Neem, or Azadirachta indica, was originally grown in India where its bark, leaves and the juice from its seeds are widely used as a part of traditional Ayurvedic health care. In India, neem is considered to be an almost universal treatment. Before embarking upon any holistic remedy, however, be certain to gain the approval of your physician or health care practitioner.
Acne, Athlete's Foot, Eczema & Psoriasis Treatment
The Neem Foundation notes that neem has antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Four specific uses targeted by these properties include athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis and acne. Athlete's foot sufferers use neem to kill the fungus on the feet that causes the inflammation, while other topical skin treatments are beneficial for soothing psoriasis and eczema. Neem is also used topically to assist in eradicating the bacteria on the skin that causes acne, but scientific proof underscoring these benefits remains lacking.
Dental Health
Indigenous African and Indian people have used twigs of the neem tree to brush their teeth for centuries. These days, it’s more common to use toothpaste containing neem oil or powder. Drugs.com advises that while many people swear by the effectiveness of neem to kill the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and gingivitis, more research is needed to merit its efficacy..
Stress Reliever & Immune Booster
According to the Neem Foundation, animal studies suggest that neem has an anti-anxiety effect when taken orally. There are also indications that the use of neem boosts the immune system.
Diabetes Treatment
The Ayurvedic system of health care espouses that in order to treat an imbalance in the system, it’s beneficial to take in foods and herbs with the opposite properties of the imbalance. As ayurveda defines diabetes as an overabundance of sweetness, the bitter herb neem is commonly given to treat it. Although this treatment is widely used in some parts of the world, you should consult your health care provider for advice regarding its use.
Arthritis Therapy
Traditional practitioners of Ayurveda commonly employ neem to treat arthritis. Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties come from some of its chemical components, including polysaccharides, nimbidin, limonoids and catechin. Ayurvedic practitioners state that neem reduces the swelling and pain of the arthritic joints without the gastrointestinal bleeding often associated with aspirin or ibuprofen. Despite this practice, research has not confirmed these benefits.
Treatment for Rheumatism
Both rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis are conditions of the autoimmune system that cause severe pain and/or inflammation of the joints. According to Drugs.com, neem contains chemical compounds that reduce the pain and swelling associated with these disorders.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend applying slightly warm neem cream to the affected joints as well as taking neem capsules or tea.
Cancer Treatment
Ayervedic practitioners in India & Southeast Asia have used neem for centuries to treat cancerous tumors. According to Drugs.com, the polysaccharides and limonoids found in Neem were effective in reducing tumors when neem is injected around the tumor. Clinical studies have not proven this, however.
Treatment for Viral Illnesses
In India, a paste made with the leaf of the neem tree is used to treat viral illnesses such as chicken pox, hepatitis B, warts and herpes. The Neem Foundation reports that neem extract absorbs the viruses and keeps them from spreading, however there are no Western clinical studies to effectively confirm this use of neem.
Heart Disease Treatment
Neem is also traditionally employed to reverse negative effects on the heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing risk of clots and reducing stress. The antihistamine effects of nimbidin contained in neem leaves have been shown to cause blood vessels to dilate and reduce rapid heart rate. However, as there is not yet enough clinical proof of neem’s effectiveness, you should talk to your health care provider before taking it.
Treatment for Disorders of the Digestive System
Many swear by neem’s ability to treat heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. Ayurvedically, neem is thought to remove toxins and reduce stomach acid.
Natural Pesticide
Although neem is considered very beneficial to the health of humans, apparently it’s not very good for insects. Neem is used widely as a natural pesticide and is said to have no harmful effects on the environment when used this way.
Neem, added to shampoo for dogs and cats kills fleas and ticks, keeping the animal free from their own nasty pests. Don’t give your pet neem to ingest without first consulting your veterinarian.
Caution
Ingesting or coming into contact with any new substance can cause allergic reaction. Be aware of any rashes, hives or difficulty breathing when taking herbal supplements. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using neem right away and contact your health care provider.
References
- NeemFoundation.org
- Drugs.com: Neem
- 'Neem: India's Miraculous Healing Plant', by Ellen Norten, Healing Arts Press; English language ed edition, 1999.
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