Neem is a common plant in Northern Nigeria. The Hausas call it “Dogon Yaro”. Every part of this tree is useful. The leaves, branch, flowers, fruits, etc. are medicinal.
They have been used in Ayurveda medicine for hundreds of years to treat many sicknesses and health challenges. Neem has powerful anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.
Neem oil is extracted from the seeds and also the fruits. It has a light brown color and a strong aroma. This amazing oil is very high in sulfur hence the strong aroma.
Below are some of the amazing health benefits of neem.
Boosts dental health
Neem oil has powerful anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. This helps to kill harmful microbes in the mouth that can cause problems. Some of the health problems these microbes cause are cavities, halitosis, and tooth decay.
It also protects against gingivitis and canker sores. If you don’t have the oil, you can boil fresh neem leaves in clean water and rinse your mouth with this solution when it gets warm.
You can also drink this warm herbal tea as a way to improve not just your dental health, but your overall health as usual.
It improves gastric health
Neem stops and prevents inflammation in your gastrointestinal tracts. This relieves ulcers and a lot of gastrointestinal problems. This includes constipation, cramping, and bloating.
In natural healing, neem is used as a quick antidote for infections of the GI tract caused by bad bacteria. This happens when the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the gut have been destroyed.
Treats infections
Neem is very popular for its ability to treat infections. Neem oil is a natural anti-septic. It can kill bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. This essential oil is used in treating many skin diseases that have become infected.
Examples are burns, septic sores, and eczema. It is a top home remedy for fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and any type of yeast infection.
Anti-cancer
Neem has many phytochemicals that are highly effective against cancer. They are lots of flavonoids and other plant compounds that reduce inflammatory conditions that can lead to cancer.
Neem leaves activate the tumor suppressor genes.
Boosts the immune system
Neem is a powerful immune booster. Two powerful compounds in this powerful herb help boost your immune system. They are nimbidin and nimbin.
It protects your body against harmful microbes.
Controls diabetes
Neem triggers a lower demand for insulin in the body. The phytochemicals in neem optimize the functions of insulin receptors. This makes it possible for the body to get the right amount of insulin it needs.
This prevents the development of diabetes. For people who are already diabetic, neem can still help. It reduces the dependence on insulin therapy.
Natural pesticide
There is a compound in neem called Azadiractin. Insects and pests don’t like it. This is why neem is used as a natural pesticide. This is the main reason why neem trees are less prone to attacks from pests and parasites.
Neem oil repels insects when applied topically on the skin. It prevents insect bites and stings. If you are traveling to places where there are high risks of diseases from insects, you should have a bottle of neem oil with you.
It is even used as pesticides in gardens.
Malaria
Neem prevents malaria larvae from multiplying in the environment. More research is still being carried out on how to use neem as an eco-friendly anti-malaria agent.
Neem is also a natural mosquito repellant. The Hausas boil the leaves and drink to relief malaria and fever.
Natural Family planning
Neem is a natural spermicide. It prevents pregnancy. It stops the implantation of the egg in the uterus. It is as effective as the “morning-after pill”. You have to use this under the guidance of a naturopath.
Neem seeds or the extracts are used as birth control. It prevents pregnancy without causing harm in any way. It reduces libido and it is even used it treat STDs.
It helps you lose weight
Boil neem flower and take it daily to lose weight. It is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. These flowers improve your metabolism and aid the normal process of digestion.
You can add lemon and honey to improve the taste. It would also increase the effectiveness of the herb. An alternative way to do this is to crush a handful of neem flowers. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to it and a teaspoon of honey.
Mix properly and take this daily on an empty stomach. Do this every morning until you achieve your desired result.
Prevents dandruff
The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of Neem keep your scalp clean and free of dandruff. Neem is a common ingredient in organic shampoos and conditioners because of this property.
It hydrates your skin and keeps it hydrated. It also strengthens your hair. The rich content of antioxidants in neem improve the health of your hair follicles.
It is one of the top natural remedies used to boost hair growth and prevent baldness in men.
Cleans the body
Neem is a powerful detoxifier. Any part of the plant you take in helps to expel toxins. It helps your liver eliminate toxins easily. It also optimizes your metabolism.
Applying neem paste on the skin can also help eliminate a lot of dead skin cells and other debris on your skin surface.
Fights acne
Neem paste should be applied on acne-prone skin. This would control the production of oil and prevents breakouts. It kills bacteria that cause acne and helps to keep your face smooth.
Its rich content of antioxidants clears scars. It boosts the elasticity of your skin and closes pores. Neem has powerful astringent properties that keep your face from sagging or having wrinkles.
It slows down the process of aging. This herb is rich in a lot of nutrients your skin needs. It is high in vitamin E.
Precautions
Even though neem is powerful and very helpful, it should be taken with care. Excess of it can cause some disturbances in your body. it is sedative in nature, so you might feel sleepy and tired.
People with liver and kidney problems should use neem under the supervision and guidance of a naturopath. Check with a doctor or naturopath before taking it in combination with any drug.
Don’t give neem extract to babies and toddlers.
Sources;
- Antifungal activity of different neem leaf extracts and the nimonol against some important human pathogens NCBI
- The mitochondrial permeability transition: a new pathophysiological mechanism for Reye’s syndrome and toxic liver injury. NCBI
- Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment NCBI
- Ethanolic neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract induces apoptosis in the hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis model by modulation of Bcl-2, Bim, caspase 8 and caspase 3. NCBI
- A study of the hypoglycaemic effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem) in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits ABIM
- Synergistic spermicidal activity of neem seed extract, reetha saponins and quinine hydrochloride SD
