The herb neem is widely used by Ayurvedic practitioners and folk herbalists as a "cure all" for many types of diseases. However, since neem's effectiveness is mainly anecdotal, based on the personal experiences of others, and has not been proved scientifically, your use of neem is largely experimental. Therefore, you should discuss the benefits and drawbacks, including side effects and drug interactions, thoroughly with your doctor before you use neem to treat yourself, your spouse or your children for any condition.
Identification
The herb neem, also known as melia azadirachta, is native to India's western Himalayan Mountains and is also found in West Africa, Indonesia and Australia. Neem grows up to 65 feet tall and produces sweeping branches that form a wide crown and alternating leaf clusters that consist of eight to 19 leaves.
Components
Unlike many herbs that have only one medicinal component such as roots or tree bark, almost every part of the neem tree is used around the world to treat different ailments, according to Drugs.com. Young neem leaves are used to treat leprosy, cardiovascular disease, worm infections and ulcers. The neem tree's young fruit, stems and root bark are used as skin astringents and tonics, and the bark is used as a topical analgesic for skin disorders and as a malaria treatment.
Uses
Folk herbalists use neem to treat a vast array of ailments, including fever, jaundice, arthritis, bronchitis, diabetes, parasites, syphilis and obesity, although not many clinical trials to substantiate these folk therapeutic claims exist, states Drugs.com. Indian farmers also use young neem leaves to repeal insects away from their crops.
Warning
Neem is toxic to children and may cause immediate and deadly side effects. These side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, loose stools, anemia, overly acidic blood, comas, seizures, loss of consciousness and death. Neem also may produce side effects in adults, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, hives, itching, jaundice or yellow skin, low urine production, kidney damage and liver damage, according to Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt and Kristi Monson, PharmD, of EMedTv.com.
Drug Interactions
Neem may initiate hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, when taken with diabetes medications such as insulin. Neem also may negatively interact with lithium, a popular medication for bipolar disorder. Neem may raise the amount of lithium in your blood and cause lithium side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, seizures, blurred vision, ringing in ears and giddiness. Neem also may adversely affect immunosuppressant medications by stimulating the immune system and making the immunosuppressant's less effective, according to Monson and Schoenstadt.
Member Comments