Neem- Overview, Uses, Benefits, Precaution, Dosage

What is Neem?

Neem is a medicinal tree and has attracted a great deal of attention in the world. Since ancient times, it has been a panacea in the home and has supported people's lives. It is a miracle tree in honour of its powerful effects. Almost the entire tree is used as traditional medicine in many countries because of its healing characteristics and therapeutic benefits.

Neem seeds contain a component called azadirachtin, which has a very strong starvation ability. It is said to be harmless to humans and crops and effective against more than 200 types of pests. It has been used as a traditional treatment in India for thousands of years. Along with herbs, it is one of the most significant raw materials in traditional medicine known as Ayurveda.

Neem plant is native to India and grows in height of 15 to 20m and is now widely distributed in the tropics around the world. It is an essential tree for many problems related to the heart, skin, hair, sugar level and many more. It is highly used in the western medical world as well. 

• Latin Name: The Latin name and neem scientific name is Azadirachta indica.
• Family: The neem belongs to the Meliaceae, the mahogany family. It's a flower-producing plant.
• Common Name: The common name for the neem is nimtree or Indian lilac.
• Habitat: Neem is suitable for the open field, grassland, semi-shade or full sun. The soil will be dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
• Season: May-June is the growing season for the neem.

The charm of neem that can be used thoroughly

Neem is a wonderful plant and the whole neem tree is useful. Let's known about them differently and deeply-

• Neem Seeds: Neem seeds are used to prepare neem oil. Neem oil has the effect of inhibiting the growth of pests and is used in organic farms. It is effective towards more than 250 types of pests, including common pests such as aphids, spider mites and lice. The leftover from the seed while preparing the neem oil is known as neem cake. As a fertiliser, neem cake is used.
• Neem Leaves: Neem leaves components also have insect repellent and antibacterial effects. It is used to keep grain storage to prevent insects. Neem leaves are also effective for people with sensitive skin. It can be used in a bath to heal the skin from ancient times. Neem powder is also prepared from dried neem leaves.
• Neem Flower: Neem flowers have a unique bitterness and are rich in medicinal properties. It is well-liked by health-conscious persons. The taste is a bit bitter, but when it becomes regular, it feels delicious.
• Neem Branches: Neem branches are used as a toothbrush in India due to their bactericidal action and efficacy. 
• Neem Barks: Neem bark is used in malaria, stomach ulcer and skin disorders. 

Neem Uses (Benefits Of Neem Juice)

Neem usage has not gotten popular in recent years. The use of neem has a long history. Let's check-in which field neem has been used till now.

• Medicinal Properties: The leaves, fruits and bark of neem have long been used as traditional remedies for Ayurveda, especially in India. Different parts of neem are used for different diseases. It seems that it is used for medicine. Neem leaf tablets are sold as a diabetes treatment in India. 
• Cosmetic: Neem is also used for cosmetic products. The first use of neem as a cosmetic since around 1920. In 1920, neem soap was used. In 1975, neem oil came into the market. It is also good for beauty, and it seems that face creams, shampoos, and lotions have been commercialized in India. Moreover, toothpaste and tooth powder are also common. There are also pet soaps and shampoos that are effective against mites, fleas, flies, lice and mosquitoes
• Fertilizer or Pest Control: Currently, neem seems to be overwhelmingly used in the agricultural field. It is used as fertilizer or pest control in the field. It prevents the field from termites. It also improves the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers, reducing the chances of nitrate-nitrogen flowing into groundwater. Also, in India, it has long been practised to mix 2-3% of neem leaves with grains to prevent damage from stored pests.

Neem Benefits

There are many neem leaves benefits that you should know about:

Hair Health

Neem is effective for hair problems like hair loss, dandruff, etc. Being antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it protects the hair follicles and may make hair stronger and thicker. Well, neem is also contains azadirachtin that may fight parasites from the hair and skin. Hence it is effective for many hair diseases and problems. Many cosmetics also use neem in their products. Encourage your hair roots to be shiny and stronger.

