Neem is a natural herb that has been widely used for a long time to treat several illnesses. Over time, it has become a crucial folk remedy in historic India. Even today, its importance remains intact. It’s still popular. You’ve probably seen thousands of advertisements for skin care products featuring beautiful women using neem-based soaps, body washes, etc. to show off their glowing skin. This demonstrates the importance of neem even in the present day. Neem is not only used in skin care products but also a lot of other health issues.
You might be surprised to learn that Neem has historically been used to treat a variety of health problems. Manuscripts dating back hundreds of years reveal that this tree has been used in various ways. Its leaves were used to treat ulcers, flowers were used to treat bile duct issues, and bark was used to treat brain conditions.
In this article, we will give a deep insight into the various benefits of neem, neem health advantages, uses, side-effects, and precautions you need to take while using the herb.
Neem Nutrition and Nutrients in Neem
Neem Leaves: The main constituents of neem leaves include carbohydrates (22.9%), protein (7.1%), and minerals such as Vitamin C, calcium, carotene, and phosphorus. The leaves of neem also contain aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, alanine, tyrosine, praline, and cystine like amino acids, along with several fatty acids.
Neem Bark: The bark contains anti-inflammatory polysaccharides consisting of arabinose fructose and glucose at a molar ratio of 1:1:1 with a molecular weight of 8,400. The bark also has an antitumor polysaccharide. (Source)
Neem Health Advantages
- Due to its antioxidant property, it helps in removing toxins from the body and purifying blood.
- Neem is a rich source of calcium which makes it good for bones. (source )
- It is a rich source of iron and helps in curing iron deficiency.
- It helps in boosting immunity by keeping all the viral infections at a bay. ( source )
- Good for diabetic patients as it regulates the sugar level in the body. (source )
- Neem has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties that protect the gut from all kinds of bacteria.
- It helps in healing wounds faster as it contains anti-microbial healing properties. ( source )
- Neem can be used as a good source of preventing acne problems as it has anti-bacterial properties.(source )
Uses of Neem in curing Skin, oral, and health conditions
1. Good For Skin
Use a mixture made from neem leaves and turmeric powder on your face to lighten scars and skin discoloration. Face packs made from neem leaves are frequently used to maintain the skin supple and hydrated. Neem leaves can be consumed every day and are great for the skin. (source )
2. For hairs due to its antioxidant property
You must have heard your grandma telling you how she used to maintain her hair healthy using Neem leaves. Daily application of Neem leaves can work heavenly on your hair. The reason behind this is The high antioxidant property that makes it suitable to support hair follicle growth.(source )
Also Read: Health Benefits of Moringa: Nutritional Value and Medicinal Uses
3. Maintain Oral Health
You can use neem leaves to keep up good oral hygiene as well. They keep saliva at a healthy alkaline level, kill bacteria, and offer you fresh breath. Neem extracts reduce oral bacteria and guard against dental cavities.(source )
4. Protects from Fungal infections
It also has antibacterial effects. By eliminating the harmful bacteria, it purifies the intestines. Neem is also anti-fungal, which may be useful in India’s humidity. (source)
Additionally, Neem is being used and may work in curing a lot of cancer, liver, and kidney-related health issues. (source 1, source 2, source 3 )
Now, let’s quickly jump on precautions that you should take before using Neem
Precautions to take when using Neem
- If we want to eat neem, general safety precautions must be taken. Furthermore, it must be administered by an Ayurvedic physician who is familiar with your circumstances and can advise you on dosage and form in the most effective manner.
- Neem products should be used with caution by expectant mothers, and they should always seek medical advice before eating the herb.
- Please speak with your Ayurvedic doctor before using neem on kids, the elderly, or nursing mothers.
- Studies on how neem interacts with other medications are lacking. There is therefore a need for greater study on this topic. However, before using neem and its components, you should speak with a doctor. Make sure to disclose every drug you are currently taking
Side-effects of Neem
Individuals may respond differently to various herbs. To describe the negative effects of neem, more research is necessary. However, before using the neem tree or any of its components, we must see a physician. Please refrain from changing, replacing, or stopping any treatment on your own.
Check out the nutrition, nutritional value, health advantages, side-effects, and uses of Indian herbs on Health Views @ Healthy Herbs and Ayurvedic.
