Neem: Natural Healing Herb for Skin, Immunity & Overall Health
Discover the powerful benefits of neem, a natural healing herb renowned for supporting skin health, boosting immunity, regulating blood sugar, and promoting overall wellness. Learn how neem can be used in daily life for a healthier lifestyle.
Neem- Medicinal Herb
Neem (Azadirachta indica), a plant in the Meliaceae family, is known for its health-promoting properties due to its abundance of antioxidants.
It has been used extensively in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine around the world, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent, to treat and prevent a wide range of illnesses.
For thousands of years, neem tree parts—leaves, seeds, blossoms, fruits, bark, and roots—have been utilized to cure a wide range of illnesses. Inflammation, infections, fever, skin conditions, and dental issues have all been effectively treated with neem.
Neem possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory qualities.
It contains substances that defend against bacterial, viral, fungal, ulcerative, malarial, excessive blood sugar, and many types of cancer.
Neem: Traditional Medicine to Spiritual Practices
For over 4,500 years, neem has been highly valued for its wide range of uses—from traditional medicine to spiritual practices—and holds a sacred place in both Indian and African cultures.
Neem (Sanskrit: Nimba or Picumaradah, also known as Neem or Indian lilac), is found in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita (written by Acharya Charaka and Acharya Susruta between 1500 B.C. and 400 A.D.), the Ashtanga Hridaya (written by Vaghbata circa 500 A.D.), and numerous nighantus (medical lexicons) that have been compiled over the centuries.
The Charaka Samhita emphasizes the benefits of neem for diabetes, skin disorders, and other medical issues. Notably, whereas researchers like Susruta concentrate more on neem’s anti-inflammatory qualities, Charaka highlights the plant’s metabolic and dermatological advantages.
Long before contemporary dentistry adopted this practice, the ancient Indian philosopher and healer Charaka advised brushing teeth twice a day with neem datun.
Related article: 14 Benefits of Turmeric (Indian Saffron)
Ancient Uses of Neem
Since ancient times, neem has also been an essential aspect of women’s herbal beauty routines.
It was used to cure skin scratches and other dermatological conditions.
A mixture of neem seed powder, rock salt and alum mixed well can be used for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Neem in Harappa culture
Neem may have been utilized medicinally for the first time during the Harappa culture some 4500 years ago.
As early as 5000 BC, the Neem tree’s medicinal qualities were mentioned in Indian Ayurvedic writings.
Its leaves were initially discovered during the Australoid and Dravidian periods (2000 BC) in the Mohanjo-Daro excavation.
Neem also known as
- Neem, called ‘Arista’ in Sanskrit, meaning ‘reliever of sickness’, often referred to as ‘the bitter gem’.
- Neem as ‘Sarva roga nivarini’ – the universal healer or curer of all ailments.
- ‘Arishtha’- perfect, complete and imperishable).
- ‘Nimba’ from the term ‘Nimbati Syasthyamdadati’ which means ‘to give good health’.
- Its anti-inflammatory abilities are captured in the name ‘Puyari’, with ‘puya’ meaning pus and ‘ari’ meaning enemy.
- ‘Krimighna’ underscores its effectiveness against worms and infections,
- ‘Picumarda’ relates to its skin-healing powers.
- Unani scholars knew Neem’s properties beneficial to human health and named it as ‘ Shajar-e-Munarak ’, or the blessed tree.
- Persian scholars called Neem “Azad dirakht-I-Hind,” meaning the noble or free tree of India
Use of Neem for Hair and Skin
For hair health
Neem is added to shampoos and conditioners to promote healthy hair growth and treat dandruff and scalp infections.
In both conventional and contemporary skincare formulas, neem is frequently used with other organic ingredients such as aloe vera, sandalwood, and turmeric.
Dandruff can be eliminated by applying neem oil on the scalp.
For Skin health
Neem oil is used directly on the skin in topical applications to treat psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
Neem promotes healing and guards against secondary infections, it is also present in ointments and creams used to treat fungal infections, wounds, and ulcers.
For healthy and glowing complexion, neem help in cleansing the skin from the inside out, eliminate impurities, and improve blood circulation.
Regulate oil production
Pollution can clog skin pores, leading to acne. Neem helps regulate and balance oil production, keeping the pores clean and free from dirt.
Neem not only helps prevent acne but also heals pimples without causing skin dryness.
Lighten pigmentation
Neem oil gradually lightens pigmentation by lowering the formation of melanin, which can result in discolouration, neem improves skin pigmentation.
Remove wrinkles
Neem is well known for its anti-aging qualities due to its high antioxidant content, which reduces free radicals that produce wrinkles and fine lines.
Hydrates the skin
For dry skin, neem oil deeply hydrates and reduces inflammation. Neem is ideal for sensitive and irritated skin.
Beyond Skin and Immunity: Neem’s Surprising Health Benefits
Neem is a health powerhouse due to its wealth of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, azadirachtin, nimbin and nimbidin, which provide strong antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer effects, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help boost immunity by fighting infections and detoxifying the body.
Neem have ability to cleanse the liver, promote healthy digestion, and protect skin from within.
