Neem is one of the many amazing plants native to India that have powerful medicinal properties. It’s known in ancient Ayurveda, Unani medicine, African folk medicine, and even traditional Chinese medicine for its healing qualities.
Used for shade as often as medicine, the neem tree is indigenous to India but can now be found in many places including other areas of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia, and the South Pacific Islands.
Neem can also be used in tandem with urea to create a bio-friendly and effective fertilizer which adds essential nitrogen to the soil. Neem is widely used as a treatment for many different illnesses and diseases, as a preventive measure to avoid other ailments, and even as a supplement for general bodily health.
Neem - Nature’s Pharmacy
Neem is sometimes called “nature’s pharmacy” because each part of the tree is a biological source of neem, and neem offers extensive medicinal benefits!
All parts of the tree have concentrations of helpful compounds. The fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots, and bark can all be used for making medicinal extracts and more. Neem contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that both treat and prevent many illnesses and diseases.
Neem Classification: Order of Beneficial Trees
The botanical name for neem is Azadirachta indica, indicating that it is native to India. “Azadirachta” means “free tree” and refers to the plant’s ability to always be free of insects, pests, and disease.
The common name “Neem” comes from the Sanskrit word “Nimba” which comes from the longer description “Nimbati Swasthyam Dadati'” which means “to give good health.” However, the Sanskrit word for neem is Aristha, which means ‘reliever of sicknesses’.
The medicinal and blight-deterring properties of the neem tree have been recognized and celebrated for thousands of years.
Neem is a member of the Meliaceae order, in the mahogany family, and is an evergreen. It grows so well in arid environments that it is now considered an invasive weed in Australia.
Many members of the Meliaceae order of trees are useful for things like soap-making and insecticides because they contain compounds that repel and even kill insects; hence, why the neem tree is known for being pest-free.
The neem tree is used for shady shelter, protecting soil from erosion, keeping away pests, improving urea for agricultural uses, and even to help reduce pollution.
Components of Neem
What are the bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals in neem that make it so effective? The wide array of components in neem makes it an effective preventive and curative measure for a large swath of different ailments.
Here is a list of the most important and effective components found in neem that make it such a medicinal powerhouse.
| Compounds | Effects |
|---|---|
| Flavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol, melicitrin | Antibacterial, antifungal |
| Plant sterols: beta-sitosterol (nimbosterol) | Eye health |
| Tetranortriterpenoids and Liminoids: nimbin, nimocinolide, isonimocinolide, azadirachtin, azadiradione, fraxinellone, nimbin, salannin, salannol, vepinin, vilasinin | Insecticide, pesticide, anti-pyretic, anti-histamine, anthelmintic |
| Polysaccharides: glucose, arabinose, fructose | Polysaccharides: glucose, arabinose, fructose |
| Insecticide, pesticide, antipyretic, anti-histamine, anthelmintic | Bioactive sugars: L-arabinose, L-fucose, D-galactose, D-glucuronic acid |
| Amino acids: alanine, aminobutyric acid, arginine, asparagines, aspartic acid, glycine, norvaline, proline | Wound healing, immune function, cardiovascular health |
| Organic acids: citric, malonic, succinic, fumaric | Antioxidant, skin health, immune function |
| Essential oil: sesquiterpene | Antifungal |
| Tannins | Antioxidant, antimicrobial, gut health, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory |
All parts of the neem tree are used for anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative effects.
Neem is also surprisingly dense in protein and contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, carotene, glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, alanine, praline, glutamine and cystine-like amino acids, and several fatty acids.
Neem in Ayurveda
Neem is mentioned as one of the most important plants according to the Vedas. It’s said to be the result of drops of Amrita (ambrosia) being spilt to earth as Devas carried the elixir to heaven. For this reason, neem is sometimes called ‘Kalpavriksha’ in certain areas of India.
It’s regarded as a symbol of good health because of its ability to purify and heal. In the Vedas, neem is called “sarva roga nivarini” which means “one that cures all ailments and ills.” Because of neem’s ability to be utilized for dozens of conditions, it’s considered a Panacea in Ayurveda.
Internal and External Medicine
Ayurveda advises using neem leaves and bark, the flowers, and the oil extracted from the seeds for various treatments.
Neem is frequently mixed with other plants and natural ingredients like haldi, honey, and jaggery.
