Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast growing tropical tree that is native to East India and Burma and also grows in widespread areas of Southeast Asia and West Africa. Neem trees survive in harsh conditions and favor environments that receive as few as 18 inches of rain per year and where temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. People in India and other parts of the world where this tree grows have used it over the centuries for many purposes. Although other parts of the neem tree, such as the seeds and bark, have important uses, neem leaf is often found in Ayurvedic medical products designed to treat a large number of ailments and diseases, including ulcers, gout, diabetes, pneumonia, malaria, heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol, arrhythmia/rapid heartbeat, psoriasis, eczema, arthritis and rheumatism, diabetes, skin cancer and other cancers, digestive disorders, nervous disorders, stress and wound healing. It also is an effective insecticide when prepared for that purpose. The Western world is just beginning to learn about the benefits of neem and researchers expect its benefits to help more people around the globe as its properties become better known.
History
The Ayurvedic tradition of healing originated in India and is older even than Chinese medicine, dating back at least 5000 years. Ayurveda is the science of life, prevention and longevity. In the 1600s, the Western world started to learn about Ayurveda: Paracelsus, regarded as the "father of Western medicine," studied Ayurvedic techniques and borrowed from it for the system of medicine he developed and helped to spread. Ayurvedic practitioners have long relied on neem leaf and use it in over 75 percent of their remedies. They primarily use the leaf, but also use the bark, fruit and flowers. An oil is made from the fruit but those who practice Ayurveda rarely use this form of neem.
Research Report
"Medicinal Properties of Neem Leaves: a Review" is a scientific study that was published in 2005. It summarizes existing scientific studies and clinical trials and describes the leaves' versatility. The report's authors concluded: "Neem leaf and its constituents have been demonstrated to exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties." This helps to confirm what the Ayurvedic practitioners have known for many centuries.
Safety of Neem Leaf Products
Many people approach alternative medical procedures and products with caution---for good reason. Are neem leaves safe for humans to use? All indications point to a yes answer. One of the reasons that supports this is that during neem's usage over thousands of years, its leaves, both fresh and dried, have never been implicated in any harm to humans who used them externally or internally. According to drugs.com, a study conducted in 1988 reported that neem is a "relatively safe product in adults." But different people react differently to different foods, drugs and herbs. If you want to try neem, start with a small amount and then wait for any reaction. To date, no allergies to neem have been reported. Normally, you can take neem leaf every day, but again, test it out on a trial basis and always consult your doctor if you experience any unusual effects.
Skin Care
Soaps and shampoos made from neem leaves are some of the most popular neem products available. Skin care products made from neem have been reported to help soothe irritated skin, lighten the color of scars, moisturize dry skin and heal infections and destroy parasites.
Neem as a Contraceptive
Although not proven scientifically, some people believe in neem for helping to prevent pregnancy. Neem leaf taken as a tea or in capsule form can interfere with conception, so women who want to become pregnant are advised not to take neem products internally. But no proof exists that neem is effective for contraception.
Cautions
You would be wise to treat all medicinal plants with caution and common sense. Use neem and any other herbs in moderate doses and follow label instructions if the product is delivered in a packaged form, such as neem tea or capsules. As with many other herbs and drugs, do not risk taking neem or any other herbal products when you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Neither neem nor any other natural medicine is a "magical cure" that will heal all of humankind's ailments.
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