Health Benefits of Neem, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 15, 2022
Neem is one ideal for curing bacterial diseases, asthma, ulcers, diabetes, leprosy and malaria. It also improves blood circulation and maintains oral hygiene and health. Apart from this it may also be used as a contraceptive in certain cases. Let chec out health benefits of eating neem leaves and using neem oil, powder and tablets.
What is Neem?
Neem is also known as Indian lilac or nimtree. It comes from the mahogany family and grows mostly in the Indian subcontinent which consists of India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. It flourishes in semi-tropical and tropical regions only. The The bark, leaves, and seeds of neem tree used for various medicinal and ayurveda treatment purposes. Even different in different from such as need powder and neem tablets are also available.
The root, flower, and fruit of neem tree are also used for different purposes either it is realted to skin care, hair care and beauty products. Neem is also found on the islands located in southern Iran. Neem oil extracted from the neem plant is said to be extremely beneficial for health.
Summary- Neem is a massive tree known for its medicinal properties. Every part of the plant can be utilized to meet several demands.
Nutritional Value of Neem
Neem tree, seed, oil contains various antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic properties. Let check out nutritional value of neem oil, it can be extracted with diluted alcohol, ethyl acetate, petrol ether and ether. It also contains amorphous sulphur. Neem is loaded with antibacterial properties which is why it tastes extremely bitter. They also serve as a natural insecticide. Nowadays Neem urea is used as a substitute to plain urea fertilizer especially in India. It also improves soil health, fertilizer’s efficacy and reduces pollution to a great extent.
Summary- Neem is better known for its bitter taste and rich nutritional content. It contains essential elements and posses extremely beneficial properties too.
Health Benefits of Neem
Lets check out benefits of eating neem leaves on empty stomach. Since Neem offers amazing health benefits, as it is availble in different form. You can drink neem juice for to boost your immunity, even add in your weight loss diet plan. Read out more medicinal uses of neem leaves. Neem Leaves also useful for eye vision, just boil the neem leaf and for eye irritation and redness issues. In Ayurveda, neem leaf use for different skin care treatment.
.Neem contains antibacterial properties
The leaves of neem not only contain antibacterial properties but also contain antiviral and antifungal properties. Neem medicinal properties are so strong that it can also control the pathogens in manure.
Neem stick also contains microbial effects, in most places neem stick is usually chewed by people to promote oral health and to keep teeth free from cavities or plaque. Neem can also be used to control spoilage organism and foodborne pathogens.
Neem Contraceptive Pills
Neem has an anti-fertility effect due to the strong properties it possesses. In a lot of studies, rats that had been treated with neem oil surprisingly remained infertile for some time. Neem oil can also kill sperms, hence can be used as a spermicide.
Researches also show that woman who applied neem oil intravaginally just before sexual intercourse couldn’t get pregnant after that particular intercourse. However, Neem oil doesn’t affect the testosterone level in men.
Neem Leaves Cure Asthma
Neem oil helps asthma patients and also helps in treating cough, fever, and controls phlegm. Consuming a few drops of neem oil each day can do wonders and offer you healthy lungs. It cures asthma and prevents asthma completely if consumed on a daily basis. It can be chewed raw or mixed with beverages.
Neem Leaves Good For Ulcer
Ulcers and gastric issues are very common and proton pump inhibitors are a few of the remedies which one usually adopts, but it is however not natural and can cause side effects. Therefore, neem is very effective and safe in treating gastric hyperacidity and ulcers.
The extract from the neem bark has powerful properties to cure these ailments safely. This usually happens because Neem increases the quantity of gastric mucus which plays a major role in combating ulcers.
Neem Powder & Oil For Diabetes Patient
According to studies, Neem plant has hypoglycaemic or blood sugar lowering properties. Therefore, Neem is beneficial in controlling the blood sugar levels and can be ideal for diabetic patients. It can also delay and prevent certain diseases.
Neem also prevents oxidative stress which is caused due to diabetes. Anti-diabetic properties in neem oil or neem extracts make it useful for maintaining a healthy body.
Neem Oil Maintains Oral Hygiene & Health
Neem oil can treat any sort of gum ailments. Mouthwashes which contain neem extracts are available abundantly and are used to cure oral issues. This is due to the fact that the anti-bacterial properties it contains helps to fight Streptococcus mutans present in our mouth which can lead to mouth sores or even bad breath.
Neem oil can also be used as an anti-microbial agent or a purifier. Tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis and dental plaque can also be cured by consuming neem leaf. Cleaning your teeth regularly with a neem twig can give you whiter and shinier teeth as it is rich in antioxidants. It can also build up the gums and immune responses of the mouth tissues.
Neem Leaves For Leprosy
According to Egyptian culture, Neem leaf can be used to cure leprosy. Since it is non-mutagenic, it doesn’t result to any changes in the DNA and can also prevent leprosy from occurring. Powder form or liquid extract of neem helps to treat digestive issues and is ideal for digestion.
