Health Benefits of Neem

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.