Neem Benefits and Uses

Neem is a botanical treasure that has been extensively used in Indian ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The traditional use of Neem leaves as a medicine is undeniable. It has multiple properties and can be used to manage various health conditions, prevent others from occurring, or improve your general well-being.

What is Neem?

Neem, also called Indian Margosa, belongs to the Azadirachta family. It is indigenous to South Asia and has long been utilised in traditional medicine. It is a tropical evergreen tree with yellow flowers and green leaves. The leaves of the tree are dried and used in ayurvedic medicines.

Characteristics of the Neem Plant

The neem plant offers a wide range of fragrant and therapeutic qualities. It contains a lot of minerals like zinc, selenium, and manganese as well as amino acids. It is also a good source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, and E. The plant’s bark is also used in Ayurveda.

The bark is rich in tannin and biologically active compounds, like azadirachtin. It is used for treating parasitic infections and controlling insects. Neem leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. They are cooling and are rich in essential oils.

What are the health benefits of using Neem?

Anti-cancer potential

The multifaceted disease of cancer is a significant global health issue. Cancers are any of the many diseases that are characterised by the expansion of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably, have the ability to penetrate, and cause harm to good physiological tissue.

The ability of cancer to spread throughout the body is commonly present. Flavonoids and other compounds found in neem are crucial in the prevention of the growth of cancer.[1]

Anti-malarial benefits

WHO defines malaria as “an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles.” Female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying the malaria virus frequently bite humans and spread the disease. Only female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria, after having already ingested blood from an infected person.

A fever, flu-like symptoms, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue are possible. Products made from neem could be useful in efforts to control mosquitoes.[2]

Wound healing

Wound healing has a due process of its own. Collagen, a firm, white fibre that serves as the basis for new tissue, is produced in part by red blood cells. Over this tissue, brand-new skin starts to develop.

Neem oil has an antihelmintic (Krimighna) action that aids in tissue regeneration and faster wound healing. When applied locally, it is less irritating, has a calming effect, and also kills maggots.[3] Therefore, Neem benefits recovery by speeding up the healing of wounds.

Benefits of Neem for Hair

Today’s lifestyle exposes our hair to extreme pollution as well as to chemical compounds that might be harmful. Neem's advantages for hair care include increasing hair growth and reducing hair loss.

Dandruff and scalp irritation may result from fungus growth on the scalp. It is a fantastic choice for treating dandruff and scalp infections due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Parts of the plant exhibit an antibacterial activity by inhibiting microbial growth or the capacity for cell wall disintegration.[4]

Using Neem for skin

Increasing contact with metropolitan air, over the year, may accelerate ageing of the skin. Loss of elasticity, thickening of skin and pigmentation are a few signs of skin ageing. Neem’s cooling property is often said to be useful in relaxing the skin.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great choice for fighting wrinkles and signs of ageing. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities that support healthy skin, according to a new study.[5]

Traditional Use of Neem in Ayurveda

Neem has a significant place in Ayurveda and has a lot of benefits. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great option for managing blood cholesterol levels. Ayurveda provides the following specifications for Neem:

Rasa (taste): bitter, astringent
Vipaka (post-digestion taste): pungent
Virya (action): cooling

Pitta is balanced by its cooling principle and ability to nourish healthy blood, especially when rakta dhatu (blood) is hot. It has the ability to counteract Kapha as well due to its light and dry characteristics. The Kapha-reducing qualities promote healthy water and fat digestion and excretion.

Modern Scientific Research on Neem

The extensive use of neem in Ayurveda suggests it is packed with benefits. Modern scientific research has also validated many of these benefits.

• “Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment” [6]
• “Effects of neem limonoids on the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)” [7]
• “Krimighna (anthelmintic) role of Neem Oil (medicated oil of Azadirachta indica Linn.) and adjuvant Ayurvedic therapies in the management of anal myiasis: A case report” [8]
• “Progress on Azadirachta indica Based Biopesticides in Replacing Synthetic Toxic Pesticides” [9]

How to take Neem as a supplement

Neem comes in several forms like paste, oil, leaves, and powder.

Using Neem oil

You can use the oil extracted from the neem leaves as a massage oil or as a moisturizer. You can also use it as a hair oil. Utilizing Neem powder is among the greatest and simplest approaches to creating Neem oil. You can use Hesh’s Neem leaf Powder to make the oil.

Using Neem leaf Powder

Hesh’s Neem leaf Powder contains the herb in powdered form. Take about 1 tsp of powder with warm water once a day. Alternatively, to consume it as a powder, you can mix it with your daily meals.

Using Neem Capsules

Tablets take longer to take effect than capsules, which have no taste. The bioavailability of capsules may be enhanced, facilitating easier absorption of the substances into the bloodstream. You can take Hesh's Neem Vegan Capsules twice a day with water for best results.

Taking Neem with Karela

Karela and Neem have been used together in Ayurveda as the two herbs complement each other. You can take Hesh's Karela & Neem Vegan capsules to help maintain blood sugar levels and manage Diabetes.

Is it safe to take Neem?

Neem is a safe herb and there are no reported side effects of the herb. However, neem is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Also, people with a blood clotting disorder should avoid taking neem.