Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub originally native to the Indian subcontinent. Neem has been highly valued for centuries as part of traditional Indian medicine due to its curative and medicinal properties. It has been utilised in various medicinal practices, from the leaves, the bark, the seeds, and flowers to the fruit of the neem tree.

Neem has a bitter taste and is known for blood purification, detoxifying the body, and improving skin conditions. It is applied mainly in the Ayurvedic treatment of various diseases caused by infections, dermatological diseases, and digestive disorders. Modern health care has elaborated on using neem in skin care products, supplements, and herbal remedies for various diseases.

Several names in different cultures and languages also refer to Neem. The most common alternative names for neem are:

• Sanskrit: Nimba
• Hindi: Neem
• Tamil: Vembu
• Telugu: Vepa
• Bengali: Nim
• Kannada: Bevu

Each conveys the age-old association of neem with traditional medicine systems in most parts of the world.

Neem is a potent source of vital nutrients and bioactive compounds responsible for neem's health benefits. Here is the nutritional composition of neem leaves per 100 grams.

This nutritional profile supports neem's role in immune health, skin healing, and detoxification.

Ayurveda has an excellent reputation for the diverse medicinal properties of neem. The bioactive compounds, which include the vast presence in the leaves, seeds, bark, and oil, render these parts with antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Uses of the medicinal part of the plant are as follows: 

• Neem has excellent inhibitory antibacterial activity.
• It has antifungal properties, which means it fights fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
• Antiviral: Elements of neem may halt viral replication.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Neem has anti-inflammatory properties and a pain-relieving nature.

Besides topical applications, Neem has various medicinal uses, and its ingestion in different forms can support systemic health.

There are many reasons why neem is a treasure in the health sector. There is also research that suggests that neem leaves cure various diseases. Here's a more detailed look at how neem can improve your health:

1. Improves Skin Health

Neem is an excellent remedy for managing acne, eczema, and psoriasis due to its strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. It soothes the inflamed skin with its anti-inflammatory action and prevents premature ageing with the antioxidants, resulting in young-looking and glowing skin.

Neem skin benefits: It helps control breakouts, reduces dark spot marks, and refreshes dry skin.

Neem leaf skin benefit: Applying neem leaves as a paste has helped cure infections on the skin, boils, and minor wounds.

2. Boosts Immune System

Neem increases the immunity power and produces more white blood cells in the body. The existence of neem is also said to purify the blood. Daily consumption of neem leaves or neem juice will improve your body's immunity to infections and diseases.

3. Body detoxifies

Neem is extensively used for body detoxification. These properties of the neem cleanse the livers, kidneys, and blood, reduce the onset of diseases, and create a very healthy body system.

Neem juice benefits: Intake of neem juice helps detoxify as it removes toxic substances from the body, improves digestion, and increases the metabolic rate.

4. Maintains Blood Sugar

Neem is helpful for diabetic patients as it controls the level of blood sugar. Bioactive compounds present in neem improve glucose metabolism and insulin's proper action.

Neem medicinal uses: Generally, it is used in Ayurvedic treatments. It is advised to the diabetic patient to maintain diabetes control and reduce complications due to higher levels of blood sugar.

5. Maintains Oral Health

Cheating neem twigs or even neem-based toothpaste can help prevent gum diseases, cavities, and bad breath. Neem fights oral bacteria. That's why neem is one of the best natural remedies for oral hygiene.

6. Good Digestive Health

Neem also aids in good digestion and helps treat digestive disorders such as ulcers, constipation, and bloating. This herb has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help calm down the stomach's inner lining, thus providing an excellent chance to recover from gastric ulcers promptly. 

7. Combats Infections

Neem exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, helping to control the chances of infections. It may help with fungus infections, such as that of the feet, known as athlete's foot, and bacterial skin infections.

8. Supports Hair Growth

Neem oil has high levels of fatty acids that feed the scalp and fortify the hair follicles. It helps fight dandruff, lice, and dry scalps while developing the general health of your hair and preventing hair loss.

9. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Neem has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for anybody with pain and swelling complaints. The herbal oil or supplement can be applied externally or ingested to alleviate pain and swelling due to arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness. 

