What is Neem?
Any Indian household would at one point of the time discuss neem, and that too the benefits of neem. But what is neem? The magic pill of Indian homes,neem or Azadirachta indica if you’re fancy is a tree that is native to India, and is also found in other parts of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It has a rich history and has been used and loved for years, and is an essential part of traditional Indian medicine or Ayurveda.
Neem and its many parts are known for their amazing medicinal properties, as well as having tons of other great benefits. Let’s explore some of them in this blog so you can neem-ify your life!
Neem and its History
Known traditionally as sarva roga nivarini– the cure for all diseases, neem has a rich history in India. Each of its parts- leaves, bark, root, fruit and flowers, has a use and the most potent mixtures usually contain all five parts of neem. It has been used for centuries, and is sometimes called ‘the village pharmacy’ because of its beneficial properties. Over 140 diverse active compounds have been isolated from various parts of the plant, and these give neem its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and wound-healing properties.
Health Benefits of Neem
Anti-inflammatory properties
Neem has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great natural way to alleviate swelling and pain in the body. Inflammation is a natural response by the body to protect against injury and infection, but it can also lead to chronic diseases when it becomes prolonged. By incorporating neem into your diet or skincare routine, you may just find yourself with a natural and effective way to combat inflammation and promote overall health and wellness.
Whether you’re dealing with ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, sores, or mouth ulcers, neem juice may just be the natural solution you’ve been looking for. Not only that, but the bioactive compounds found in neem juice have been shown to enhance tissue regeneration and promote wound healing. In fact, neem juice is sometimes even used as a wound dressing!
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
Recent studies have shown that ethyl and ethanol extracts from neem leaves have a healing effect on fungal pathogens, making them a great natural way to prevent fungal infections. Plus, neem also has potent antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections in the human intestine. By incorporating neem into your diet, you may just find yourself with a boosted immune system and a natural way to fight off those pesky infections.
Boosts immunity
Neem leaves are chock full of ethanol, which can help your body fight off those pesky external pathogens that can make you feel under the weather. And that’s not all! Consuming neem water can also boost your body’s ability to heal internal wounds, helping you feel your best both inside and out. By incorporating neem into your daily routine, you may just find yourself falling less sick and restoring optimal health. So why not give it a try and see how neem can help you feel like your best self?
Reduces cholesterol
Helps manage diabetes
A big benefit of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach in the morning, is it helps manage blood sugar levels. There is a ton of research that has been done on it, and neem with its glycocides and flavanoids can help people manage their diabetes more naturally.
Aids in digestion
Drinking a glass of neem juice every morning can do wonders for your digestive system. Neem has astringent properties that can reduce gas formation, providing relief from bloating, flatulence, and abdominal issues. Additionally, consuming this potent drink can help alleviate constipation and other related problems.
Beauty Benefits of Neem
Treats acne and blemishes
The antimicrobial properties of neem help it combat bad skin outbreaks, acne and calm itchy skin. The best part: neem doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry afterwards. Neem also helps prevent acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
A helpful skin care and clearing neem steam treatment has been outlined in the book “Glow” by Vasudha Rai
Method:
- Fill a steamer with water
- Add a handful of crushed neem leaves and 15-20 drops of neem oil to it
- Switch the steamer on and steam the face for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Follow with a cold ice pack
Reduces dandruff and promotes healthy scalp
To use neem leaves for hair, first boil them in water until the water turns green. Once the mixture has cooled, use it to cleanse your hair after washing it with shampoo. This simple hair care tip helps you fight the flakes.
Improves skin health and elasticity
Hey there, beauty lovers! Did you know that neem could be the secret to youthful skin? In a super cool 2017 study, researchers tested topical neem leaf extract on hairless mice exposed to skin-damaging ultraviolet B radiation. They found that neem oil was a superhero at treating some of the pesky symptoms of skin aging, like wrinkles, skin thickening, redness, and water loss. Plus, it boosted levels of a collagen-producing enzyme and a protein called elastin. These two powerhouses give skin its structure and help it retain its shape, but unfortunately, their production decreases as we age. So why not give neem a try and see if it can help you keep that youthful glow?
But what if you just want to even out your skin tone or just keep your skin looking radiant? Then here’s a quick skin care remedy:
This neem based beauty hack will help you treat your skin, and even its tone:
- First, grab some neem leaves and grind them up with water to create a super cleansing neem face mask. Roughly 12 leaves should do the trick!
- Next, grab some turmeric powder and slather it all over your face. Three teaspoons should be plenty.
- After 20 minutes, wash it all off with water. For best results, use this mask every day.
Not only will this amazing mask help even out your skin tone, it’ll also protect your skin from pesky problems like allergies and rashes. Yay!
But wait, there’s more! You can also add neem leaf powder and neem oil to your daily skin care routine. Double yay!
