Neem is also known as margosa or Indian lilac. It has the scientific name of Azadirachta indica and is one of the incredibly versatile and diverse trees that grow in tropical climate.
This tree has some of the most helpful medicinal properties. The different parts of neem such as flowers, leaves, fruits, bark, gum, oil, seeds, are used in various ways in the traditional Indian system of medicine. Due to it different uses, it is considered the most useful tree in comparison to all other tree species.
From head to toe, neem boasts a remarkable range of uses. Different products of neem like neem oil, neem extract, neem leaves and bark powder are helpful in the treatment of various conditions. Leaves combat eye woes, fevers, and diabetes, while the bark tackles malaria and ulcers.
Neem flowers soothe digestion, and fruits address everything from haemorrhoids to leprosy. Twigs, though tempting for chewers, can harbor fungus. Seeds echo the leaves’ benefits, even offering birth control. The entire plant, from stem to root, holds tonic and astringent properties. Skin ailments, lice, and pesky mosquitos fear neem’s direct application, and its internal use extends to feminine health.
Other Names of the Neem Tree
In Sanskrit, Neem is known ‘arista’ meaning ‘perfect and imperishable.
‘Nimba’ is another Sanskrit name derived from ‘nimbati swasthyamdadati’ that means giving good health.
Why to Grow Neem?
Neem also shows remarkable potential for environmental protection in the fields. Neem helps in pest management and the production of medicine. Neem is a potentially useful natural resource helping in the formation of pesticides, insecticides, and agrochemicals which is most helpful in increasing soil health. Adding neem leaves compost is an eco-friendly way to keep pests away. Also, there is no doubt that neem has a plethora of health benefits.
Nutritional Facts about Neem
Neem is one of the tropical leaf meals that are used like alternative sources of food, especially for livestock. A neem leaf meal is a great source of protein, minerals, vitamins and carotenoids that are highly helpful for non-ruminant animals. A study revealed that an average neem leaf meal produced 18.10% crude protein and crude fibre of up to 15-56%. Neem has a total energy content that is up to 4.16 kcal/g. It has a low metabolic energy.
Properties of Neem
Neem also has several potential properties and has been highly useful in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years. Various neem products are endowed with medicinal effects making them useful in different applications for skin and general health care. An important property of neem includes anti-allergenic activity. Due to this neem has anti-dermatitic uses that also prove helpful for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Neem also has anti-inflammatory activity and antipyretic activity. Certain studies show that neem has anti scabies activity. Traditionally, neem is used for antidiabetic and anti-cancer activities. Its diuretic activity is helpful to relieve the body of excess fluids. Due to its phytochemical composition, neem also has insecticidal activity that is helpful for controlling insects and it also has larvicidal, nematicidal, and antimicrobial activity.
Uses of Neem Leaves, Bark, Root & Fruits
The neem tree is full of chemical compounds that are hugely beneficial in all its parts, including neem bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and roots. The different parts of the neem tree have a widespread use which is helpful in different types of conditions.
An established research reveals neem’s free radical scavenging properties because they are a rich source of antioxidants. Thus, neem in different forms may prove highly effective for cancer management and help in bringing regulation of cell signalling pathways. Neem comprises anti-inflammatory phytonutrients for regulation of activities of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes.
Potential Uses of Neem for Infection-Control
Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties
Neem has shown anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of a component known as “nimbidin.” This component also has an anti-arthritic activity for regulating the inflammatory action of macrophages and neutrophils. Neem is helpful for lowering inflammation, swelling, and pain. Studies show that neem formulations helpful for rheumatoid arthritis characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles leading to auto-immune reactions. A good amount of research is required. Nevertheless, it is always important to consult a doctor.
Neem is highly helpful in conditions such as dengue fever where it can help in limiting dengue virus growth. Neem is potentially beneficial in stopping the replication of the coxsackie B virus and other viruses leading to stomach ailments or full-fledged infections in humans. Neem leaf has traditionally been used for viral diseases like chickenpox and smallpox. But, there is a need to carry out more studies to prove such claims.
Neem is also helpful in the treatment of bacterial infections and skin Infections. Studies are being done to understand about neem’s antibacterial activities for dental caries, gum disease, and tooth cavities.
Neem is also highly effective for managing scabies, but it is necessary to gather scientific data through studies on humans to support the same.
Also, neem has antimicrobial properties and is highly beneficial to provide relief for various skin-related conditions such as acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. It is noteworthy that neem oil is helpful in relieving psoriasis symptoms. There is a need to do a little more research to learn about the facts about the effectiveness of neem in such conditions.
2. Fungal infections
Studies have shown that neem might have antifungal characteristics, which prove helpful in relieving fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candida, or the thrush causing yeast. Thrush can affect the mouth, throat, or different body parts. But, it needs more research.
3. Potential uses of Neem for Cancer
Neem has components such as flavonoids and other phytochemicals that are helpful in countering cancer cells. Studies show that a high concentration of flavonoids helps in reducing the chances of cancer. Studies done with neem extracts show a great deal of potential action on a huge range of cancer cells in different tissues such as the lungs, breast, skin, stomach, prostate, colon, liver, etc. There is a need for extensive research to find out the way how neem will help in curbing cancer.
