Health

Neem: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations

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Neem is considered good for the environment, as much as it is good for the environment. People have been using neem as Ayurvedic medicine and home remedy for many years. Neem leaves have been used for many minor and major problems related to the body. At the same time, many people also indulge in eating neem leaves.

In this article, we are giving information about how beneficial and harmful the use of neem is. Here you will find much important information about the advantages and disadvantages of neem. Apart from this, every important piece of information related to the use of neem in medicine and diet, from making neem oil, be given here. So to know about all these, read the article till the end.

Read the article in detail…

Let us first understand what neem is?

Neem is a medicinal tree, the use of almost all of which is considered beneficial for health. Neem belongs to the mahogany family.

Its botanical name is Azadirachta indica. The neem tree can have a lifespan of 150–200 years. It is estimated there are millions of neem trees in India. At the same time, neem has an important role in Ayurveda. It has been used for the treatment of skin problems to health problems. Later in the article, we will give any information about the medicinal properties of neem and the benefits of eating neem.

Now we will know about the medicinal properties of neem:-

Medicinal Properties of Neem:

The medicinal properties of neem are many, but not all. This is why it’s been used for centuries. Actually, it has anti-bacterial (bacterial fighting), anti-fungal (fungal fighting), antioxidant (reducing free radical effect) and antiviral (viral infection prevention) properties. Not only this, you may be surprised to know that neem also has the ability to reduce the effect of snake venom. Apart from this, there are other advantages of neem, about which we are giving further information in further in the article.

After knowing the medicinal properties of neem, let us know the benefits of neem:-

Benefits of Neem:

Neem can be beneficial in many ways. It can be used to alleviate many physical irritations to the skin as well. However, here we make it clear that neem is not a cure for any disease. It can only reduce its symptoms or prevent disease. Keeping this in mind, now know the benefits of Neem –

1. Antibacterial Properties

Anyone can be at the risk of infection, and one of the reasons behind it is small bacteria that are not visible. Especially on rainy days, this problem may increase further. In such a situation, the use of neem can help prevent it. Indeed, according to research, neem is rich in anti-bacterial properties. This study has revealed that neem may serve as an effective antibacterial agent for treating infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, quercetin and ß-sitosterol polyphenolic flavonoids present in neem leaves have been confirmed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. In such a situation, the use of neem can be beneficial to protect against bacterial infection.

2. To control blood pressure

The benefits of neem can also be seen in preventing or controlling the problem of high blood pressure. Actually, neem has blood pressure-lowering properties. At the same time, according to research published on the website of NCBI-National Center for Biotechnology Information, the polyphenols present in the methanol extract of neem have been confirmed to have anti-hypertensive properties, i.e. control of hypertension. In such a situation, the use of neem can be beneficial to prevent or control the problem of high blood pressure. However, if someone is taking high BP medicine, then take a medical consultation once before consuming neem.

3. For respiratory problems

Neem can also be useful for respiratory problems. Research related to this provides information that neem leaves have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. All its properties may exhibit a protective effect against pulmonary inflammation (a group of pulmonary inflammation-diseases that can affect the lungs). At the same time, the anti-allergic properties of neem may be useful for the problem of asthma. In such a situation, the use of neem and yoga can prove beneficial for the problem of asthma. Neem can work as an Ayurvedic medicine for asthma.

4. Use of Neem for Ulcers

According to research, neem bark extract may positively affect gastric hyperacidity (overproduction of gastric acid) and ulcers. Neem bark extract can act as a medicine. At the same time, research by NCBI has mentioned neem having antiallergy properties. Based on this, it can be said that the antiallergy properties of neem may play a supporting role in the protection against ulcers. At the same time, if someone has an ulcer problem, it is better to first get treatment according to medical consultation. Also, take neem or neem-rich foods with medical advice.

5. Benefits of Neem in diabetes

The bitterness of neem can help control the diabetes problem. Indeed, research published on the NCBI website suggests that neem may exhibit hypoglycemic (blood sugar reduction process) effects. In such a situation, its hypoglycemic effect can be useful in controlling blood sugar level. Neem also has anti-hyperglycemic properties. On this basis, it can be assumed that Neem can help prevent diabetes or controlling blood sugar level. At the same time, if someone is taking diabetes medicine, it is better to seek medical advice before consuming it.

