What is Neem?
Neem, (Azadirachta indica), also called Nim or Margosa, is a fast-growing tree of the mahogany
family (Meliaceae), valued as a medicinal plant and a source of organic pesticides, and for its timber
Neem is a native to the Indian subcontinent and to dry areas throughout South Asia. It has been
introduced to parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and numerous countries in South and Central America.
The plant has long been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine and is used in cosmetics and in organic
farming applications.
What are the benefits of Neem?
Neem has been used in a variety of ways both for personal and community health. Neem leaves,
fruits, flowers, and bark possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties.
Neem is also said to be a natural contraceptive for birth control and spermicide. The medicinal
uses of Neem are widely known in India. Neem is used in pyrexia, diabetes, urinary problems,
filarial worms, respiratory disorders, dermatological disorders, gynecological disorders, and by
way of external use for eyes, piles and fistula, wounds, hair, and dental hygiene.
Neem leaves help in the treatment of neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also reported to
remove toxins, purify the blood, and prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body by
neutralizing them. Margosa (Neem) as a multipurpose herb is valued very highly in today’s herbal
world for its capacity to exorcise the demon of the disease out of the body.
What are the Ailments Addressed by Neem?
Indeed! It can interact with anti-inflammatory, blood clotting or anxiety relieving drugs.Neem is
called a multipurpose herb that treats a variety of conditions. Its main action can be seen as
antiparasitic which expels all microorganisms which cause disturbance in the body. Thus it is
helpful in treating recurrent infections, intestinal worms, and skin disorders including rashes,
pimples, and acne.
In skincare (pimples and acne) and scalp infections, Neem oil or leaf paste is applied to the skin.
Neem leaves and turmeric are ground fresh into a paste for the treatment of skin infections.
Alternatively, Neem paste is added to bathing water to treat skin allergy and to maintain beautiful skin.
Regular consumption of Neem leaf paste on an empty stomach is a known home remedy for diabetes.
Those who have a family history of diabetes can also avail of this home remedy to prevent diabetes.
This would work only with diet watching and regular exercise if you are trying to prevent diabetes.
Is Neem beneficial for eyes and insect bite?
Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial in eye disorders and insect bite poisons. Studies on
plasma clotting time using Russell’s viper venom have proved that the leaf extract contains a
clotting inhibitor. This justifies its use in the treatment of poisonous bites. Neem leaves have
shown significant antiulcer activity and anti-inflammatory effects. Extract of Neem leaves has
shown a reduction in the frequency of stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions.
What are the precautions to be taken when taking Neem?
- Do not take Neem [or any herbs] if you are pregnant, trying to have a baby or are lactating.
- Do not take up self-treatment if you have any chronic conditions like kidney diseases or
liver disease.
How does Neem work to protect teeth and hair?
Neem contains chemicals that might help reduce blood sugar levels, heal ulcers in the digestive
tract, prevent conception, kill bacteria, and prevent plaque formation in the mouth.
- Most research shows that applying a gel containing Neem leaf extract to the teeth or using a
Neem mouthwash can reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth. But it might not be as helpful
as using chlorhexidine mouthwash.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Most research shows that applying a gel containing
Neem leaf extract or using a Neem mouthwash can reduce gingivitis in some people, but it
doesn’t seem to be as helpful as chlorhexidine mouthwash and it may not be effective
for people with long-standing gingivitis.
- Lice - Clinical research shows that applying a Neem extract shampoo to the scalp once completely
cures head lice in children.