Dental & Oral Health

From ancient times, neem has been used for oral health. It protects the teeth from all sorts of dental infections and diseases. Moreover, it also decreases pain and helps to treat oral diseases like gingivitis and tooth decay. Neem contains strong antiseptic components that may kill bacteria that cause halitosis, cavities, and gum disease. Many mouthwash and toothpaste are based on neem to provide natural oral health to the users.

Liver & Kidney Health

The neem leaves and the leaf-based extract is used for nephroprotection against damage to the kidneys. As we know, neem has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce oxidative stress from the body and detoxify the liver and kidney. It may protect and promote healthy liver and kidney functions. Moreover, neem is effective to boost the kidney tissues damaged by any medication.

Skin health

Neem has been a natural remedy for the skin for a long time. Neem's antioxidants protect the skin from sunlight, UV rays, pollution and other external attacks. Moreover, it is good for collagen production and maintains elasticity in the skin. Regular use of neem may reduce wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and many other skin disorders. Neem is also good to purify the blood and support healthy blood flow for better skin health.

Bone Health

Neem is full of vitamins, minerals and calcium to support the strong bones & joints. Moreover, neem has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the inflammation from the bones and protect the bone tissues. Get a stronger bone healthy with regular use of neem or its extract. An arthritis patient should also give it a try. Many people prefer to message with neem oil

Diabetes management

In India, neem has been used for a long time to lower blood sugar. It is said to increase insulin secretion allowing sugar to enter cells and reduce it in the blood. Many diabetic patients prefer to add neem juice to their diet. It is said that taking neem juice after a meal, may reduce sugar by up to 50 percent.

Strengthen immune system

Neem contains compounds that increase the immunity system by claiming the body internally. It may eliminate viruses, bacteria and support the white blood cells. Moreover, neem is also known to increase the leukocytes and activates natural killer cells. It is a good remedy to stay away from the cold, cough and flu.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease, along with diabetes, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Nimbidin, one of the neem components, is a vascular dilator that lowers blood pressure and protects against heart disease. It may also help to prevent heart attacks and strokes by preventing platelet clumping. Moreover, neem is also able to purify the blood. You may have a healthy cardio function and prevent yourself from the cardiac risks with the use of neem in your daily routine.

Other Benefits

Antifertility Effects

Neem is also shown to be effective as a contraceptive. Well, it is not 100% contraceptive but it may kill the sperm and stop their mobility. If sperm gets killed and its travelling stops, it does not come out during erection. So, it is also known as an alternative for vasectomy, where people choose surgical procedures for birth control.

Antimalarial effects

Neem is full of bioactive radiance. So, it also acts as antimalarial. Basically, limonoids is a compound that is used to target malaria-infected cells and neem has this limonoids compound. So, somewhere it is effective as per individuals.

Insecticide

Neem is a natural remedy to repel mosquitoes and other insects such as ticks or fleas. Burning of neem or neem-based insecticides may eliminate the insect and mosquitoes from the surroundings.

Stomach Upset

Neem and neem extract may stimulate digestive secretions, which helps to alleviate nausea and promote digestion.

Neem Dosage

Like other herbs, neem dosage is also fixed by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). Well, it is good. The limited for Neem consumption is-

• Leaf-1- 3 g (as powder)
• Fruit- 1-2 g (as pulp
• Flower- 2-4 g (as powder)
• Bark/Root Bark- 2-4 g (as powder)

The intake of neem or its extract by mouth is as per the above limit. The use of cream, shampoo, soap containing neem does not have any limit. There is not enough scientific data to use the neem or its extract on the body, hair or skin.

According to one of the studies investigating insect bites, a cream containing 1%, 2%, or 5% neem oil has been used.

Well, Your dose may be determined by characteristics such as your age, gender, and medical history. For personalised advice, speak with your healthcare physician.

