Called "sarva roga nivarini" or "that which cures all diseases," the neem or nimbus tree occupies a prominent place in traditional medical systems such as ayurveda . If your presence in alternative remedies has caught your attention and you are curious to know more, we have the truth. After all, almost every part of this tree, from its bark to its seeds, leaves and flowers, has something to offer. Here is a closer look at everything that the healing neem can do for you.
- contains anti-aging antioxidants and protectors:
Neems leaves contain powerful antioxidants such as quercetin and nimbolida that can protect against the harmful effects of free radicals. It is known that harmful free radicals damage DNA and have been implicated in conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. They also play a role in aging. Neem-based supplements and remedies can help you keep these free radicals at bay.
- Lowers blood sugar level:
It is estimated that around 440 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes . That is to say something even more worrisome: the millions of adults who have prediabetes . Neem may have the potential to treat what is becoming a global epidemic. According to an animal study, the administration of neem leaf extract and neem seed oil was able to reduce blood sugar. In fact, its effect was comparable to that of an antidiabetic medication called glibenclamide. The study also found that when animals were treated with leaf extract or seed oil for 2 weeks before they started with a chemical that induced diabetes, it helped reduce an increase in blood sugar.
- Help control blood pressure:
High blood pressure can increase the risk of serious conditions such as kidney failure and heart failure. But neem can help you keep your blood pressure levels under control. Animal studies show that neem leaf extracts can cause a drop in blood pressure. One study even found that when animal subjects were given an extract of neem leaves along with salt, they had a much lower blood pressure than the control group that was only given salt. So here you go - neem leaves could help protect you from high blood pressure. Strictiond Consumer reports
- Protect the liver:
Your liver is a hard-working organ that works to eliminate toxins from the body. But harmful chemicals and even some common medications can cause toxic liver damage. This is where neem leaves can help. For example, one study found that neem leaf extracts protect against liver damage caused by the drug paracetamol, while another observed that nimbolide , a bioactive component of neem leaves, counteracts the effects of the toxic chemical carbon tetrachloride. . So some juice of neem leaves could be just what your liver needs to keep fit.
- Treat intestinal ulcers:
Intestinal ulcers can leave you with burning pain and symptoms such as indigestion and heartburn. But neem can help you if you suffer from this condition. One study found that neem bark extract was able to decrease gastric acid secretion by 77% and almost completely cure duodenal ulcers. It is believed that a glycoside present in the neem bark is primarily responsible for its antiulcer property and its ability to control gastric acid secretion.
- Help fight cancer:
Traditional medicine has used neem to treat cancer for centuries. And it has been discovered that extracts of seeds, flowers, leaves and fruits of neem have antitumor and chemopreventive effects in various types of cancer. It is believed that components such as nimbolida and azadirachtinThey are responsible for many of the properties of neem to fight cancer: it has the ability to induce cell death, inhibit cell proliferation and increase the immune response against tumor cells. Interestingly, research shows that neem could also allow certain cancer drugs to work more effectively. Remember, however, that neem cannot replace conventional treatment options, but you can talk to your doctor about neem as an aid in the fight against cancer.
- Fights dental plaque:
Long before toothbrushes became the norm, some communities in Southeast Asia used to chew neem sticks to keep their teeth clean. And it turns out that this ancient practice has scientific support. It has been found that neem stick extracts reduce the ability of some streptococci to colonize dental surfaces. Therefore, chewing neem sticks can help you control plaque and prevent tooth decay. If that is too exotic for your taste, try toothpaste that contains neem extracts.
- Fights fungal skin infections:
Diluted neem oil has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries as a remedy for skin infections. Its components such as nimbolida and gedunin have antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be useful for eliminating an infection. It has also been discovered that neem leaf extracts have antifungal properties against organisms that cause skin disorders such as Tinea versicolor. A paste of the leaves can be used topically to treat skin infections.
- Eliminate dandruff:
Dandruff is an annoying problem that we all had to count on. But neem leaves can be the solution. Research shows that neem leaf extract acts against the malassezia fungus that is associated with dandruff. Therefore, use this powerful remedy to get rid of white scales and relieve itchy scalp. Strictiond Reviews
- Helps fight psoriasis:
The psoriasis , an inflammatory disease of the skin often produces flaking, thick reddish lesions. Neem leaves can also help treat this skin disorder. One study found that when people who were following a conventional regimen were given a neem leaf extract to the side, they showed a better and faster response than those who received a placebo. Although their exact action is unknown, the bioactive compounds of neem help inhibit the accelerated production of skin cells in people with this condition. Combine a conventional treatment such as coal tar topical medications with neem leaf extracts to increase its power. Verify the dose with an alternative medicine doctor.
- Get rid of acne:
Annoying grains can ruin your peace of mind. But if you are fighting acne , neem may be able to intervene. Neem extract acts against bacteria such as P. acne and S. epidermidis , which play a role in the development of acne.
- Works as a mosquito repellent:
Neem oil can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. One study found that the application of neem oil diluted in 1% to 4% coconut oil offered 81 to 91% protection against anopheline mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Another study noted that it also protected against the Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika virus. So if you are looking for a natural mosquito repellent, get one with neem oil. You can also dilute one or two drops of neem oil in shea butter and use it on your skin after a patch test.
How to use the Neem?
Here is how you can take advantage of the many beneficial properties of neem:
Neem leaves: Traditionally, 2 to 4 grams of powdered neem leaf or 2 to 4 teaspoons (10-20 ml) of neem leaf juice are consumed two or three times a day for therapeutic purposes. The leaves are also ground in a paste with a little water and applied topically or added to the bath water to treat skin conditions. But neem leaves are also very bitter, so it is possible that you can only take a small amount of the paste or juice at a time, also after an allergy test. Neem leaf extract capsules are readily available, but should only be taken under the guidance of an alternative medicine doctor or with the approval of your doctor. Strictiond
Neem Bark: It has been found that 30 to 60 mg of neem bark extract are useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers. But this will have to be confirmed by an alternative doctor after studying your case. Neem sticks can be chewed to promote oral health.
Neem oil: Ointments with about 5% of neem oil are typically used for skin infections, while 1 to 4% of neem oil diluted in mustard or coconut oil works as an insect repellent. Neem seed oil can have toxic effects, particularly for children and should not be consumed except under medical supervision. And remember to do a patch test before using neem oil topically, as some people may have an allergic reaction to it.
Neem flowers: These are traditionally used in India to make aqueous lentil soups known as rasam or flower rice. They can also be dry roasted and used to garnish dishes.