6. Benefits of Neem in Oral Health

Neem can be used to solve problems associated with pimples. Mouth cleaner products that contain neem extract are believed to be useful for mouth health. Also, the antimicrobial properties in neem can prevent bacteria such as Streptococcus Mutans (Streptococcus Mutans) from growing plaque in the teeth. In addition, neem leaves with anti-inflammatory properties can help correct inflammatory conditions in the mouth and gums. Also, neem can prevent bleeding from gums, tooth decay problem. In such a situation, you can also sometimes opt for neem toothpaste to make teeth strong.

7. Use of Neem in Leprosy

The benefits of neem can also be seen in reducing some symptoms of leprosy. According to a study published on the NCBI website, the use of neem seed oil has been said as a treatment for leprosy. At the same time, Neem leaves have been described as useful for treating leprosy in Ayurveda. However, which properties of neem may be useful for leprosy have not been confirmed. Also, research in this subject is quite limited. In such a situation, we should clarify here that in a condition like leprosy, it is also necessary to get treatment from a doctor, not only relying on the use of neem. It is better to give medical treatment priority in this subject.

8. Use of Neem in the treatment of Malaria

The benefits of neem leaves can be seen in reducing the effects of malaria and its symptoms. Actually, neem leaves are rich in antimalarial properties, which can act as a malaria drug and can help overcome this problem. In such a situation, along with medical treatment for malaria treatment, neem home remedy can also be tried. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor on how and in what quantity to use neem in malaria.

9. Neem for stomach health

The benefits of neem leaves can also be seen for the health of the stomach. Actually, neem has been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine for ulcers and other gastric problems. A research published on the NCBI website has revealed that neem can flush out toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. This property of neem can help improve a healthy digestive system. Also, it can help in keeping the stomach healthy.

10. Use of Neem to keep liver healthy

Neem can be beneficial for the liver. Actually, the use of neem can prevent liver damage and cancer. At the same time, according to a study published on the NCBI website, the azadirachtin-A compound present in neem may exhibit hepatoprotective properties. In such a situation, neem intake can be useful to keep the liver healthy.

11. Neem for cancer prevention

According to research published on the NCBI website, extracts of neem seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruits can exhibit chemopreventive, anti-cancer and anti-tumour properties against various types of cancer. In addition, neem extracts can also help prevent the spread of cancer cells. In particular, neem can protect against prostate cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer. As such, neem can be used to reduce the risk of cancer. Also, we should make it clears that cancer is a serious disease. Therefore, if someone has this disease, then medical treatment should be the priority for him.

12. Helpful in lowering cholesterol level

The use of neem may also be beneficial for cholesterol. Actually, NCBI has published research in this regard. According to this research, extracts of neem leaves were found to help reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Currently, this research has been done on mice. Further research is needed to find out its effect on humans. However, neem can be used to prevent cholesterol. At the same time, if anyone has a cholesterol problem, he should advise including neem in medicine and cholesterol-lowering diet as per the doctor’s advice.

13. Works as a contraceptive

Neem can also be used as a contraceptive. Research related to this shows that it can reduce the spread of sperm from 0.05 to 1 per cent. The immune modulators in neem survive the properties of cells and macrophages (macrophages — a type of cell) that can terminate the pregnancy.

At the same time, research on the NCBI website clearly states that the readily available neem oil can act as a contraceptive. It is also cheap and non-toxic. However, male anti-fertility effects have also been observed in neem. According to this research, neem can decrease the fertility of males. In such a situation, neem can have both advantages and disadvantages in this subject. Therefore, it is our opinion that women and men should seek medical advice once before using neem or neem oil.

14. Neem for wounds and rashes

The benefits of neem can also be seen for the skin. According to NCBI research, neem has been used for the treatment of wounds for centuries. Actually, it has wound healing properties, which can help to a great extent in healing wounds. At the same time, another research clearly shows that the use of neem or neem oil can be effective in reducing the problem of the wound and rashes. In such a situation, neem paste can be useful in normal wounds or cuts and peeling. At the same time, if the wound is deep, it is necessary to prioritize medical treatment.

15. Benefits of Neem for Acne

The use of neem can be considered very beneficial for getting rid of acne. The use of neem can help prevent acne-causing bacteria from growing. At the same time, it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it can be useful to avoid the problem of pimples. Neem paste or face pack can be beneficial to get rid of acne. In this case, neem can be used to keep the skin healthy.

16. Neem is useful in lice and nits

Neem can be used to eliminate lice and nit from the hair. Neem oil has been considered an effective remedy against lice in scientific research. Especially it can be considered effective in the treatment of head lice in children. In such a situation, to eliminate the lice problem, Neem oil can be used by putting it in shampoo.