4. Neem Health Benefits – Helps Destroy Cancerous Cells
Sadhguru who is a spiritualist and practicing herbal medicinal uses for years and has been recommending the regular usage of neem for disease mitigation. He says that under certain conditions cancer cells usually present in the body (dormant to harmless manner) may become organized within the body. The cancerous cells’ behavior in a collective fashion can be a great problem. Neem, Sadhguru observes, helps to limit the number of cancerous cells in the body lowering the risk of cancer.
5. Potential uses of Neem for Diabetes
Neem also shows potential antiglycemic effects. The hypoglycemic effects of neem and the way it exactly brings the therapeutic effect are not clear. But, neem has clearly visible results. In general, it is important to consult a doctor and get the right plan of treatment. This also helps you to understand in what way and how much it can help you.
6. Potential uses of Neem for Liver
Neem has a strong liver protection mechanism. This means it helps in blood purification. Neem leaf also helps in lowering the cellular liver damage that may occur due to chemical exposure. It is found to stabilize the serum marker enzyme levels for increased antioxidant levels as is seen for natural carotenoids, Vitamin E and C. These antioxidants help in countering damage free radicals can inflict. But, one needs a higher amount of research for the same.
7. Immunity: Neem can boost immunity
A highly important use of neem is due to its immune-stimulating property. Neem promotes cell-mediated and lymphocytic immune systems with “Killer T” cells that consume viruses and other microbes. But, more research will give better results.
9. Potential uses of Neem for Oral Care
Neem is used to clean teeth till now. Neem has important antimicrobial qualities that prove helpful in the treatment and relief of gingivitis and cause plaque reduction. Antiseptic properties are present in neem twigs that are helpful in maintaining oral hygiene. However, there is a need for more studies to prove its potential uses for oral care-related concerns.
Neem’s Cooling Properties: Neem Has Brain-Protectant Properties
Neem’s antioxidants have so many brain-protective properties. In stroke patients, neem is found to give protection from brain damage. It increases ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) levels to help in lipid peroxidation which proves highly useful. And there is a need for more research and a higher level of research to prove these claims.
Potential Uses of Neem for Malaria
Malaria is a commonly occurring disease in tropical climates. Neem leaf extract is again helpful against the malarial Plasmodium that gets carried by various parasitic mosquito species. Dried neem leaves act as a mosquito repellent when they are burnt. Thus, neem can prove useful directly and indirectly for the treatment of malaria.
Medicinal Properties of Neem: Neem’s Cooling Properties
Ayurveda proclaims meem as the king of the entire range of medicinal herbs. Foundational Ayurvedic texts reveal different ways in which neem is helpful in treating skin disorders, hair related issues. Moreover, neem also enhances appetite, improves digestion, improves breathing, and is helpful in managing diabetic conditions. Nem also helps in wound recovery and helps in relieving nausea. The United Nations has declared Neem as the “Tree of the 21st century”. Also, the US National Academy of Science, in its 1992 report “Neem: A tree for solving global problems.” has highlighted Neem’s properties and its important medicinal uses.
Neem’s Medicinal Properties: Neem Helps Regulate Stomach Function
Studies show neem bark can lower acid secretion in the stomach by 77%. It also regulates acid secretion volume by 63% and lowers stomach enzyme pepsin activity by 50%. It lowers stomach tissue damage because of important anti-inflammatory properties. But, there is a need for more research to support such claims. Please consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
Neem’s Medicinal Properties: Neem Has Heart-Protectant Effect
Blood clots results when the blood has excessive cholesterol levels with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat or arrhythmic heart action. They are all important reasons for heart attacks. Neem leaf extracts are greatly helpful in lowering blood pressure.
Neem also lowers the strain on the circulatory system and may prove helpful in lowering the chances of irregular heartbeats while lowering cholesterol levels. Also, one needs to carry out more studies that prove the benefits and potential uses of neem for the heart. Heart-related problems get addressed by a qualified doctor even if you want to have natural additions to healthcare.
Potential Uses of Neem for Vitiligo
Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder whereby skin starts losing its colour making the skin turn white. Traditional Ayurveda literature suggests neem is helpful for the treatment of vitiligo.
However, we have studies showing neem benefits in different conditions to verify the dosage, active ingredient that helps in bringing desired effects on health.
Yogic Benefits of Neem Leaves
Neem is found to generate heat in the body. Neem’s generation of heat is highly supportive for intense energy generation. There could be several qualities that are found predominantly in the body. These qualities include sheeta and ushna. In English, “Sheeta ” can be closely translated to “cold.” Sheeta means that the body’s mucus levels go up. Higher mucus levels are associated with various conditions in the body such as sinusitis and common cold and much more.
Possible Side Effects of Neem
As neem is ushna innature, thus, neem should be taken with caution. Also, pregnant women should not take neem. If you notice excess heat in the body due to neem, it is helpful to have a lemon piece or add a lemon piece to water. One can also take ash gourd juice or castor oil to neutralise the excess heat. In Ayurveda, it is suggested to put a drop or two of castor oil into the navel to cool down the system.
Conclusion: Medicinal Uses of Neem
Neem is potentially useful in various forms such as neem oil, twigs, and cake for oral care. Neem can be taken in the form of leaf extract, flower extract, and other products obtained from the neem tree. It is important to consult an Ayurvedic physician or natural healthcare practitioner for right advice on the right dosage and form of neem based on your health condition.