestinal problems - Traditionally neem twigs have also been used to treat gastritis, acidity, intestinal ulcers, intestinal worms, and hemorrhoids.
  • Neem twigs for oral problems - People in the tropics sometimes chew neem twigs instead of using toothbrushes. Neem is also known to prevent cavities and mouth sores and is currently used as a core ingredient in various toothpastes and mouthwashes.
  • Neem twigs and neem oil for respiratory problems - Neem oil and neem twigs have also been used to cure asthma and cough. Neem flower is also believed to reduce phlegm.

Health benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery is a naturally available plant sugar obtained from raw, concentrated sugar cane juice. It serves as an healthy alternative for white sugar, as jaggery is unrefined and doesn’t have any additives. Jaggery is considered a superfood as it has a host of health benefits by the virtue of its nutritional content. The health benefits are as listed below:

  • Jaggery for immunity and energy - Jaggery is a good source of many essential nutrients and helps in improving immunity. Jaggery keeps you energized for longer periods of time when compared to sugar.
  • Jaggery for gut health - Jaggery has a good fiber content and helps prevent constipation.
  • Jaggery for treating anemia - Jaggery is a rich natural source of iron and helps prevent anemia and also regularize period in women.
  • Jaggery as a detox agent - Jaggery has potent detoxification and cleansing effects on the respiratory tracts, lungs, food pipe, stomach and intestines.

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