Neem - Benefits, Uses, Risks and Side Effects

For thousands of years, Neem leaves, oil, bark, stems, and other parts have been used for several Ayurvedic formulations. Recognising the benefits of the Neem plant, modern medical science has also begun using this herb for various medicinal purposes.

This blog uncovers everything related to Neem, from its scientific name to its uses, different forms available or used, amazing benefits of Neem, possible side effects of Neem, its ideal dosage, and necessary precautions suggested by the experts at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda. 

Scientific Name, History, and Other Names

The Scientific name of Neem is Azadirachta indica. In English, it is called Bead Tree, Margosa, and Holy Tree. In India, we call it Neem or Nimba. However, in different regions of India, it is known by different names:

1. In Hindi = नीम (Neem)

2. In Tamil = வேம்பு (Vembu/ Arya Veppu)

3. In Telugu = వేప (Vepa)

4. In Kannada = ಬೇವು (Bevu)

5. In Malyalam = വേപ്പ് (Veppu)

6. In Sanskrit = निम्बा (Nimba)

7.  In Bengali = নিম (Neem)

Traditional Uses of Neem

In India, Neem has a long history of being utilized as a healing measure. Besides healing wounds and injuries, it has also been used for several other purposes by our ancestors. It mainly covers:

1. Improving skin conditions: Neem is antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial. That’s why the application of neem paste was applied for treating skin infections, wounds, cuts, acne, eczema, and other skin issues. 

2. Dental care: Leaves of neem are also good for teeth and oral health. The elder generation used to chew a few leaves of neem daily to maintain dental health and prevent bad odour.

3. Religious purposes: Just like Tulsi, the Neem plant is also believed to be sacred in many Indian religions, especially in Hinduism. It is used for many religious worship, especially during Ugadi and Gudi Padwa festivals.

4. Natural insect repellent: Neem keeps insects away, and our forefathers were aware of this fact. Neem leaves were kept where the risk of the insects was high. Additionally, neem oil was applied to the skin, which works as a natural mosquito repellent.

Health Benefits of Neem

With its healing nature and healthy antioxidant-rich profile, neem benefits your body in various ways. A brief about all these benefits is mentioned below:

1. Improves skin health: As mentioned earlier, neem is a powerhouse of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. No matter if you are applying neem oil externally on your skin or consuming it in the form of neem tea or otherwise, it is going to improve your skin health, glory, and complexion.
   
   
   Those who want to keep their skin healthy, radiant, and disease-free should surely add neem to their routine. You can even buy neem face wash that is quite easily available in markets these days. Make sure they are pure and chemical-free.
   
   

2. Supports digestion: Well, if your digestion is weak, then neem can also help you. Firstly, it prevents gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea, and constipation. Being anti-inflammatory, it also reduces intestinal blockages and swelling.
   

   

   Neem also contains a mild laxative effect that helps relieve and ensures regular bowel movements. Additionally, Ayurveda experts also say that neem juice benefits those dealing with stomach worms.

3. Good for dental care: Neem can help you if you are dealing with dental issues, such as bleeding gums, toothache, bad breath, mouth ulcers, etc. Additionally, neem, through its healing traits, also prevents and reduces the formation of plaque, thus improving overall dental health.
   

   

   For this purpose, you can gargle with water diluted with neem leaves or powder, or you may simply chew a few fresh neem leaves on a routine basis. Otherwise, you may opt for a market-based neem toothpaste. But surely check the ingredients behind and make sure it is natural and contains no chemicals.

4. Boosts Immunity: Neem is also quite helpful for boosting immunity. People with weak immunity or those who are dealing with any kind of autoimmune conditions should surely add this magical herb to their routine.
   

   

   Regulating your immune system, Neem provides enough strength to your body to fight off infections and harmful bacteria. It also neutralises harmful free radicals, which otherwise can contribute to chronic diseases and weaken your immune system.

5. Purifies the blood: In Ayurvedic textbooks, Neem is a “Rakta shudhikaran booti,” which means an herb meant for blood purification. Its tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (Astringent) nature eliminates harmful toxins throughout your bloodstream and supports natural cleansing of the system.
   

   

6. Liver rejuvenation: Drinking Neem juice benefits those individuals who are dealing with any kind of liver problems. The process involves eliminating “ama” (toxins) and improving the overall immune system, which eventually leads to better liver health.
   

   

7. Regulates blood sugar levels: The bioactive compounds present in Neem help to regulate blood sugar levels.
   

   

   On one side, it improves insulin sensitivity. On the other hand, it also contributes to the treatment of diabetes by reducing the breakdown of starch into glucose.

