The benefits of Neem are so wide and varied that the plant is known as a “wonder plant.” The leaves of the neem tree, or margosa leaves, are considered a biologically complex entity. They contain 140 different compounds. In Charaka Samhita, an important text in Ayurveda, neem is termed “sarva roga nivarini” or “that which keeps all diseases away.” The medicinal uses of neem are described in detail in this Ayurvedic text.

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The Neem tree originated in the Indian subcontinent. However, it is also found in some areas of the Middle East. The scientific name of the plant is Azadirachta indica. The tree can survive in harsh environments. It leaves are broad and spreading and it bears white, fragrant flowers. The fruit of the Neem tree is, however, bittersweet.

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Neem leaves are valuable and Neem extract is used in many different types of products. The uses of Neem Leaves have been discussed in detail here. There are also several Neem oil benefits which are explained further.

Each part of the Neem tree has some benefit:
a. Oil extracted from Neem leaves is used for medicinal purposes.
b. Dried Neem leaves are used as insect repellent or as a component of herbal compounds.
c. Neem flowers, Neem leaves, and Neem shoots are used in cooking.
d. Neem extract is used in herbal products and alternative medicine.

Neem Health Benefits

The benefits of Neem are as follows:

Helps Lose Weight

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One of the neem juice benefits is that it helps reduce fat around the abdominal region. This juice is extracted from neem flowers. When mixed with honey and lemon juice, the mixture has the power to help you lose weight if you drink it every day. The properties of the flower help boost your metabolism and burn more fat.

Controls Blood Sugar Levels

If you have diabetes, there is good news for you! One of the uses of Neem leaves is that they help you control your blood sugar levels by improving the sensitivity of the insulin receptors in your body. They also cause the blood vessels to dilate, thereby bettering the circulation of blood. Regular consumption of Neem extract will also help you reduce your dependence of anti-diabetic medicine. The juice of tender Neem shoots should be drunk on an empty stomach for best results.

Helps in Cancer Treatment

A protein present in Neem leaves, called Neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP), prevents the growth of cancer cells. The mode of action of this protein is not to attack the cancer cells directly. Instead, it alters the environment of the cancer cells and the blood, which does not allow the cancer cells to flourish. Drinking Neem juice in the morning every day will remove toxins from the body. This is thought to have a preventative effect on cancer.

Treats Fungal Infections

One of the benefits of Neem oil is that its application on the skin can treat fungal infections like ringworm or athlete’s foot. Two compounds present in Neem, called gedunin and nimbidol, have been found to have antifungal activities. A paste of Neem leaves can also be used to treat fungal infections.

Treatment of Lice

If you suffer from head lice infestation, you will know the agony. One of the Neem oil uses and benefits is that it can treat lice naturally. If you do not want to use chemicals to kill the lice, you can apply Neem oil instead. Neem oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Crushed Neem leaves also have a similar effect. Neem juice can be used to wash the hair for increased effectiveness.

Used as a Mosquito Repellant

A combination of coconut oil and Neem oil (1:1) is effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Neem has particular compounds that repel mosquitoes. Studies on the effectiveness of this mixture have been published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.

Neem Benefits for Skin

One of the neem benefits for skin is that it treats skin issues like blackheads, pigmentation, wrinkles, acne, and dryness. Neem leaves have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that reduce inflammation and rashes. Neem leaves also lighten the skin, tone it, and moisturize it.

The best way to gain Neem benefits for skin is to boil Neem leaves in water until the water turns green. Allow the water to cool and wash your face regularly with it. You can also mix it with your bath water for full-body benefits.

Helps with Hepatitis

Neem leaves may help with hepatitis due to their antiviral properties. When ingested, they remove toxins from the body and reduce the pressure on the liver. It also strengthens the immune system.

Extract the juice of tender Neem leaves and mix it with honey (2:1). Drink this mixture for a week in the morning on an empty stomach. You will see signs of improvement.

Maintains Oral Hygiene

Did you know that the twigs of the medicinal plant Neem are used as toothbrushes in many rural parts of India? Neem has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, thus it helps prevent oral diseases such as bad breath, mouth ulcers, gum disease, and tooth pain. It also helps whiten teeth.

Treats Amebiasis

Due to its antimicrobial activity, Neem leaves are very effective against amebic infections. A paste of Neem leaves, when applied to the stomach, has the ability to reduce cramps and intestinal inflammation. Children are prone to developing amebiasis and this medicinal use of Neem is especially effective for them. The efficacy of Neem leaves paste can be improved by adding turmeric powder and mustard oil to it.

Treatment of Dandruff

Neem is a constituent of many shampoos and face washes due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. One of the Neem benefits for hair is that it helps treat dandruff. It also keeps the scalp hydrated and strengthens the roots of the hair. Neem has several antioxidants, thus it keeps the hair follicles healthy.

Acts as a Detoxifying Agent

One of the most powerful medicinal uses of Neem is that it removes toxins from the body. Neem can be consumed in the form of supplements or the paste of its leaves can be directly applied to the skin. A Neem health benefit is that can stimulate the kidneys and the liver. Thus, it causes all the toxic waste formed in the body to be expelled effectively via these organs.

Acts as a Birth Control Agent

A Neem health benefit is that it acts as a natural spermicide without harming the reproductive organs. It may also treat some sexually transmitted diseases.

Neem Side Effects

Although there are a ton of Neem benefits, there are also some Neem side effects.

• When Neem is taken in large doses for prolonged periods of time, it may harm the liver and the kidneys.
• For children, it may be unsafe to take Neem oil or seeds by mouth. It may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, blood disorders, seizures, drowsiness, coma, brain disorders, loss of consciousness, and even death.
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Neem oil and Neem bark are best avoided. It may cause a miscarriage.
• One of the activities of Neem is to make the immune system more active. Thus, if you have an autoimmune disease (a disease where your immune system attacks your body mistaking it for a foreign body) such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, you should avoid Neem and Neem products.
• If you have had an organ transplantation, you should avoid Neem because it can cause the donated organ to be rejected or it may reduce the efficacy of anti-rejection drugs.
• You should avoid taking Neem at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Neem causes a dip in blood sugar levels and this can become dangerous during a surgery.
• Overuse of Neem can reduce fertility. If you’re trying to conceive, you should not use Neem.

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