This tree has some of the most helpful medicinal properties. The different parts of neem such as flowers, leaves, fruits, bark, gum, oil, and seeds, are used in various ways in the traditional Indian system of medicine. Neem leaf benefits are something everyone can benefit from by making an extract with boiling water at home. It will be your cup of Neem tea on your tiring day.
Due to its different uses, it is considered the most useful tree in comparison to all other tree species.
Neem boasts a remarkable range of uses. Different products of neem used in medicinal formulations include:
- Neem oil
- Neem extract
- Neem leaves
- Neem seeds
- Neem flowers
- Neem fruits
- Neem bark powder
They are helpful in the treatment of various conditions.
- Neem leaves help combat eye woes, fevers, and diabetes
- Neem bark extract is helpful in malaria and ulcers.
- Neem flowers soothe digestion
- Neem fruits are used in making medications for various conditions, from hemorrhoids to leprosy.
- Neem twigs are used as a natural tooth cleanser.
- Neem seeds provide the same benefits as neem leaves, and may also serve as ingredients of birth control formulations.
Overall, the entire plant holds tonic and astringent properties, from stem to root. Neem topical applications are helpful in the treatment of skin ailments and help combat lice and pesky mosquitos. Neem extracts are also useful for making feminine hygiene products.
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.
Growing A Neem Tree: Boon for Eco-Friendly Pest Management
Besides having rich anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medicinal properties, Neem also has a remarkable potential as an environmental protection tree. Neem trees provide cool shade in hot summer months and form an important part of local ecology in agricultural fields and urban and suburban areas.
Due to its phytochemical composition, neem also has insecticidal activity that helps control insects and it also has larvicidal, nematicidal, and antimicrobial activity.
Neem extracts can act as organic pesticides helping in natural pest management. 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.
Nutritional Facts about Neem: Excellent Ruminant Food
Neem is one of the tropical leaf meals that are used as alternative sources of food for livestock. Animals can also get neem leaf benefits with a neem leaf meal. It 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 up to:
- 18.10% crude protein
- 15-56% Crude fibern
- 4.16 kcal/g total energy content.
An average neem leaf meal has low metabolic energy.
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Properties of Neem
Neem also has several medicinal properties and has been used in traditional remedies and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years. Various neem products are endowed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune booster 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.
Neem is used in making traditional remedies helpful in controlling diabetes and cancerous conditions Neem has a diuretic activity that helps relieve the body of excess fluids.
(Disclaimer: This is general information. If you suspect or have any of these serious conditions, always talk to your doctor for treatment of your condition).
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 traditional use in the treatment of different types of conditions. Neem leaf benefits are immense and any herbalist will not get tired of speaking of its wellness-promoting properties.
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 signaling pathways. Neem comprises anti-inflammatory phytonutrients for regulating cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes.
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 helps lower inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Studies show that neem formulations are helpful for rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles due to auto-immune anomalies. However, more ongoing research is underway.
Antibacterial Properties of Neem: Use in Infection-Control
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 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 helps relieve 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 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.
Neem Physical Health Benefits
Potential Uses of Neem for Cancer
Neem has components such as flavonoids and other phytochemicals that help counter 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.
A Special Note for Neem: The Natural Wonder and Favorite of Mystics
Sadhguru who is a spiritualist and practicing herbal medicinal uses for years has been recommending the regular usage of neem and turmeric for enhancing well-being. Neem, Sadhguru observes, has great potential and it has a leaf with complex structure.
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.
Potential Uses of Neem for Liver Health
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 the damage free radicals can inflict. But, one needs a higher amount of research for the same.
Neem is an Immunity Booster
A significant use of neem is due to its immune-stimulating properties. 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.
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 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.
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 helps treat skin disorders, hair related issues. Moreover, neem also enhances appetite, improves digestion, improves breathing, and helps manage 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 Cardio-Protective Effect
Blood clots result 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 lowers the strain on the circulatory system and may prove helpful in lowering the chances of irregular heartbeats while lowering cholesterol levels.
Neem leaf extracts are also greatly helpful in lowering blood pressure.
Ongoing research will be more helpful in proving the benefits of neem and bringing forth its potential as a heart health ameliorative herb.
Disclaimer: This is general information. If you have heart-related issues, you must consult a doctor for the right treatment plan. Consult an Ayurveda specialist for the potential usefulness of incorporating neem for its medicinal properties.
Potential Uses of Neem for Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder whereby skin starts losing its color 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, and 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 of 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, common cold, and more.
Possible Side Effects of Neem
As neem is ushna in nature, 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 the water. One can also take ash gourd juice or castor oil to neutralize 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 is useful in the form of topical application as neem oil, as a general tonic as neem capsules or extracts. Neem tea is a neem leaf extract and can be prepared at home by boiling neem leaves and can be useful as a tonic and is considered helpful in prediabetes. It is a great way to reap neem leaf benefits.
It is important to consult an Ayurvedic physician or natural healthcare practitioner for the right advice on the right dosage and form of neem. This ensures you can reap the maximum physical health benefits of neem.
And yes! To ensure everyone can get the benefits of such a useful tree and to express your gratitude to Mother Nature, make a point to plant one Neem tree in your life!
Disclaimer: This is general information. If you have health-related issues, you must consult a doctor for the right treatment plan. Consult an Ayurveda specialist for the potential usefulness of incorporating neem for its medicinal properties.