8. Prevent hair problems: Neem oil for hair is quite helpful, especially when you have dandruff, scalp infection, lice, or an itchy-dry scalp. 
   

   

    

   Besides several medicinal properties, it offers anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects, which help to improve overall hair health.
   
   Neem oil benefits for hair:

   • Provides relief from an itchy scalp

   • Promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall.

   • Hydrates and conditions dry hair.

   • Prevents premature greying.

   • You can also use neem oil for dandruff control.
     

9. Weight management: Last but not least, Neem juice benefits those people who are obese, overweight and want to lose extra weight from their body. By improving digestion and boosting metabolism, neem potentially plays a significant role in detoxification, which eventually leads to healthy weight loss. 
   

   

   For this purpose, you can take neem in any form, such as neem juice, herbal tea, extract powder with lukewarm water, and so on.

   Neem Side Effects

   Despite being highly advantageous, Neem can also become the reason for some serious health issues. Bitter, but that’s true. Below are some of the possible side effects of Neem associated with excessive usage, improper consumption, or intake during prohibited conditions.

   1. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps.

   2. Consumption of neem reduces blood sugar levels. Taking it in excess can be dangerous for patients who have diabetic patients who are already taking any kind of medicine to control blood sugar.

   3. Prolonged and excessive neem intake may also cause damage to your liver.

   4. Neem leaves contain a high oxalate content, which may increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

   5. By lowering blood pressure, neem sometimes also leads to dizziness and fainting in some individuals.

   6. It is possible for some people to be allergic to neem. Coming in contact with or consuming it may cause rashes, itching, skin irritation, or other problems for them. 

How to use Neem?

Well, there are many ways available through which you can use the Neem plant. Some of the common, famous, and most helpful ways through which one can, or one should use neem, are mentioned below:

1. Neem oil: If you are having any skin issues or hair problems, then you can use neem in an oil form. You can easily find neem oil in the markets these days. However, to ensure the purity of neem, we suggest you make this oil at home by extracting dried neem seeds or leaves. For skin issues, its topical application always shows mind-blowing results.

2. Neem paste: By crushing neem leaves and mixing them with some water, you can easily create neem paste. The paste can be applied to affected areas of acne, pimples, pigmentation, cuts, and wounds to attain relief.

3. Neem-water: You can also make the neem-infused water for a facial rinse. For this, just boil a handful of neem leaves, and strain the cooled water. Using this water will work as a natural toner, especially for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

4. Neem-tea: Replace your boring and harmful milk-based and caffeine-containing tea or coffee with herbal tea made with fresh neem leaves or extract. Unlike others, it will be actually beneficial for you and your digestion, skin, immune system, and whole body will thank you.

5. Chewing: If possible and comfortable, you can simply chew 3-4 leaves of neem daily. However, make sure they are fresh and properly washed off. Such consumption will help you maintain your oral hygiene level and dental care.

Necessary Precautions

After discussing the neem benefits as well as the side effects associated with it. Now comes the time to discuss the necessary precautions related to it. The experts highly advise following the mentioned precautions so that you can attain the benefits of neem without encountering any harmful effects. It mainly includes:

1. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding: The mothers-to-be and new mothers who are still breastfeeding their child are not advised to consume neem, especially in excess amounts.
   As it may increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women and may negatively impact milk production in breastfeeding women.

2. Infants and children: Large amounts of Neem, especially in oil form, are not advised for kids. It may lead to diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, discomfort, seizures, and other serious problems.

3. Auto-immune conditions: Sometimes, using Neem may not be a wise option for patients who are dealing with auto-immune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis.

4. During certain medications: If you are on any kind of medications, such as blood thinners or antidiabetics, then you should also avoid using neem. As Neem can interact with these medications, and may lead to negative results.

5. Allergic reactions: Well, if you are allergic to neem, and you already know it, then you should completely avoid using it. However, if you are unsure whether you are allergic to neem or not. Then we advise you for a patch test before using it on your whole body.

Takeaway

Nature has blessed us with many gifts and herbs like neem, tulsi, ashwagandha, safed musli, haldi, etc, are some of them. However, you are supposed to use these gifts, or say herbs, under specified precautions and guidelines only. Only then will they prove helpful for you and provide you with long-term and permanent relief.

Before adding excessive amounts of neem or even any other natural supplement to your routine, make sure to consult a healthcare professional first.