9 Neem Benefits and Uses

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. Historically, the whole neem plant, including the fruit, leaves, and bark, has been smashed, dried or ground into fine powder to keep one healthy and take care of illnesses. Because the general ability has been shown by the plant to kill viruses, fungi, and microorganisms that bring disorder the gum and seeds have been processed for medication.

Prized for generations as an all-purpose Ayurvedic remedy, neem is an evergreen plant indigenous to India. When applied to the skin, neem allegedly has the capability to remedy ringworm, eczema, and psoriasis with no burning or distress found in some prescription strength compound lotions. High in beneficial fatty acids, other topical neem advantages include the decrease of redness and the numbing of pain, whether in reaction to sores, burns, or lacerations. Below we’ll discuss some of the more common uses of the plant.

1) Antiviral
Water extracted from the leaves has shown antiviral properties. The Neem Foundation implies that the neem leave’s extracts absorb viruses and prevent them from distributing to other regions of the body.

2) Antibacterial
Extracts from the neem oil along with the leaves reveal antibacterial and antiseptic benefits. The leaves may be used in paste form to treat many different skin conditions for example acne, rashes, psoriasis, and eczema. The Neem Foundation reports early Indian practice was to bath in warm water with submerged neem leaves to heal skin conditions. Small scrapes and cuts can be treated with neem leaf extract to prevent bacterial disease and redness.

3) Antifungal
According to The Neem Foundation, compounds in the neem leaf are hazardous to fungus. The leaves contain two compounds, nimbidol and edunin, which have antifungal properties.

4) 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.

5) 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 transmitted infections when used as a vaginal suppository. Neem can treat excessive vaginal discharge, as well.

6) Arthritis
The Neem Foundation notes that neem is a well known, powerful botanical treatment for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It might help provide long-term treatment for individuals with chronic debilitating conditions like fibromyalgia.

7) Skin Health
In both pets and individuals, neem removes the little parasites that cause scabies. In Ayurveda practice, neem oil is used topically as a therapy for psoriasis and eczema.

8) Insect Repellent
Neem provides a nontoxic, environmentally friendly option to chemical insect repellents and flea treatments. It efficiently repels lice, fleas, ticks, mites, ants, and mosquitoes. It is recommended by the Neem Foundation for livestock, pets, and people.

8) Malaria
Clinical tests haven’t yet established neem’s effectiveness as a therapy for malaria, but even so there is hope for it to be a future malaria treatment option.

9) Cancer and Diabetes
Because there is proof that its use may reduce the demand for insulin, neem has healing implications for diabetes. Reportedly, neem reduced the demand for insulin dosage by 30 to 50 percent in a single team of individuals. A recent research study, performed with rats and mice, demonstrated that the inclusion of a preparation from neem leaf added to an antigen helped create higher quantities of an immune antibody helpful for shielding against breast cancer.

Neem Side Effects

There are a few side effects of neem to discuss. Neem should not be used in infants. Those with any history of stomach illness or irregularities shouldn’t use neem leaf based supplements. Those with any past or present liver or kidney issues should not use neem. Some individuals have reported experiencing a rise in fatigue levels when taking neem. You shouldn’t take neem leaf should you be pregnant or have the possibility of becoming pregnant.

Further Research Required

There remains little scientific research to support opinions about the health benefits of neem, despite the fact that the medicinal uses for neem that are currently reported are quite convincing. As with all treatments that are without solid medically supported research, neem should just be utilized with the knowledge and guidance of a competent medical professional.