From supporting skin health and digestion to helping regulate blood sugar and boosting immunity, neem’s multifaceted actions make it a valuable natural remedy in traditional medicine and modern research alike.
Digestive Health and Detoxification
Neem naturally supports the body’s cleansing processes, improves digestion, and promotes better health from within.
Antimicrobial effect
Regular use of neem for oral care can improve gum and tooth health by naturally controlling harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Gum recession can weaken the support around your teeth, causing them to become loose over time. Regular use of neem datun can help strengthen your gums and teeth, promoting long-term oral health.
Oral health is closely linked to overall immunity. Maintaining a clean mouth and balanced oral pH can help prevent infections, supporting both dental and general health.
Neem datun possesses potent antimicrobial qualities, and using it to brush your teeth will reduce the risk of cavities, plaque buildup, gum recession, and odor.
Regularly performing neem daatun can help you maintain stronger teeth for a very long time because as your gums recede, your teeth lose support and become brittle.
Used in toothpastes like Ayurdent, neem bark strengthens gums, keeps plaque at bay, and improves breath.
Neem mouthwash decreases the bacterial biofilm on teeth, preventing the production of plaque.
Neem’s astringent qualities tighten gums and stop bleeding, which improves gum health.
Neem leaf chewing eliminates microorganisms that cause odors.
Cleansing properties
Neem seed juice, obtained by pressing the seeds, can be consumed to help eliminate intestinal worms and other harmful parasites from the digestive tract.
Essentially, neem seeds act as a natural cleansing agent for the intestines, helping maintain gut health.
Help in chronic condition
Neem helps reduce LDL cholesterol and promotes healthy blood circulation.
Neem’s antiviral properties can inhibit pathogens, including herpes simplex virus.
Neem supports overall resilience against chronic conditions such as arthritis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Neem tea may aid kidney health by helping flush out kidney stones and urinary toxins.
Easy Ways to Include Neem in Your Daily Routine
Recipes with Neem
Although Neem is bitter, considering its numerous health benefits, in Indian tradition, it is used in recipes, mainly leaves and flowers, such as neem Potato Fry, Neem Brinjal Curry, Neem juice, Neem tea, Neem Sauce, Neem Flower cutlet, Bitter mixed vegetable stew, Neem Papad.
Neem Leaf Powder
The dried and finely crushed leaves of the neem tree are used to make neem leaf powder.
It is quite adaptable and can be taken orally, combined with water to create a cleansing beverage, or applied as a natural treatment for a range of skin issues during skincare routines.
Neem Tea
Making tea with neem leaf powder is one of the easiest methods for getting its health benefits.
Add a small amount of the powder to warm water or mix it with other detoxifying herbs like lemon or ginger.
Neem for Skincare
To make a calming face mask or scrub, combine neem leaf powder with water or rose water.
When administered topically, it works especially well to treat blemishes or acne.
Neem Supplements or Capsules
Neem Leaf Powder is also available as supplements if you’d rather have a more convenient option.
Side Effects of Neem
While neem offers numerous health benefits, excessive or inappropriate use may cause side effects in some individuals, including:
Digestive issues – nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea when taken in large amounts.
Allergic reactions – skin rashes or irritation when applied topically.
Blood sugar effects – may lower blood sugar too much in people taking diabetes medications.
Pregnancy and fertility concerns – high doses of neem may not be safe during pregnancy or for fertility.
Liver or kidney stress – prolonged excessive consumption may affect liver or kidney function in sensitive individuals.
Neem oil overdose in children – It can cause symptoms like vomiting, liver toxicity, metabolic acidosis, and encephalopathy, according to several studies.
Life threatening effect- Regular or excessive use of neem extracts or compounds may raise safety concerns, potentially leading to toxicity and, in rare cases, serious or even life-threatening effects.
What Research says about Neem
Suppress tumor growth
Neem leaves contain a special combination of glycoproteins known as neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP). Research in mammalian models has shown that NLGP has immune-modulatory properties, suggesting it may help inhibit tumor growth by strengthening both local and systemic immune responses.
Antioxidant effect
Free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), contribute to inflammation by damaging cells and vital biological molecules. Neem is rich in natural antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals, helping to reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of various chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory effect
A bioactive substance called limonoid, which is produced by neem, has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural analgesic by activating the body’s natural opioid pathways.
In addition to their supportive functions in situations pertaining to alcohol use and food digestion, limonoids have been linked to protection against diseases including diabetes and cancer.
Neem oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help lessen joint discomfort and swelling associated with arthritis.
Anti-cancerous effect
Bioactive substances found in neem, including azadirachtin, nimbolide, and other limonoids, have anticancer effects mainly through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
According to research, neem can stop human cervical cancer cells from proliferating.
Furthermore, azadiramide A, a limonoid that was extracted from neem leaves, has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and trigger apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines that are both estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and estrogen-independent (MDA-MB-231).
Anti-diabetic effect
Diabetes, characterized by poor regulation of blood glucose levels, is rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent chronic degenerative conditions.
Emerging research suggests that neem leaf powder may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Including neem in the diet is believed to naturally support glucose balance, complementing a healthy lifestyle.
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