Promotes healthy hair growth
Did you know that eating neem leaves on an empty stomach can actually do wonders for your scalp? That’s right, neem is not just a hero for your skin, but also for your hair! Neem leaves are jam-packed with antifungal properties that can fight off pesky scalp infections caused by a nasty fungus called Malassezia. This sneaky little guy feeds on natural scalp oils, making your hair oilier and causing all sorts of scalp issues. But fear not! Eating and applying neem can help keep these infections in check and even manage the flakiness of your scalp. So if you’re looking for a natural way of hair care and a healthy scalp, neem may just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Protects Your Liver and Kidneys
Get ready to give your liver and kidneys a boost with neem! This amazing plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help combat oxidative stress caused by pesky free radicals. And what are free radicals, you ask? They’re unstable molecules that can build up in your body due to external sources like pollution, smoking, and even certain medications such as painkillers and cancer drugs.
If left unchecked, free radicals can wreak havoc on your liver and kidneys, leading to tissue damage. But fear not, because neem’s got your back! Incorporating neem into your routine may help promote the health of these vital organs, keeping them happy and healthy for years to come.
Household Benefits of Neem
Natural insect repellent
You can keep neem soaked cotton near your windows or burn neem leaves to make sure insects stay away. It is also very effective at keeping mosquitos away- great for the upcoming monsoon season!
Effective against bedbugs and lice
Azadirachtin is an active compound found in neem seed extract that may combat parasites affecting the hair and skin, such as lice. This compound works by inhibiting parasite growth and interfering with their reproduction and other cellular processes.
Helps in keeping teeth and gums healthy
Neem is great at fighting tooth plaque. Using a neem based mouthwash is a great way to start. Using a neem based gel to the teeth can also help ward of gingivitis or gum disease.
In fact, in olden times, people chewed neem bark to help keep their teeth healthy!
Acts as a natural pesticide
Neem contains compounds that make it a great insect repellent and it’s been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine and agriculture. When insects come into contact with neem, it disrupts their feeding and breeding patterns, effectively preventing them from causing any damage to your plants. Plus, it’s non-toxic to humans and animals, making it a safe and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical pesticides. So if you want to keep your garden thriving without harming the environment, give neem a try!
Environmental Benefits of Neem
Promotes soil health and fertility
Neem trees might be the answer to your gardening needs! Neem trees are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also promote soil health and fertility. The leaves of the neem tree can be used as a natural fertilizer, rich in nutrients that help plants grow strong and healthy.
Reduces carbon footprint in agriculture
Using neem oil in agriculture can reduce carbon footprints, since it’s a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides.
Provides habitat for beneficial insects
Neem trees also provide habitats for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem. By planting neem trees, you’re not just improving your own garden, but you’re also making a positive impact on the environment.
Some DIY Neem Treatments
For everyone who loves beauty tips and tricks, skin care and great beauty hacks.
Neem + Aloe Vera
Benefit: Helps clear acne and lessen skin outbreaks
HOW:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of neem powder and two teaspoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl
- Apply this paste on skin after cleansing it- massage into skin
- After 15 minutes, rinse off and wipe your face with a cloth
Neem + Yoghurt (Dahi)
Benefit: Clear pimples, reduce scarring and give your skin that J.Lo glow
HOW:
- Mix a handful of fresh neem leaves and mix with two tablespoons of yoghurt
- Stir and apply on your face and neck, wait for it to dry
- Rinse with cold water and repeat regularly
Neem + Honey
Benefit: Helps treat oily skin, rejuvenates skin
HOW:
- Take a handful of neem leaves
- Add water and grind into a paste
- Add a tablespoon of honey. mix well
- Apply to face and neck
- Rinse after 30 minutes
What Neem Products Should I Buy?
Here are some of my favourites. They are reasonable and easily available.
- For Face: Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash, 300 ml- INR 214
2. For face masks, and other neem concoctions: Herbal Hills Neem Powder, Pack of 2- INR 846
3. For bathing and keeping skin clean and fresh: Dettol Neem Bathing Soap Bar, INR 128
4. For Oral Hygiene: Neem Active Toothpaste, INR 179
5. To Keep Mosquitos Away: Goodknight Naturals, Pack of 2 Refills Neem Mosquito Repellent, INR 166
Takeaways
There are so many benefits to neem and so many ways to use it. It is not only commonly available in India, it is also a super cheap way to keep healthy and make sure your skin and hair are on point.
However some advice:
Don’t overdo it with oral ingestion- pregnant women need to especially exercise caution and consult their doctors
I leave you with this great purifying neem tea recipe from ‘Glow’ by Vasudha Rai, a treasure trove of great remedies you can make at home using Indian ingredients
METHOD:
- Crush 2-3 neem leaves with 1/2 an amla, 1-2 peppercorns, and 1/2 inch crushed ginger
- Boil in 200 ml of water
- When water comes to a boil, take it off heat and let ingredients steep for 5 minutes
- Strain and add 1 tsp. honey for taste
This tea is great for purifying blood.
