Nutritional Elements, Medicinal Properties and Benefits of Neem

2022-03-17 12:36:32

Almost everyone is familiar with Neem today. Neem is good for the environment and equally good for health. The taste of neem is bitter and due to its bitterness, neem has many health benefits. For many years people have been using neem as Ayurvedic medicine and home remedy. Leaves of neem, its bark, other parts are used in all the minor and major problems of the body. Due to these qualities of neem, it is also called the Kalpa tree of the earth which is used for many diseases like wounds, skin diseases. A decoction made from neem leaves is used to wash wounds. At the same time, the thick coating of its leaves has the ability to prevent cancer cells from growing. Apart from this, neem oil has properties that destroy tuberculosis etc.

What is Neem?

Neem is a medicinal tree, almost all its parts are used for health. The botanical name of Neem is Azadirachta Indica that belongs to the Mahogany family. Usually, its tree life is 150-200 years. Neem has an important place among Ayurvedic medicines because it proves to be a healing tree for the body's skin problems as well as various other health problems.

Nutrients of Neem

• Calcium
• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamin C
• Carbohydrate
• Potassium
• Fibre
• Phosphorus
• Amino acids
• Nitrogen
• Tannic acid

Medicinal Properties of Neem

In Ayurveda, the neem tree is considered a mine of medicinal properties that is why it has been used for centuries. Neem has antioxidant (reducing the effect of free radicals), anti-bacterial (fighting against bacteria), antiviral (protecting against viral infections) and anti-fungal (fighting fungus) properties. Apart from this, neem has the ability to reduce the effect of snake venom.

Benefits of Neem

For antibacterial properties-

The risk of infection increases during the rainy season. In this case, it is good to use neem because according to research related to neem, anti-bacterial properties are found in it which prove to be an effective antibacterial agent for infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.

For ulcers-

According to Ayurveda, the extract of neem bark acts as a medicine that has a positive effect on gastric hyperacidity and ulcers. According to the research done by NCBI, antiulcer properties are found in neem which plays an important role in preventing ulcers.

For oral health-

Neem extract is used as a mouth cleaner product because it has antimicrobial properties which work by preventing the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutants, which increase plaque in the teeth. Apart from this, the use of neem and its leaves is good for curing the problem of gingivitis, bleeding, tooth decay etc. that is why even today many people use neem dantun(Natural brush made with the small branch of neem) for cleaning their teeth.

For stomach health-

According to a research report published on the NCBI site, neem helps in flushing out toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, neem has been used for years for problems such as ulcers and gastric. Apart from this, neem also helps in improving the digestive system and keeping the stomach healthy.

For leprosy-

According to a study published on the NCBI site, neem seed oil is good for the treatment of leprosy. Apart from this, neem leaves are also said to be good for the treatment of leprosy in Ayurveda.

For acne-

Neem helps prevent the growth of bacteria that cause acne because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which work to keep acne and pimples away from the face and skin. For this, make a neem paste or face pack and use it.

For wounds and rashes-

Neem and its oil have been used for wounds for years. The properties of wound healing are found in neem which proves helpful in healing wounds quickly. Apart from this, neem oil is also used to reduce the problem of rashes along with wounds. Therefore, using neem paste on any kind of wound or cut is a good remedy.

For lice-

Neem and its oil are considered an effective option against lice. For this, Neem oil should be used by mixing it in shampoo.

For dandruff-

Neem has antibacterial and antifungal properties which help in eliminating the fungus that causes dandruff. Apart from this, neem also works to keep the scalp clean. It is good to use a neem pack or oil for this.

For malaria-

In Ayurveda, neem leaves are considered good for malaria and its symptoms because antimalarial properties are found in neem leaves which work as medicine for malaria.

For blood pressure-

According to a research report published on the site of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), polyphenols present in methanol-extract of neem have anti-hypertensive properties i.e. controlling high blood pressure. Therefore, using neem proves beneficial to reduce or control the problem of high blood pressure but the person who is already taking BP medicine must consult a doctor before consuming neem.

For respiratory problems-

According to research related to neem, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are found in neem leaves which have been shown to have a protective effect against pulmonary inflammation (a group of diseases affecting the lungs). Apart from this, the anti-allergic property of neem also proves useful for the problem of asthma.

For diabetes-

According to a report published on the site of NCBI, neem has anti-hyperglycemic properties which exhibit a hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect due to which the sugar level of the body remains under control.

For Liver-

Neem is considered beneficial for the liver because it has azadirachtin-A compound hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties which work to protect the liver from cancer and other damage.

For cancer-

According to NCBI, extracts of neem seeds, leaves, flowers and fruits act as anti-cancer, antitumor and chemopreventive to the body by inhibiting the proliferation of various types of cancer cells. Mainly the use of neem is good for cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer etc.

Side effects of Neem

• Since neem extract has the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Therefore people who suffer from the problem of low blood sugar should avoid the consumption of neem.
• Sometimes consumption of neem oil for children can cause vomiting, excessive sleep and respiratory problems. Therefore, children should consume it in limited quantity.
• Sometimes the toxic effect of neem oil can also cause diarrhoea and nausea.
• People with sensitive skin must do a patch test before using neem because they may be allergic to it.