Neem 8 Outstanding Health Benefits & Unexpected Risks

Neem is a tree. In Sanskrit, neem is arista, which means something that is perfect and complete. Not only its leaves but the tree's seeds, roots and bark also contains vital compounds that have many medicinal and beauty properties. The tree is supposed to denote 'good health' in Ayurveda. 

Botanical Name: Azadirachta Indica

The medicinal properties of the neem tree have been known in the Indian subcontinent for over 4,000 years. The Vedas called neem as “Sarva roga nivarini”, which means “one that prevents all ailments”. 

Neem trees are found in abundance in tropical and semitropical regions like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. 

Neem was a part of the herbal beauty tradition for thousands of years. The seeds and leaves and bark of the tree could be converted into fertilizer and material to control pests and neem does wonders to your health. 

Neem leaf – Can cure skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. 

Neem bark – Has potential as a food additive and is often considered a pitta pacifier due to its bitter taste. 

Neem fruit and seeds – From which neem oil is extracted. 

Neem twig – Used for oral health. 

Neem oil – Helps treat skin ailments and other health issues. 

Neem shows the therapeutics role in health management due to a rich source of various types of ingredients. The most important active constituent is azadirachtin and the others are nimbolinin, Nimbin, nimbidin, nimbidol, sodium nominate, gedunin, salannin, and quercetin. So neem is multi-purpose herbs which make our body healthy. 

Neem has been extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine.

There are two verities of neem; Azadirachta Excelsa and Azadirachta indica.

Azadirachta indica is the one which is used in Ayurveda the most, because of its multi-purpose properties.

Neem contains certain bioactive compounds, nimbidin being the most potent of them. The compound showed great promise as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. In addition, the neem leaves also have antifungal and antiviral properties.

A study shows that the extract from neem stick has Antimicrobial activity against dangerous bacteria like S. mutans, E. faecalis, and S. aureus. 

Numerous studies suggest that proton pump inhibitors, a kind of treatment for ulcers and other gastric issues, Neem bark extract has the potential for the development of novel medicines for the therapeutic control of gastric hyperacidity and ulcer. The Nimbin in neem gives it its anti-ulcer properties. 

MAIN THING: Many compounds found in Neem, has proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antifungal properties. 

The therapeutic uses of neem to a great extent that as a natural birth control agent and spermicide, as it is likely to reduce the chances of conception for both men and women without harming them in a toxic way. 

One study, neem oil had blocked the production of male sex cells in males without affecting the production of testosterone that lowers fertility levels without impacting libido and can even help treat or prevent certain sexually transmitted diseases. 

Another study shows that Neem-leaf extracts have also shown promise as male birth-control products because they reduce fertility in a variety of male mammals. Reportedly, there was no impotence or loss of libido.

Neem protects against chemically induced carcinogens and liver damage by boosting antioxidant levels. 

Many studies found that Neem leaf extract can help destroy cancer cells of the prostate and Breast. Certain compounds in neem leaves can also prevent cancer proliferation. 

Researchers in India, Europe, and Japan have now found that polysaccharides and limonoids found in neem bark, leaves, and seed oil reduced tumors and cancers and showed effectiveness against lymphocytic leukemia. Mitotic inhibition activity by the leaf extract was observed. 

In vitro study shows that Aqueous extract of Neem leaf and a fraction from neem oil have been reported to suppress HIV and Polioviruses. 

MAIN THING: Neem has anti-cancer properties, so consuming neem it reduces the chances of cancer. 

Using neem leaves for hair can give you good results. And even neem powder is good for hair. Its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties keep your hair healthy. 

Enhances Hair Growth: The regenerative properties of needing help in reducing hair fall. Massaging your scalp with neem oil can increase the blood circulation in the scalp and help in enhancing the rate of hair growth. 

Conditions hair: Neem can be used to moisturize dry skin, it can also be used to condition dry and frizzy hair. Make a paste of neem leaves boiled in a mixture of water and honey. Apply it to the hair, and then follow it up with a regular hair wash. So it gives us well-conditioned, dandruff-free and frizz-free hair. 

Prevents baldness: Regular use of neem as a hair mask and neem water as a rinse promotes hair growth. Neem also triggers the normal functioning of the scalp to ensure regrowth of hair. 

Reduce Dandruff: The antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem that can help to eliminate dandruff. It also improves the health of your hair follicles due to its antioxidant content. So it is used in traditional medicines to stimulate hair growth and prevent male-pattern baldness. 