17. Benefits of Neem in dandruff problem

Neem oil made to reduce dandruff can prove to be nature’s gift. Actually, neem has antifungal, antibacterial properties, which can help eliminate the fungus that causes dandruff. Not only this, but neem oil can also work to keep the scalp clean along with removing dandruff. So to prevent dandruff problem, a neem pack or oil can be used.

In this part of the article, we are giving information about the nutritional elements found in neem.

Neem Nutritional Value:

There is no doubt that the benefits of neem are many. In such a situation, here we will give information about certain nutrients and chemicals present in neem, which make neem an effective medicine.

So the nutrients, and chemicals present in Neem are as follows:

    • Protein
    • Calcium
    • Vitamin C
    • Carbohydrate
    • Fiber
    • Fat
    • Amino acids
    • Nitrogen
    • Phosphorus
    • Potassium
    • Tannin acid

Learn how neem can be used in this part of the article:-

Use of Neem:

After knowing the benefits of neem, the question arises as to how to use it. So, let us also give you the answer. Neem can be used in the following ways –

    • Neem leaves can be applied as a face mask
    • In the form of a blood purifier, half a teaspoon of neem leaves can be consumed by adding half a cup of water.
    • Neem leaves can be grind and applied as a coating on wounds.
    • Thin pieces of neem can be used as a toothbrush (Datun).
    • Neem leaf can also be fried and eaten.
    • Oil made from neem leaves can also be used to reduce dandruff and lice.

Quantity of usage of Neem:

The amount of neem that should be used depends on the age and health status of the person. There is no concrete scientific evidence available in this regard at this time. Therefore, it may be better to consult a doctor about the amount of neem to be consumed.

Here we are telling the method of making neem oil:-

Method of making neem oil

Although neem oil is easily available in the market, many chemical elements can be found in it. In such a situation, neem oil made at home can be more pure and safe than neem oil found in the market. So let’s know the method of making neem oil at home –

Material:

    • Neem leaves — a bowl
    • Coconut Oil — A Bowl
    • Glass bottle — one
    • Grinder (to grind the leaf)
    • Sieve (for sieving oil)

Method of making neem oil:

    • First, wash and dry neem leaves.
    • After this, grind these leaves in a grinder.
    • Then add coconut oil to it and grind it a little more.
    • When neem leaves and coconut oil mix well, please put it in a pan and heat it on a low flame.
    • Cook it on low heat for four to five minutes. Remember, neem leaves should not be burnt.
    • When the two mixtures combine well, turn off the gas.
    • Then let it cool for a while.
    • When the mixture cools down, now sieve this oil in a bottle with the help of a sieve.
    • Neem oil is ready.

Side Effects of Neem:

To say neem is a boon of nature, but it should be used with caution; let us know why:

According to research, neem extracts can reduce blood sugar levels. In such a situation, for people who have low blood pressure, it is better to avoid the consumption of neem.

Sugar patients should consume it with medical consultation as it also has the property of reducing the amount of blood sugar. In such a situation, its intake can lower blood sugar level than normal. In particular, if someone is taking diabetes medicine, then take the expert’s opinion before consuming neem.

If someone’s skin is sensitive, do a patch test first using neem. People with allergy problems should avoid neem intake.

As we have already given information that neem has contraceptive properties. In research conducted on animals, neem extract is successful in terminating the pregnancy. In such a situation, keeping this study in mind, it is important that pregnant women also must consult a doctor before consuming neem.

In addition, side effects of neem oil in children have also been observed in several studies. According to research, neem oil intake in children can cause vomiting, excess sleep and respiratory problems. Not only this, but neem oil can also cause life risk.

Not only this, but the toxic effect of neem oil can also cause diarrhoea and nausea.

Note: Before giving neem or neem-rich foods to pregnant and children, seek medical advice. Apart from this, even if someone has a health-related problem, neem should be consumed only after taking advice from a specialist.

Hopefully, through this article, you will have come to know the benefits of neem leaves. There is no doubt that the neem tree is rich in medicinal properties. However, as a precaution and the benefits of neem, we have also informed about the loss of neem in the article. At the same time, we have also shared information about the use of neem in the article to prevent the damage of neem. In this case, Neem can be taken advantage of by using Neem in the right way.

However, once again, tell you that neem is not a cure for any disease but can be useful to reduce the effects and symptoms of the disease. Yes, neem intake may reduce the risk of some diseases. In such a situation, sharing this article related to the benefits of neem with others tell everyone the benefits of neem.

Mitali Saikia

Mitali s a social worker and writer. She's the aim of educating people about various aspects of nutrition and ensuring healthy eating habits.