Neem Good For Blood Circulation
Since Neem Oil is a blood purifier, it is ideal for blood circulation and cleanses the entire body. Consuming Neem on a daily basis can also prove beneficial for your skin and prevent the occurrence of blackheads or acne to a certain extent. In some cases, it can also regulate a person’s hormone levels.
Neem Dosage For Malaria Prevention
Neem is beneficial for soothing the discomfort and pain associated with malaria. It also speeds up the healing process due to its antibacterial properties. It is also useful in preventing malaria from occurring.
Benefits of Neem for Hair
Neem plays an important role in strengthening hair follicles. It is often recommended for hair development. It is used in the treatment of several hair problems, such as the itchy scalp, dandruff, hair loss, etc. Neem oil works miraculously in case of hair fall and baldness.
Summary- There are numerous benefits that neem offers for hair. It can be taken as a complete hair solution package.
Benefits of Neem for Dental Health
Neem and its extractions are up to mark for dental health. It efficiently heals teeth, gums, and other dental problems. Bark and leaves extract are often applied to prevent and treat cavities and gum disease. It is one of the most famous home remedies for oral infections, tooth decay, sore gums, etc.
Summary- Oral hygiene can be maintained by regular use of neem. It is often chewed as twigs to clean the oral cavities all over India.
Benefits of Neem for Liver
Neems possess antioxidants and anti-inflammatory attributes. These properties support oxidative stress which protects the liver from various disorders. It also prevents the accumulation of free radicals. Neem is also helpful in deep cleansing of the liver. It regulates the secretion of various digestive juices including bile, promoting liver health.
Summary- Neem is beneficial in treating liver disorders. Its superficial properties support a healthy liver.
Benefits of Neem for Kidney
Neem leaf extract is often used to treat and prevent kidney disorders due to its nephroprotective activities. It protects kidneys against several damages. Regular and limited consumption of neem leaves ash with water can slowly eradicate kidney stones too.
Summary- Neem act as a protective shield for several kidney issues. It is better known for maintaining kidney health.
Benefits of Neem for Inflammation
A gentle massage with neem oil is regarded as the best therapy to heal inflammations. Due to the presence of an active ingredient named Nimbin, neem is capable of suppressing inflammations caused by various reasons. Neem oil can be applied to cure, joint pain, swelling, inflammations, pain, etc.
Summary- Among various properties of neem, acting as an anti-inflammatory is the best one. It provides a cooling effect along with healing the inflammations.
Benefits of Neem for Heart
Neem has the potential capability to heal several heart disorders. It does so by regulating blood pressure, reducing blood clotting, and ultimately preventing the strain on the heart. It also helps to lower LDL and also manages irregular heartbeats. Neem leaf extracts are considered best to serve this purpose.
Summary- Due to the anti-hypertension attribute of neem, it is often recommended to protect the heart and to support overall cardiovascular health.
Benefits of Neem for Malaria
The presence of the prophylactic effect of neem can be used to cure malaria as well. Regular consumption of neem can help us to prevent malarial disorders. Chewing a couple of neem leaves helps us to reduce the possibility of malarial occurrence.
Summary- Neem is beneficial for malarial treatments. It also prevents the adverse effects of malaria on the body.
Uses of Neem
Neem can be used for a number of purposes such as
Summary- There are numerous and uncountable usages of neem. It can be used for food, to heal disorders, and to prevent insect breeding too.
& Allergies of Neem
Neem can have certain side effects too even though it possesses strong healing properties-
- Neem shouldn’t be consumed by infants because it contains certain substances which are known to cause Reye’s syndrome in infants and even small dosages can prove fatal for them.
- It can also cause allergies, infertility, miscarriages in women, and stomach irritation.
- It can also cause kidney damage if it is taken excessively and can increase fatigue.
- People with already low blood pressure are advised not to consume Neem.
Summary- Along with several benefits, neem possesses some side effects too. It may lead to headache, and upset stomach and can be fatal in the case of Reye’s syndrome.
Cultivation of Neem
Neem can thrive in sub-humid to humid areas which receive 400 to 1,200 millimetres of rainfall. It grows well in sandy or deeply drained soil. Neem is found in some countries located in the Middle East, Sub Saharan Africa, West Africa, Indian ocean and some parts of Australia.
Summary- Neem is cultivated in various parts of the world. It flourishes in humid to sub-humid climates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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References
- Bhowmik D, Chiranjib YJ, Tripathi KK, Kumar KS. Herbal remedies of Azadirachta indica and its medicinal application. J Chem Pharm Res. 2010;2(1):62-72. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Girish K, Shankara BS. Neem–a green treasure. Electronic journal of Biology. 2008;4(3):102-11. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Kumar VS, Navaratnam V. Neem (Azadirachta indica): prehistory to contemporary medicinal uses to humankind. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine. 2013 Jul 1;3(7):505-14. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
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