Surprising Neem Benefits – Interesting Uses of the Whole Tree

You probably know the neem plant as Indian lilac which in fact a tree. Every section of the tree can be used to make medicines and treatments for a range of ailments. Neem benefits come from the seeds, leaves, twigs, and bark. Certain therapeutic preparations may also call for the flower, fruit, or root of the tree. You can use medicines and salves made from the neem tree to treat various body, skin, and hair conditions. A native of the Indian subcontinent, the neem plant has been a part of Ayurvedic concoctions for centuries.

Neem Benefits for Your Skin and Hair

In addition to helping you treat several skin diseases, you can also rely on neem benefits to give you clear, glowing skin, and beautiful hair. Here are some of the skin ailments that respond well to neem salves and rinses made by boiling the leaves in water.

• Leprosy (neem seed oil)
• Blackheads (neem seed oil)
• Chronic non-healing wounds (neem oil)
• Acne, breakouts, acne scars and pigmentation (rinses or paste made with neem, sandalwood, and basil leaves)
• Scabies, psoriasis, and rashes (paste made with neem leaves and turmeric for adults)
• Skin infections, ulcers, and allergies (add a few drops of neem oil into your bathwater and soak)
• Signs of aging and dryness (apply neem oil or mix with a carrier like grapeseed oil)
• Stops hair loss and promotes the growth of new hair (Apply a hair mask of neem leaves paste. Or, massage neem oil mixed in equal quantities with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.)

Neem Benefits for Overall Wellness

Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

By consuming a powder made from the twigs of the neem plant, you can lower blood sugar levels or prevent getting the disease altogether. Since neem reverses the oxidative stress that diabetes causes, you can get relief from related conditions also.

Helps Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

In ancient India, people chewed on twigs of the need tree in place of using oral hygiene products. Neem is effective because it has antimicrobial properties and can prevent various dental diseases. These conditions can include tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities. By choosing a toothpaste with neem oil, you can get the complete neem benefits for your mouth.

Helps Cure Asthma

Consuming a few drops of neem oil every day can help you clear the buildup of phlegm in the chest that causes asthma. You can also use the oil as medication for a cough and fever.

Helps Improve Digestion

Drinking a small quantity of neem juice or eating it in powder form can help you with various digestive disorders including stomach ulcers caused by excessive bile. Thanks to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, consuming neem can give you relief from intestinal worms and other stomach infections.

Acts as a Natural Contraceptive

If you’re looking for a method of contraception that will not cause side effects like in pills but is also effective, try neem oil. Research has shown that applications of the oil inside the vagina before intercourse works as a spermicide and prevents pregnancy.

Additional Neem Benefits

Taking neem in any form can help you with various other benefits. Here are some of them:

• Leaf water rinses for relieving irritation and redness in the eyes
• Neem oil applications for repelling insects like black flies and certain types of mosquitos
• Essential oil extracted from flowers for mood lifting, easing stress and anxiety, and massage therapy
• Neem flower extracts for treating liver cancer.
• Neem oil applications to treat nail fungal infections
• Oil massages for relief from the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis
• Neem leaf extracts for lowering cholesterol and hypertension

Try neem in any form that is most convenient for you and avail of its many benefits.

References:

Neem

Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment

Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review.