There are various Neem plant uses that are beneficial for everyone. It is used in different areas of health, beauty, and housekeeping. Here are a few common conditions which suggest the uses of neem:

• Improves Skin Health: One of the most used medicines by neem is to manage acne, eczema, and other skin infections. Due to antibacterial and antifungal properties, neem has proved to be the best treatment for skin infections.
• Improves Hair Growth: Neem oil is applied to treat dandruff, prevent hair loss, and promote healthy growth of hair.
• Maintains Oral Health: Chewing neem twigs and using neem-based toothpaste maintains oral hygiene and eradicates bacteria causing gum diseases and cavities.
• Used as a Mosquito Repellent: This is an effective natural insect repellent used within homes and applied on the skin to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.
• Maintains Internal Health: Neem detoxifies the body and supports digestion by drinking it as neem juice or neem capsules.

While neem offers many health benefits, precautions are also to be taken:

• Pregnant and Lactating Women: Neem needs to be avoided in their consumption during pregnancy and nursing. Usage of neem can affect the foetus or the baby negatively in the new mother. 
• Diabetes patients: Neem lowers the blood sugar level; therefore, diabetic patients must monitor their glucose level by including neem.
• Autoimmune patients: Since neem can be an immune system modulator, it will precipitate and exacerbate autoimmune diseases.
• Children: Neem oil and all high doses of any supplements must also be avoided in children since it is toxic in large amounts.

Neem can be used in multiple preparations depending on your preference. Here are some practical applications:

1. As Herbal Tea for Detoxification and Digestion

Neem leaves can be processed as a herbal tea that aids digestion boosts immunity, and detoxifies the body. Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities in neem help cleanse the system while improving digestion.

How to use:

• Boil 5-6 fresh neem leaves or one teaspoon of neem powder in water for 5-10 minutes.
• Strain the liquid into a cup
• Add honey or lemon for taste.
• Drink once or twice a day for the best effects.

2. Skin Care and Acne Treatment

Neem has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin, reduce blemishes, control acne, and excess oil, and improve skin tone.

How to use:

• Mix neem powder or crushed leaves with water to be used as a paste.
• Apply this paste directly to the acne-prone or inflamed skin areas.
• Let it be there for 15-20 minutes; then, rinse with lukewarm water.
• Use it 2-3 times weekly for clear and healthy skin.

Neem Powder can be beneficial for intensifying neem benefits for your skin to minimise acne and acquire a healthy skin texture.

3. As Hair Treatment for Scalp Health

Neem as a hair treatment can be beneficial as it is rich in antifungal and antibacterial agents. Scaling issues and itching on your scalp can be minimised with regular application of this neem pack/infusion.

Neem can keep dandruff and scalp infections at bay It may also help with hair loss. Neem has antimicrobial properties that help the scalp stay healthy and strengthen hair follicles.

How to use:

• Boil neem leaves in water till they change to a green colour.
• Allow neem water to cool down and strain.
• It is to be used as the final rinse after shampooing.
• Neem oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the scalp before washing.

This increases neem tree hair health advantages because the scalp will end up well-nourished and dandruff-free.

4. As an Oral Hygiene Product

Neem sticks can be chewed on, and mouthwashes made of neem can be used to enhance oral hygiene. Being a natural antibacterial agent, neem controls plaque from maturing in the mouth, making gums not inflamed and keeping the mouth healthy.

How to use:

• Use fresh neem twig as a floss by chewing at one end until it becomes frayed.
• Brush your teeth gently using the twig.
• On the other hand, gargle with neem water or any mouthwash made using neem leaves after you brush.

Neem's antibacterial activity ensures excellent strength and health for your teeth and gums, adding to the use of neem leaves for oral use.

There is a different dosing for neem depending on the preparation of neem:

• Neem tablets:1-2 tablets are taken with water after meals
• Neem oil: Apply a few drops to the affected part of the skin or scalp.
• Neem powder: ¼ to ½ teaspoon is mixed with water or juice and taken once or twice daily.
• Benefits of eating neem leaves: Chew 2-3 fresh neem leaves on an empty stomach in the morning.

Meet your doctor to recommend a suitable dose for you.

Neem interacts with certain drugs, especially antidiabetic drugs. Neem may decrease blood sugar levels, and when taken with diabetes medications, it can cause blood sugar to be too low. Monitor the blood sugar levels closely when you take neem while taking diabetes medications.

Major interactions drugs with neem:

• Antidiabetic drugs: It lowers the sugar content in the blood, therefore triggering hypoglycemia when coupled with diabetes drugs.

You should see a doctor for a prescription even though you are under medication for diabetes and other chronic diseases.