MAIN THING: Neem is a natural shampoo and conditioner and makes your hair stronger, thicker, glossy and free from Dandruff. 

Neem oil can play a major role in treating gum disease. Mouthwashes that contain neem extracts inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, a bacterium that causes oral issues. 

Neem leaf can also be used to prevent other dental ailments. The extract can help prevent dental plaque and other dental issues like gingivitis, cavities, and tooth decay. Chewing on neem bark has also been found to prevent dental disease. The bark can be found in almost all alternative healing stores. You can also use a neem bark-based toothbrush to maintain the optimal health of your teeth. Even neem powder can work well – you just have to use it like other tooth powder. 

So neem oil is added to certain toothpaste as the oil acts as a purifier and an antimicrobial agent.

The neem has antibacterial properties that help to prevent skin problems, while the antioxidants in it will help minimize scarring and keep the skin looking fresh and clean. It also has astringent properties, which reduces the chances of skin sagging or wrinkles and aging. 

The topical use of neem oil was found to treat chronic non-healing wounds and rashes, clears acne scars and pigmentation, prevents recurrence of blackheads, treats a skin infection, prevents acne breakouts, makes skin glow, treats skin dryness, delays signs of skin aging helps to treat psoriasis, eliminates under-eye dark circles. 

MAIN THING: Neem works as a beautician because it removes many skins to complain. 

Neem enhances the functionality of Kidney and liver which helps to excrete the toxins fast and to speed up the metabolic activities of the body. 

It helps to protect the liver from damage, which in turn helps to cleanse the blood. Neem leaf minimizes chemically induced liver damage by stabilizing levels of serum marker enzymes and boosting levels of antioxidants, like those found in vitamin C and E and in natural carotenoids, which neutralize free radicals and prevent damage. 

Neem is generally accepted in the ayurvedic medical tradition as a therapy for ulcers and other types of gastric discomfort. Neem encourages a healthy digestive system by protecting the stomach, aiding in elimination and removing toxins and harmful bacteria.

Neem has anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing properties that help relieve muscle and joint pains. It also helps treat swelling in the joints. 

We just need to boil the leaves and flowers in a cup of water. Strain the water and allow it to cool. Drinking it twice a day for a month can help reduce arthritis joint pain and inflammation. 

 

Regularly massaging with neem oil can also help reduce muscle and joint pains. The message can also help alleviate lower back pain.

MAIN THING: Neem is a very deep acting herb because it acts on muscles as well as bones and removes pain from muscles and bones. 

Stress: Low doses of Neem leaf extracts have sedative effects. The effect disappears at high doses, approximately 400 or 800 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It also reduces anxiety and stress. 

Leprosy: As per an Egyptian study, neem seed oil can be used to treat leprosy. The study also claims that neem is non-mutagenic, which means it doesn’t lead to any undesirable changes in the DNA of the individual. 

Vitiligo: Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose its color. The dosage is of 4gm of Neem leaves three times a day, ideally taken before each meal. Neem oil applied to the affected areas could aid in the reversal of discoloration. 

Malaria: According to a Nigerian study, neem leaf extract possesses antimalarial properties. The extract can also be a potential additive to antimalarial drugs that could be useful for the treatment of malaria as well as the prevention of the disease.  

Viral disease: In India, Neem is also used to treat viral diseases such as smallpox, chicken-pox. Neem has antibacterial characteristics as well. 

AIDS: Some of the best news is that Neem may help in the search for prevention or a cure for AIDS may possibly be treated by ingesting Neem leaf extracts or the whole leaf or by drinking a Neem tea 

Enhance blood circulation: As a purifier, neem is known to cleanse the blood and body from within. Consuming neem leaves regularly helps improve blood circulation. You just need to consume 2 to 3 neem leaves mixed in water (along with honey) every day on an empty stomach. Neem leaves can also regulate hormone levels. 

Children: Taking neem seeds or oil by mouth is Unsafe for children. Serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders and death. 

Pregnancy: Neem oil and neem bark are Unsafe Orally cause a miscarriage.

Breastfeeding: No Information. being on the safe side and not use it 

Auto-immune diseases: Neem might cause the immune system to become more active, so its very dangerous. 

Organ transplant: Do not use neem if you have had an organ transplant. 

Surgery: Neem might lower blood sugar levels. Stop using neem at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. 

Infertility: Avoid neem use 

Interactions: Moderate Interaction so Be cautious with Lithium, Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) and Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) 

There are no selection criteria for neem leaves and neem fruit 

You can store neem leaves in a cool and dry place for a week on long.