Neem Therapy

Neem is a large, evergreen tree that has adapted to a very wide range of climates, says Medicinal Herb Info. It can be found growing all over the world. Its seeds, bark and leaves are used to make medicinal treatments for a number of conditions, the site says. Before you begin to take neem, talk to your health care provider to seek advice.

Neem Uses

Drugs.com reports that neem is commonly used to treat malaria, worms, diabetes, leprosy, ulcers, skin diseases and cardiovascular conditions. NeemFoundation.org adds that neem is useful as a treatment for arthritis, cancer, dental care, heart diseases, rheumatism, stress, virus diseases and vitiligo. Drugs.com says that so far, there is little clinical proof that neem is effective in treating these conditions.

Research

Several articles published on the PubMed.gov website describe research done on neem used medicinally. The first article describes a study using neem to control stomach acids and prevent ulcers. The study concluded that it might be effective for this use. Another article describes the study of neem's potential to fight cancer. This study seemed to suggest that it could be useful in this way, too. The third article described the results of study that suggests neem may control the growth of certain tumors.

Possible Side Effects

Drugs.com warns that neem oil or neem seeds should not be ingested because they can be toxic. But the leaves, when boiled to make various preparations, are considered generally safe. So is neem when used topically in moderate amounts. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are cautioned not to ingest neem because there is little information about how it might affect the nursing or unborn baby.

Non-Medicinal Use

Neem has several non-medicinal uses, too, according to NeemFoundation.org. It's used as a pesticide and to keep unwanted insects away from crops. Some are killed by neem when they eat leaves that have been treated with it; others just stay away because they don't like the smell. A few insects are made sterile by neem, so they don't reproduce. People often apply neem to the skin to repel insects.

Forms Used

When neem is used as a pesticide, it's sprayed on. But according to the NeemFoundation.org website, it can be found as an oil, tea, powder, dried leaves and fresh leaves. From these, a multitude of neem treatments can be created.