Neem Precaution

While using neem or its extract, it is good to consider the precaution point. Before using extract, inform your doctor about your current list of medications, if they suggest you use it. 

• It is not suitable to use by pregnant women. It could result in a miscarriage..
• Breastfeeding and lactating women should also avoid it because there is no data about it.
• If you are already on the Auto-immune, lupus and arthritis medication, need to avoid it or talk to a healthcare professional.
• The low blood sugar level is also effective with it, so you need to avoid it before and after the surgery. 

Neem Possible Side Effects

Neem and its extract are based on the natural herb. Generally, it is safer to use if it is limited and used by adults. There are some precautions that you need to consider for a better effect from the neem. 

Except that, the overdose of the neem and its extract shows some adverse effects to the body. It may cause liver or kidney damage because the neem is full of nutrients. Where overdose of neem also affects the sperm count in the men, especially in the young men.

The usage of neem cream, etc that can be used externally only, so you should make sure to not consume it. You should check the label carefully to avoid the neem's side effects.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) On Neem

How to use neem leaves for face?

Neem leaves should be ground into a paste. You can grind them easily. Mix some Castrol oil and turmeric powder. Mix them all and apply them to the face. Wait for half an hour. Rinse your face with lukewarm water after half an hour.

How to make neem oil at home?

Boil some neem leaves in the oil (whichever you want). After perfectly boiling, leave it for cooling. Later stir it and use it.

How to use neem leaves for hair?

Prepare a neem paste from the fresh leaves. You can grind them. Mix some yoghurt in the paste and apply it to the hair's scalp. You can also prepare neem oil and neem decoction by boiling neem leaves. It is also good to wash your hair with neem oil.

How to make neem juice at home?

Pick some fresh neem leaves. Wash them and grind them. Add some cool water and mix them perfectly. Stir the juice and consume it. If it feels bitter, add some honey.

When to drink neem juice?

Neem is a detoxifier in nature. It is effective if you consume it every morning with an empty stomach. Starting your day with neem juice leads to a better day.

How to drink neem juice?

You can dilute neem juice with some water. Take a glass of water and add 2-3 spoons of neem juice. Mix them well and consume it for diabetes and weight loss.

How much neem juice should I take?

Having 2-3 spoons of neem juice twice a day is good.

How to use neem leaves?

There are many ways to use neem leaves for health. The traditional decoction is the oldest and famous. Boil some neem leaves in water. When water starts to turn green, turn it off. Keep aside for cooling. Use this neem water for bathing, shampooing etc.

Is this medication or item habit-forming or addictive?

The neem and pure extract of neem is not a drug nor an additive product. Most natural extracts do not contain addictive ingredients, but it is good to cross-check the ingredients of products.

Can I stop using neem immediately after getting the benefits of drinking neem juice?

Some medications cause adverse effects if you stop using them suddenly. If the consumption of neem is recommended by healthcare professionals, it is good to ask them about it.

What if I overdose on the neem?

Do not exceed the recommended dosage or limited dose(as per above). Overdose does not improve symptoms quickly but may cause poisoning or serious side effects. If you think that you overdose it, then please go to the ward of the nearest hospital or nursing home for better precautions.

How to preserve neem juice?

You can preserve neem juice on the refrigerator for long term use. Especially away from direct sunlight and heat.

Does neem kill lice completely?

Yes, neem used to kill lice. That is why it is used in many shampoo and soaps.

Should I stop using neem juice before surgery?

A big Yes. It might cause adverse effects on your body.

What are neem juice benefits?

Neem juice benefits the body in many ways. It improves the digestive system, heart function and purifies the blood.

What are the benefits of drinking neem juice empty stomach every morning?

The use of neem juice with an empty stomach supports better metabolism as well as cleaning the stomach.

What are neem juice benefits for skin?

Regular use of neem juice purifies the blood and removes toxins from the body. Hence, it removes the acne, pimples, skin irritation and many skin disorders.