Herbal medicines made from the neem tree are typically concocted from the leaves, twigs, seeds, bark or sap. Using neem leaves can help to treat a wide variety of ailments and diseases, due to the tree's ability to kill or inhibit bacteria, fungi and viruses. You can take neem to treat skin infections, stomach ulcers, fevers and respiratory ailments, as well as prevent or treat periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Treating and Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Using a mouthwash, toothpaste or chewing gum made from neem leaves can help prevent dental cavities and the gum disease gingivitis. Test tube studies have found that neem contains antibacterial properties that can kill the harmful bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay, but only upon direct contact, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You can use 1/5 tsp., or 1g, of neem leaf extract gel or neem extract toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily to fight plaque, advises the University of Michigan Health System.
Treating Skin Infections
In addition to antibacterial properties that are beneficial to the teeth and gums, neem is also helpful in fighting bacteria that cause skin infections. Neem leaf and bark extracts can help to cure skin ulcers and infections, says the University of Michigan Health System. Neem's antibacterial actions can also help to treat skin diseases and fungal infections, including vaginal fungal infections, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You can apply a cream containing 5 percent or more of neem extract or oil twice daily to the affected skin area.
Treating Stomach Ulcers
Neem bark extracts may help to treat peptic ulcers. In India, people have used neem leaf or bark extract in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, intestinal parasites, malaria and stomach ulcers, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. To help heal stomach ulcers, you can take 30 to 60mg twice daily of freeze-dried neem bark extract, advises the University of Michigan Health System.
Treating Respiratory Ailments and Fever
Neem leaves, sap, bark gum and seed oil has been used in India to treat respiratory diseases, fevers and even viruses, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to its antibacterial properties, neem also has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal actions. To treat fevers and respiratory viruses, inflammation or bacterial infections, you can take neem orally. The University of Michigan Health System advises taking 2 to 4 tsp. of neem leaf juice or 1/7 to 1/10 oz., or 2 to 4g, of neem leaf powder two to three times daily.
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