OTHER
NAMES
Antelaea azadirachta,
Arishta, Arishtha, Azadirachta indica, Bead Tree, Holy Tree, Huile de Neem,
Indian Lilac, Indian Neem, Lilas des Indes, Lilas de Perse, Margosa, Margosa
Tree, Margousier, Margousier à Feuilles de Frêne, Margousier d’Inde, Melia
azadirachta, Neem Oil, Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta, Nim, Nimb, Nimba, Persian
Lilac, Pride of China.
There are quite a few
neem benefits, and they include a salve for skin diseases, plus the versatility
to function as an aid to one’s hygiene, and even an insecticide. It can be used
as a source of protective oil that may be ingested to safeguard against
disease, plus it’s also frequently lauded as a kitchen spice.
SKIN
Neem proves to be a
miracle for people with problematic skin. Thanks to its anti- fungal and anti-
bacterial properties. Neem is a boon for people with sensitive or oily, acne
prone skin.
Neem benefits include
Vitamin C, which helps in getting rid of skin problems like blackheads,
pigmentation, dullness and ageing thus leaving the skin with a youthful glow.
REDUCES
SCALP ITCHINESS
To tackle the problem of
dandruff and itchy scalp you can also apply a paste of neem powder and water
and let it sit for an hour followed by your regular shampoo and conditioning
ORAL
HEALTH
Both oils and aqueous
extracts of neem comprise strong antiseptic compounds; these may destroy the
bacteria that cause cavities, halitosis, and gum disease. Neem’s powerful
antibacterial activity makes it a well-known ingredient in toothpaste,
mouthwash, and oral health tonics.
REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH
Based on the Neem
Foundation, neem is a fairly powerful birth control agent; it reduces fertility
in both women and men without affecting sexual performance or libido. Neem also
functions as a spermicide and could prevent sexually trasmitted infections when
used as a vaginal suppository. Neem can treat excessive vaginal discharge, as
well.
ARTHRITIS
The Neem Foundation notes
that neem is a well known, powerful botanical treatment for osteo-arthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. It might help provide long term treatment for individuals
with chronic debilitating conditions like fibromyalgia.
CERVICAL
CANCER
In at least one study on
the antioxidant properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) in inducing apoptosis of
cervical cancer cells, neem demonstrated to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in
biopsies of cervical cancer patients.
TREATS
DANDRUFF
Neem has medicibal
properties. Boil neem leaves with water until the water turns greenish. Use it
after shampooing. If you are suffering from dandruff, you could also apply a
paste of neem powder and water on your scalp and wash off after an hour,
followed by shampoo and conditioner.
CURES
DARK CIRCLE PROBLEMS
Neem helps in reducing
pigmentation and also acts as a moisturising agent. Mix water and neem powder
to make a thick paste and apply it around the eyes. Wash it off after 15
minutes.
CURES
ASTHMA
According to experts,
neem oil is extremely beneficial when it comes to curing breathing problems or
asthma. Have a few drops of neem oil every day, increasing the intake
gradually. It also helps in controlling phlegm, cough and fever.
HEALS
ULCERS
According to various
studies, neem bark extract has been found to cure stomach and intestinal
ulcers. Researchers believe that consuming the bark extract twice daily for 10
weeks, practically heals ulcers. The bark also helps cure malaria and many skin
diseases.
CONTROLS
DIABETES
The plant contains
chemicals that help reduce blood sugar levels. Neem acts as insulin after being
digested by the body.
NEEM
SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY
Neem is POSSIBLY SAFE for
most adults when taken by mouth for up to 10 weeks, when applied inside the
mouth for up to 6 weeks, or when applied to the skin for up to 2 weeks. When
neem is taken in large doses or for long periods of time, it is POSSIBLY
UNSAFE. It might harm the kidneys and liver.
SPECIAL
PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS
CHILDREN
Taking neem seeds or oil
by mouth is LIKELY UNSAFE for children. Serious side effects in infants and
small children can happen within hours after taking neem oil. These serious
side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures,
loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and death.
PREGNANCY
AND BREAST-FEEDING
Neem oil and neem bark
are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. They can cause a
miscarriage.
Not enough is known about
the safety of need during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple
sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis
(RA), or other conditions: Neem might cause the immune system to become more
active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have
one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using neem.
DIABETES
There is some evidence
that neem can lower blood sugar levels and might cause blood sugar to go too
low. If you have diabetes and use neem, monitor your blood sugar carefully. It
might be necessary to change the dose of your diabetes medication.
REDUCED
ABILITY TO HAVE CHILDREN (INFERTILITY)
There is some evidence
that neem can harm sperm. It might also reduce fertility in other ways. If you
are trying to have children, avoid using neem.
ORGAN
TRANSPLANT
There is a concern that
neem might decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to prevent
organ rejection. Do not use neem if you have had an organ transplant.
SURGERY
Neem might lower blood
sugar levels. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar
control during and after surgery. Stop using neem at least 2 weeks before a
scheduled surgery.