The neem tree has been known for its potent benefits since ancient times. Indian households commonly use neem leaves for various purposes. It can be an essential component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, thereby reducing your healthcare expenses. Let’s discuss in detail the benefits that this natural ingredient offers.
What are the different benefits of neem?
Neem offers several benefits, including the following:
- Boosts dental & oral health
- Promotes liver & kidney health
- Promotes skin health
- Helps in healing skin & intestinal ulcers
- Promotes hair health
- Helps in diabetes management
- Boosts immunity
1. Helps boost dental and oral health
Neem has a number of beneficial qualities, like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, boosts the immune system, and remains acknowledged as an antiseptic since ancient times. In India, chewing neem bark to boost oral hygiene is a common practice. According to research estimates, neem has the potential to reduce plaque formation and might provide relief to those diagnosed with gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. Neem mouthwash may reduce bleeding gums and plaque. Chewing neem bark remains linked with the cleaning of teeth in India for ages.
2. Promotes liver and kidney health
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of neem help in fighting oxidative stress and aid liver and kidney health. Several drugs, such as painkillers and antipsychotics, used to treat cancer contribute to oxidative stress. This, in turn, damages the liver and kidneys. The properties of neem leaves help in reducing the oxidative stress caused by these medicines. Although studies on rats show neem leaves reduce liver damage caused by Acetaminophen, human trials are needed to reach conclusive results.
3. Promotes skin health
When it comes to the benefits of neem leaves for skin care, one can get promising results for acne, ulcers, and wounds. The fatty acids in the neem seed oil can help promote healthy skin. For ages, neem has been known for its properties to treat acne, reduce blemishes, and help improve skin elasticity. The antibacterial properties of the neem oil also help in combating acne. In ancient India, people used neem to treat psoriasis and eczema.
4. Helps in healing skin and intestinal ulcers
Studies reveal that neem heals chronic skin ulcers effectively when applied twice daily to the affected area. It has also proven to be beneficial in providing relief to those diagnosed with intestinal ulcers. A study was conducted where people were given a dose of 30 mg of neem bark extract orally two times a day; after 10 days, the acid secretion of these people improved significantly, and after 10 weeks, the ulcers healed completely. These studies have proved the benefits of neem in healing chronic skin and intestinal ulcers.
5. Promotes hair health
There are several benefits of neem. It effectively promotes hair density and growth. Also, neem seed extract contains a compound known as Azadirachtin that helps in fighting parasites such as lice. A study shows neem-based shampoo can be an effective solution to get rid of head lice in children. After applying the shampoo and leaving it on for about 10 minutes, one can easily eliminate lice without causing any damage to the scalp. Nimbidin, another compound found in neem, is effective in treating dandruff and scalp irritation.
6. Helps in diabetes management
Neem has been an integral part of the ancient Indian medicinal system. Neem bark and leaves can be effective in the treatment of inflammation, skin problems, dental issues, fever, ulcers, and hair problems, among a few. A study shows neem to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels. It is a good natural remedy for people who have diabetes. It is also useful for those grappling with hypertension.
7. Helps boost immunity
Neem leaves benefits are immense. It is useful in boosting immunity. Neem is known to have a cooling effect on the body. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem not only help in clearing the skin of acne and blemishes but also help in maintaining clear and healthy skin and hair. Neem also has blood-purifying properties. It helps clear out toxins and impurities from the bloodstream, leaving you with a healthy immune system.