Benefits of Neem

Posted by sanath pollemore on February 6th, 2021

Neem is also known as Indian lilac, is an aboriginal of the Indian subcontinent. Famous as nimtree, it belongs to the mahogany family. One of its primary usages is as a medicinal herb. It has innumerable benefits, especially against pests and insects.

Scientists and Researchers are continuously establishing its worth as medicine for almost any major issue. It plays an important role in preventing diseases. The fact that it has no side effects leads to its huge popularity. In Ayurveda, it is known as Sarva Roga Nirvanrini, meaning \\\'all heal.\\\'

There are particular benefits of neem which are needed to be discussed elaborately. They are as follows-

•          Works as insecticide and pesticide- Neem is a familiar pest repellent. Its effects can be seen against mosquitoes and sand fleas. It is also effective against moths and termites. It is one of the rare medicines providing a remedy for incurable diseases.

The most important purpose of neem is to cure Malaria. Studies have proved neem is highly beneficial against malarial mosquitoes. Being an antioxidant with some antimicrobial effects, it is significant against various Fungi, Viruses, and Bacteria types.

The parasites are belonging to the plasmodium genus, which is carried by some mosquitoes, cause Malaria. The most common symptoms of Malaria are high fever, flu-like cough, and cold. In 2019, there was a wide range of 229 million cases of Malaria across countries. Moreover, 409,000 people died due to Malaria.  

There are no specific medicines for Malaria yet. But doctors suggest neem leaves prevent the flu. Due to its antimalarial properties without any side effects, it is the most effective treatment among doctors and patients.

Not only in the case of humans but also for animals, neem shows its extensive effects. This ingredient is used in cattle fodder so that pests and parasites stay away from the food. It helps in storing the food for longer hours. Neem keeps away ticks and fleas. So it is often mixed in animal shampoos as well.

•          Works as a Cancer Medicine - Doctors and cancer patients are looking forward to traditional treatment. Neem, with its anti-cancerogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, is useful in this regard. Neem can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, according to studies.

The neem barks exhibit ethanol properties, which might help reduce chemical-induced tumors in the gastrorectal areas. It has also shown wondrous effects in chemotherapy. All these are proven results on the animal. Human samples are yet to be analyzed.

However, some studies suggest that if humans consume neem regularly, it prevents and reduces cancer risk. Neem leaves contain a strong essence of photochemical called nimbolide. It shows properties to fight cancer.

Neem can easily help you fight the side effects caused by radiation and chemotherapy by increasing the immunity power. It increases the strength of the cell so that it does not spread. It also has a therapeutic effect on the skin and has proven effective for the lungs, liver, and pancreas.

•          Effective in treating Ulcers - Active constituents in neem leaves relieve pain. It acts on the prostaglandin mechanism and considerably decreases acute derma. In the Ayurvedic medical tradition, neem is considered a useful therapy for ulcers and gastric discomfort.  Neem has been proven to have anti ulcerative effects.  Throughout India, people take neem leaves for all sorts of stomach problems
•          Useful in treating Leprosy
•          Shows great Effects on Cardiovascular Problems - Neem and its leaf extracts are helpful in the following conditions. It has reduced clotting, slowed rapid or abnormally high heartbeat, lowered blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and inhibited irregular heart rhythms.  Some compounds may produce effects similar to mild sedatives, which reduce anxiety and other emotional or physical states that may prompt a heart attack.
•          Cures Dental Problems and Gum Problem- People in India and other countries like Africa have used neem twigs as toothbrushes for centuries. These twigs contain antiseptic ingredients. These are necessary for dental hygiene. Neem powder is also used to brush teeth and massage gums.

Any kind of infections, tooth decay, or bleeding and sore gums can be treated successfully with daily use of neem. It can be used to wash the mount. Leaf extract can be added to the water as well. There have been reports suggesting a total reversal of gum degeneration after using neem for only a few months.

•          Very useful for Treating Skin Problems
•          A Possible Cure to Diabetes - Neem works as a substitute for insulin controlling blood sugar level.
•          Provides the best solution for Hair and Scalp Problems
•          Helps to cure Nose Bleeds - Any problem related to nose bleeding can be cured by neem. It has antioxidant qualities.
•          Treats Eye Disorders
•          Heals Wounds Faster

In modern times, most medicines contain a certain percentage of neem.

Forms in which neem is available

Neem is a common plant. It is more useful because not only its leaves but its barks are also useful. You can use it directly because that can act faster and heal better. But for some specific usages, you might need another form of the neem leaves. With the advancement of technology, it has become possible to get neem extract easily. Some of the common forms in which it is available are as follows:

•          In the form of a capsule, it is mainly used in dietary supplements or as medicine for resisting chemotherapy.
•          In the form of powder - This is mainly used for skin treatment. Such powders are often suggested by doctors.
•          As a Toothpaste - It can be used as a toothpaste as well. Often people feel uncomfortable in using the neem barks in their raw forms. For them, this is very useful. The important extracts are presented in the form of toothpaste.
•          In the gel form, this form is generally applied to ok face or hair, scalp, or on wounds. Neem gels are available online or in medicine shops.
•          As an oil -  Neem oils have gained popularity for treating Malaria. It works well as a mosquito repellent oil. Famous companies are promoting neem oil as an effective mosquito repellent.

Also, it is an important form of usage for hair and scalp. Neem oils help against lice.

•          As a shampoo - This is mainly for the itchy scalp or dandruff problem. It helps to strengthen your hair roots.

These are certain ways in which neem has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. It is rightly said that neem is the most common and widely used herb.

Minimal Risks or Side Effects

There are no possible side effects of using neem. But you should still be careful of some of the mild problems and use it likewise.

•          Pregnant women should avoid taking neem supplements as that might create some problem
•          People with autoimmune disorders might face some problems while consuming neem. It may lead the immunity system to become more active. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can impact negatively due to the high dosage of neem. People taking immunosuppressants should consult a doctor before using neem.
•          If you are under medication for diabetes, then you should avoid neem. Diabetic tablets react against neem, which may lead to a drop in blood sugar level. It may react dangerously against lithium, causing more problems.
•          Some studies suggest that excessive use of neem may lead to a drop in the sperm count.
•          You should avoid applying undiluted neem oil on the skin. It may result in itchiness and rash
•          You should avoid using or consuming neem after surgery. Neem can drop your blood sugar level to a great extent. Neem might regulate your blood sugar level before and during surgery.
•          Neem might reduce the usefulness of the medication used during organ transplant. So it is best to avoid using neem.
•          Small children and infants are advised to avoid taking neem seeds or oil because that can cause drowsiness and further problems.
•          When taken for a long time and in its raw form, Neem bark can be harmful to adults.

Dosage

Doctors can give you a vivid idea about the exact dosages and effects of neem supplements or tablets etc. But it has been a home remedy for several years now. So, you can use neem with the following dosages. These are commonly used dosages. It can vary from one person to another and according to age.

For a gum disease (gingivitis): Neem leaf extract gel can be applied to the teeth and gums twice daily for 6 weeks.

You can use 15 mL of 2% neem solution as a mouthwash for 30 seconds after brushing. Daily for three weeks.

You need to apply a neem leaf extract gel to the teeth and gums twice for tooth problems. It will give better results if used for 6 weeks constantly.

You can use 5 mL of neem solution as a mouthwash. Best results are seen if it is done twice daily for 30 days.

For Diabetic problems - It has been proven that people who applied neem leaves directly on the skin could alter insulin use up to 50%.  It did not affect blood glucose level as well.

Thus, you can see that neem has plenty of benefits. Now we can understand the reason behind its popularity as a herb.