External Uses for Neem
Hives, psoriasis, acne, eczema, itching, rashes, dry skin, pox reduction, ringworm, athlete’s foot, warts, mild skin issues, hemorrhoids, herpes sores, insect bites, snake bites, scorpion stings, superficial wounds and burns, earache, rheumatic pain, fibromyalgia, neem water for eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, anti-dandruff, prevent hair fall, kills and repels lice, insect repellent, skin, and hair beauty, reduces wrinkles, soap
Internal Uses for Neem
Chew twigs for dental and mouth health, gingivitis, halitosis, toothache, cavities, anti-gas, anti-diarrhoeal, digestive issues, abdominal discomfort, parasitic infection, allergies, arthritis, menstrual problems, reduce cholesterol, chronic fatigue, brain diseases, improve circulation, common cold, viral infections, cough, diabetes, gout and kidney stones, heart disease, hypertension, headache, flu, immune boosting, vaginal health, food poisoning, blood purification, malaria, weight management, stomach ulcers, urinary tract infections, thrush, tuberculosis, hangover, joint pain, nausea, epilepsy, fever, goiter, sore throat, stress, hepatitis, pox and measles, STIs, syphilis, AIDS, and cancer.
Neem has many Ayurvedic properties, but the most impactful are:
| Quality | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa | Tikta | Bitter |
| Rasa | Kashaya | Astringent |
| Guna | Laghu | Easy to digest |
| Guna | Rooksha | Dry |
| Vipaka | Katu | Pungent after digestion |
| Veerya | Sheeta | Cold |
| Neem balances Kapha and Pitta energy and increases Vata energy. | ||
Neem in Modern Medicine
With modern scientific testing of neem, many of the traditional and Ayurvedic beliefs about the plant can be confirmed in the lab. While modern science still has a lot of testing to do to prove neem’s effectiveness for certain conditions, neem is used in modern medicine for quite a few applications!
Neem is known to house over 140 active compounds that can contribute to healing and disease prevention, parasite elimination, and more. It’s been proven that neem has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, antipyretic, and anti-diabetic properties.
According to modern studies, neem can be used for the following benefits:
- Azadirachtin can kill lice and prevent them from reproducing
- Nimbidin may treat dandruff and scalp irritation
- The antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties may treat myriad mouth issues like gingivitis, decay, plaque, and periodontitis
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities can help reduce oxidative stress and free radicals, which can improve kidney and liver health, help resolve skin issues, and heal wounds faster
- Internal use may help heal stomach and intestinal ulcers
- Neem could be used as a malaria treatment and/or diabetes treatment in the future
- Neem could be used as a form of birth control in the future because it acts as a spermicide
How to Use Neem
The benefits of neem leaves are multitudinous, as you can see. While neem is liberally recommended in traditional medicine and has some support from modern testing, it’s important to use neem safely.
Neem leaves can be crushed and/or boiled in water or oil to make an effective and safe external salve. Neem essential oil should be diluted in a carrier like coconut oil, but neem leaves, bark, flowers, etc are safe to apply directly to the skin.
However, caution should be used when you want to take neem internally. Since it’s an especially potent plant, it may be easy to accidentally ingest too much.
⚠️ Always consult with a doctor or medical physician before taking a new medicine or supplement.
When taken internally, you can take powdered neem leaves, bark, and/or roots as tea, use whole leaves, bark, and/or roots as tea, use a neem tincture, or take neem tablets.
Benefits of Drinking Boiled Neem Leaves Water
Drinking boiled neem leaves water can offer several health benefits: it has antimicrobial properties that may help combat bacteria and viruses, potentially improving skin health by reducing acne and pimples. It might aid in enhancing digestion due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This water can also support dental health by reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, its detoxifying properties may help purify the blood, contributing to overall wellness. Lastly, it may have immune-boosting effects due to its antioxidant content.
Here are benefits of drinking boiled neem leaves water for you -
- Helps fight bacteria and viruses due to its antimicrobial properties.
- May improve skin health by reducing acne and pimples.
- Aids in enhancing digestion through its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Supports dental health by reducing plaque and oral bacteria.
- Possesses detoxifying properties that contribute to blood purification and overall wellness.
Consuming neem leaves should be done with caution due to their potent properties. Generally, it's advised to eat no more than 2-4 neem leaves daily.
Side Effects of Neem
While neem contains many beneficial compounds, it also contains bitter compounds which can be toxic to humans if too much is ingested. Ingesting too much neem may cause kidney failure, and any amount of neem may be toxic to young children and babies.
Eating neem leaves on an empty stomach might cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It's important to consume neem cautiously and in moderation
Neem may also have negative interactions with other medications, especially diabetes medication.
Neem may also reduce fertility, especially in males, so it should be avoided if you are trying to conceive.
It’s unlikely for neem to cause alarming side effects externally, but if too strong of an oil is applied to the skin it may cause irritation. And, strong neem oils should not be applied to the eyes and other sensitive areas of the body.
Always check with a doctor first!
Neem is an amazing natural medicinal plant with many uses. You can also grow it in your yard or garden to help keep pests like mosquitoes away. Explore using neem in your daily life and see what benefits it can grant you!
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