Neem is an ancient medicinal tree that grows in tropical regions such as the Indian subcontinent. We use bark, leaves, and seeds as supplements in medicine. Less frequently, we use the root, flower, and fruit in medicines. Azadirachta Indica is the scientific name of neem. It is available as a capsule, powder, oil, tincture, cream, or mouthwash. Neem oil can treat skin conditions like dandruff and acne. Neem contains chemicals that reduce blood sugar levels, heal ulcers in the digestive tract, prevent pregnancy, kill bacteria, prevent plaque from forming in the mouth, and treat lice. People use it for gingivitis, and psoriasis, to repel insects, and for many other purposes. , there is no scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Neem oil is also a pesticide. Every part of the tree is very useful and has many medicinal advantages. These leaves are used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody noses, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, fever, diabetes, gingivitis, and liver problems. Neem flowers can reduce bile, control phlegm, and treat intestinal worms. Azadirachta fruits are used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody noses, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy. Twigs are used for cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary disorders, and diabetes. The seeds and oil treat leprosy and intestinal worms. Twigs can control birth and cause abortions. We can use the stem, root, bark, and fruit as a tonic and astringent.

In India, people are habituated to using neem twigs as toothbrushes. They have many advantages like protecting you from bacteria, maintaining an alkaline level, strengthening your gums, teeth whitening, and eliminating the bad odor. People apply it to the skin to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds, and skin ulcers. It is also a mosquito repellent and a skin softener. It is also an insecticide. Let us know the benefits, side effects, precautions, drug infections, and dosage.

Benefits of Neem

Neem is an ancient medicinal tree. It is an ingredient in every medicine, beauty product, dental care, skin care, and many more. It has many benefits in every industry. Some of the major benefits of Azadirachta are:

Hair Health

Seed extract contains azadirachtin, an active compound that fights parasites that affect hair. Azadirachtin interrupts parasite growth and interferes with reproduction and other cellular processes. Nimbidin, a compound found in neem oil treat dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Use neem oil products if you are having any hair issues.

Oral Health

Chewing neem bark promotes oral hygiene. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties that promote oral health. Many studies state that Azadirachta relieves pain and tooth decay. It treats gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. According to the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practices, neem mouthwash was as effective as commercial mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate, a substance to treat gum diseases. It minimizes bacteria’s ability to colonize the teeth’s surface, thus reducing plaque formation.

Liver and Kidney Health

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight oxidative stress, which promotes liver and kidney health. Some drugs, including cancer medications, painkillers, and antipsychotics, may contribute to oxidative stress. It leads to tissue damage in your liver and kidneys. A study on rats found that neem leaves extract reduced liver damage including high-dose acetaminophen. Showed similar effects, that it improved kidney tissue damage caused by chemotherapy medication.

Skin Health

Neem seed oil is rich in fatty acids like oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. These oils collectively have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that promote healthy skin. You can also treat psoriasis and eczema. If you are more concerned with the dosage, use neem capsules for skin diseases.

Others:

It has many other benefits such as antimalarial effects, and anti-fertility treatment. Leaf extracts are a primary supplement in new diabetic medications.

Side Effects

• When taken by mouth: Neem bark extract is possibly safe for adults when used short term. Doses of up to 60 mg daily for up to 10 weeks are safe. It is unsafe when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods. It might harm the kidneys and liver.
• When applied to the skin: Neem cream or oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin for up to 2 weeks.
• When applied inside the mouth: Leaf extract gel is possibly safe when applied inside the mouth for up to 6 weeks.

Precautions of Neem Usage

Children:

Taking seeds or oil by mouth is unsafe for children. It has many side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures, etc.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Oil and bark are unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. This may cause a miscarriage. Data is inadequate about the safety of needs during breastfeeding. It is better to be on the safe side and avoid using it.

Auto-immune Diseases:

Diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions. Neem might cause the immune system more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. It is better to avoid it if you have any symptoms.

Related read: Rheumatoid Arthritis – An Autoimmune Disorder?

Diabetes:

There is evidence that Azadirachta can lower blood sugar levels and may cause blood sugar levels to go low. If you have diabetes and using neem, better to change the medicine dosage.

Infertility:

Studies say that neem can harm sperm. It might also reduce fertility in a few ways. If you are trying to have children, avoid using it.

Surgery:

It might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Avoid neem at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Drug Interactions

Taking neem with certain medications reduces the other drug’s effectiveness and also increases the risk of side effects.

Diabetes medication:

Azadirachta might lower blood sugar levels. Taking along with diabetes medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low. Check your blood sugar closely if you are using neem.

Immunosuppressants:

Neem can increase the activity of the immune system. Medications used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking it along with the medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Dosage

The appropriate dosage depends on many factors such as age, health, and other conditions. There is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses. Keep in mind that all-natural products are not always safe and dosages are important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your doctor before using them.

Hence, by reading the article, you can get a clear idea about the ancient medicinal plant “Neem”. Benefits, side effects if you take it more or in an improper. Interactions with other drugs and the precautions needed to be taken for different health conditions.