To read more of her recipes and insights, buy her book here:
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This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
This post has very nicely put together all the benefits. I did try neem oil, but I think I didn’t get the right one. I am certainly going to try the tea and get some neem soap.
So insightful and full of great tips. Will definitely try them
As someone with a laundry list of drug allergies, tulsi and neem are the ones I swear by. Thank you so much for compiling all the benefits in a single post. Bless you. I am filing this for future reference.
So many benefits to the old Neem plants. Yep, some of are new to me. Not know the Neem Tea and Neem face pack homemade. We use neem leaves in our childhood a lot specially for skin problems.
My sister hate eating any dishes made out of neem. And, am.not an exception in this. Neem boosts our immunity and all the advantages you mentioned are true as my mom had already told me these end number of times and now I feel I must start this by adding it in my regime.
Neem has been used for ages as an insecticide. Thank you for listing all the benefits. My daughter is always looking for natural alternatives to medicines. I will share this with her.
Neem is considered holy and the remedy to all sorts of heath problems and the most useful plant to human kind great knowing a lot about it.
If I get the chance to speak about Neem leaves and it usefulness in our lives I can talk at least for an hour on the topic. I am vocal about the benefits of Neem leaves in our lives and always recommend my friends to use neem leaves as facial pack for acne treatments and also for the overall care of the skin. In addition to this neem pack is also good for scalp care especially for treating dandruff. I am also using Neem comb for my hair and it soothes my scalp. In addition to these for any eye infection the neem oil secreted from the buds are best. I love the recipe of Neem Begun ( Neem Brinjal) sabzi and interestingly I had it today in lunch and to me it tastes heavenly. Neem is excellent for teeth and Gum care and in villages many still use the neem stick for brushing teeth. Taking bath in Neem leaves soaked water is also good for your skincare regime. You can use neem oils and room freshners to keep insects out of your house. In short I am a mad fan of neem leaves and other Neem accessories .
Our country is blessed with natural resources like Neem. Azadirachta indica is one of nature’s best kept secrets.
Neen has amazing health benefits and you’ve nicely put together all of them here. I like to use neem-based skincare and other products for the same reason. Never had neem juice though.
I have a neem plant at home they say the air that flows from the neem plant direction is good for the house, I never knew about gingivitis gonna try tht and I truly believe its a very beneficial plant.
The most common use of neem is during chicken pox for taking bath. Your post is so exhaustive and detailed all in one neem post.
When I started getting my breakouts in my teen, neem was such a miracle ingredient and life saver. I still reach for neem and aloe vera during my breakouts.
Such a useful post, with practical tips! Thanks for writing this,
Loved your DIY. Indeed Neem has many health benefits, some of which are supported by scientific research. I, too, use it for my daughter’s eczema.
Yes, you mentioned right about not overdoing it with oral ingestion- pregnant women need to exercise caution and consult their doctors especially. I have read somewhere that Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using neem, as it can harm the developing fetus or infant.
Woaaaah… I had no idea neem had sooooo many benefits and usages. I was aware of only some. Thank you for this informative post Meetali… its really helpful.
Neem has been used for ages as an insecticide. Thank you for listing all the benefits. We use neem leaves in our childhood a lot specially for skin problems. I loved all the beauty hacks here. Thank you.
You took me down memory lane. We had a huge Neem tree in our house when I was a kid. In summer my mom used to crush the neem leaves and make it into small laddus. Mom, forced to eat one every morning. There was no excuse. If we didn’t eat, we didn’t get to eat mangoes that day.. Neem really has miraculous benefits and we should go back to our grandma’s beauty regime.
Totally agree. Infact in my aunt’s house there used to a neem tree and we as kids have tried to chew it’s branch as it is good for the teeth. In my childhood, in my grandmom’s house there used to be a big brass handi in which water for bathing was heated everyday with firewood. They used to add need leaves in it. The smell and the heat is something different and cannot be put in words. Even now we prepare a rasam with neem flowers….very light and tangy as it has tamarind as well and aids digestion.
I only get to know neem lately and am impressed with how helpful it is and how much it can do. I may seem naive with herbs/plant medicine in general but understanding it’s usefulness really makes me more and more interested and willing to indulge using it.
Extremely informative. I have a neem tree in my society compound and will definitely make use of your tips to get the best out of it.
Neem has many benefits. Be it health and beauty- Neem and Aloe vera these two play an important role. Great tips to use neem and related products.
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Wow Meetali that’s quite a deep-dive into the subject of neem. I didn’t know about your interest in natural remedies. I’m definitely going to try the face pack and maybe some of the other recipes too.