What if you get one “natural solution” to multiple health problems? Wondering how? Well, its none other than neem, which is also known as ‘sarva roga nivarini’, or one that keeps all diseases at bay, in Ayurveda. Be it skin problems, digestion or diabetes neem has your back every time.
According to Ayurveda, neem is bitter in taste and cold in potency and helps to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas in the body. Neem provides a soothing and healing effect on the skin due to its cold property. The bitter taste of neem improves the function of liver and removes accumulated toxin from the liver, says Dr. Deepak, Ayurvedic Physician.
Let us have a look at how to use neem as a natural remedy to fight these diseases:
1. Protects teeth and gums
Chewing on a Neem twig, also known as ‘daatun’, is an excellent remedy for all oral problems. Neem has antimicrobial properties which help eliminate bacteria from the mouth to prevent bad breath, plaque, toothaches, mouth ulcers and gum disease[1].
How to use:
-Take a medium-sized, clean neem twig.
-Chew on one side to make it like a tooth-brush.
-Now use this as a natural toothbrush and rinse your mouth with plain water.
-You can also choose Neem toothpaste or mouthwash if you do not like the taste of the twig.
-Make this a part of your daily oral care regime.
2. Gets rid of acne
If you are suffering from acne then this one’s for you. Neem’s antibacterial properties help prevent future breakouts while its anti-oxidant quality helps clear scars and makes the skin look fresh and clean[1].
How to use:
–Take a handful of neem leaves and clean under running tap water.
– Take 4 parts water to one part leaves. Boil the leaves till the water turns green.
-Cool and use this water to wash your face daily.
-Alternatively, you can crush few Neem leaves and apply the paste on acne.
-Let it dry and wash with cool water.
-Apply either neem water or neem paste twice a day.
3. Fights head lice infestation
Not many know this, but neem is an effective natural remedy against hair lice because of its antimicrobial properties. So if your kid has lice choose this natural and easily available remedy over harsh shampoos[1].
How to use:
-Take a handful of neem leaves and clean under running tap water.
-Take 4 parts water to one part leaves. Boil the leaves till the water turns green.
-Cool and use this water to rinse the hair after shampooing.
-Alternatively, you can use few drops of neem oil diluted in coconut oil.
-Dab it on the scalp, keep for two hours and wash it off.
-Repeat this twice a week.
4. Controls blood sugar level
Do you know that neem can help you control your blood sugar level? Well, some studies have shown that neem has anti-diabetic properties. It acts by inhibiting two enzymes named alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase which are involved in increasing the blood glucose after meals[2].
How to use:
-Chew 4-5 tender and clean neem leaves in the morning on an empty stomach daily.
-Or, boil few clean neem leaves, strain and drink the water.
5. Detoxifies the body
Neem stimulates the liver to eliminate toxins present in the body. Neem also has strong antioxidant properties which fight against free radicals and protects against liver damage. Regular consumption of neem rejuvenates the liver and normalizes its function[1][3].
How to use:
–Chew 3-4 tender and washed neem leaves early morning on an empty stomach daily.
6. Fights acidity
Neem bark and leaves have anti-inflammatory properties which help prevent ulcers and many other intestinal problems like cramping, bloating and constipation[1][3].
How to use:
-Take 1-2gms of neem bark or leaf powder.
-Mix it with a teaspoon of honey.
-Take it after meal twice a day.
7. Lowers the risk of cancer
Certain compounds present in neem leaves are known to aid cancer treatment by improving the immune response, eliminating free radicals and inhibiting cell division reducing inflammation. The compounds were also seen to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.[3]
How to use:
-Chew 4-5 tender and washed neem leaves daily early morning on an empty stomach as a supportive treatment.
Some important points:
a) Apply neem leaves paste with rose water if your skin is hypersensitive.
b) Neem oil should be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before applying on the scalp as it is strong in nature[1].
c) Neem should be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage[4].
d) Monitor your blood sugar level if you are taking neem along with your existing anti-diabetic medications[4].
e) Do not take neem if you are planning to have children as some studies say that Neem can act as a natural contraceptive[1][3].
Although neem is considered safe if used in limited dose for a specific duration, a high dose can cause vomiting or diarrhea, warns Dr. Deepak.
Did we miss any other benefits of Neem? If yes, you can leave your comments below.
References
1. Bhowmik D, Chiranjib, Yadav J, et al.Herbal remedies of Azadirachta indica and its medicinal application.J. Chem. Pharm. Res.2010;2(1):62-72.
2. Governa P, Baini G, Borgonetti V, et al.Phytotherapy in the management of diabetes: A review.Molecules.2018;23:105.
3. Verma D, Yadav RK, Rani B, et al.Multipurpose Neem(Azadirachta indica) for beguiling cures.IAAST.2017;8(3):96-101.
4. Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide.1st ed.2010.