The neem tree has been perceived as having incredible health promoting properties for centuries The neem tree is regarded as a 'dispensary' because of its therapeutic value. The neem tree is a member of Mahogany family and is a fast growing, evergreen tree having drought resistance properties. Its Sanskrit name, 'arishtha' means 'reliever of sickness' and it is considered as the 'kalpavriksh of kalyuga'.The Persian name of neem is 'Azad-Darakth-E-Hind' which means 'free tree of India.Recommended in AyurvedaAyurveda has very vast variety of applications of Neem in terms of treatments. Along with all of above, Neem is also used with other herbs to improve their medical application. Neem is generally used to adjust pitta and kapha. It's cold, light and dry characteristics in general aggravates vatta.It is considered ideal to consume Neem during late spring. Neem is also an intricate part of India festivals during late-spring. Neem blossoms are used in Ugadi Pachhadi, a type of pickle, which is very popular in states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. On Gudi Padwa, neem juice is ingested. Neem consumption helps boost immunity during this change of season.Neem can be called as a storehouse of phytochemicals. More than 300 phytochemicals were extracted from the neem tree. The therapeutic properties of this plant is because of phytochemicals that has physiological activity on our body. So, let's discuss about the beneficial effects of this powerful plant.Anti-inflammatory effectA compound "nimbidin" extracted from neem seed oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory actions.Research studies conclude that nimbidin suppresses the functioning of macrophages and neutrophils responsible for inflammation. That is the reason, neem oil aids in the relief of inflamed joints by lowering inflammation and reducing swelling and pain as stated in Ayurveda texts. Neem oil is useful to treat rheumatoid arthritis-a disease characterised by inflammation and pain in joints and muscles due to auto-immune reactions. Consumption of neem oil also reduces the inflammation of gastro-intestinal tract which in turn reduces the ulcers and addresses a range of intestinal issues like bloating, cramping and constipation.Hepato-protective effectResearch suggests that Neem aids in liver protection. A study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of active constituent of neem such as nimbolide against carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage by stabilising serum marker enzymes levels by increasing anti-oxidant capacity.Anti-diabetic effectNeem is one of the commonly used plants for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus in conventional medicine. Oxidative stress due to the development of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can be one of the factors involved in onset of Diabetes. ROS can activate multiple harmful pathways that eventually lead to insulin resistance or auto-immune destruction of beta-cells of the pancreas. Though it's not medically proven, based on its conventional use, researches are trying to establish whether phytochemicals found in neem extract can be used to reduce blood sugar levels by improving beta-cell activity which in turn will increase the insulin production and regeneration of the cells. A study also suggests that phytochemicals like flavonoids also increase the rate of glucose uptake which significantly reduces blood sugar levels.Note: It is important to consult your diabetologist and dietician before including neem extracts in your diet.Immunity boosterDue to the presence of phytochemicals, neem leaves as well as fruit works as a powerful immunity booster. It strengthens the lymphatic immune systems including T-cells. These cells can kill viruses, microbes and cancer cells.Oral hygieneAnti-microbial qualities of neem twig aid in reducing gingivitis and plaque. In rural India, neem twig is still popularly used to clean teeth. Its anti-septic properties help to prevent tooth decay, periodontalHealthy SkinNeem, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, is helpful in treating acne and also preventing future skin breakouts. Phytochemicals present in neem oil are able to kill many acne causing bacteria without causing any irritations or dryness. Neem oil is also very effective in psoriasis symptoms management. Neem is a natural cooling agent which helps maintain body temperature. Neem oil is applied to one's skin to keep body temperature in control and also to maintain the good skin.Malaria preventionMalaria is common disease during monsoon season. Neem leaf extract is effective against parasites that carry the virus. Neem leaves are burnt and used as mosquito repellent. This practise is still in use in Indian household.Parita Gajjar is a Consulting Dietician
The neem tree has been perceived as having incredible health promoting properties for centuries The neem tree is regarded as a 'dispensary' because of its therapeutic value. The neem tree is a member of Mahogany family and is a fast growing, evergreen tree having drought resistance properties. Its Sanskrit name, 'arishtha' means 'reliever of sickness' and it is considered as the 'kalpavriksh of kalyuga'.The Persian name of neem is 'Azad-Darakth-E-Hind' which means 'free tree of India.Recommended in AyurvedaAyurveda has very vast variety of applications of Neem in terms of treatments. Along with all of above, Neem is also used with other herbs to improve their medical application. Neem is generally used to adjust pitta and kapha. It's cold, light and dry characteristics in general aggravates vatta.It is considered ideal to consume Neem during late spring. Neem is also an intricate part of India festivals during late-spring. Neem blossoms are used in Ugadi Pachhadi, a type of pickle, which is very popular in states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. On Gudi Padwa, neem juice is ingested. Neem consumption helps boost immunity during this change of season.Neem can be called as a storehouse of phytochemicals. More than 300 phytochemicals were extracted from the neem tree. The therapeutic properties of this plant is because of phytochemicals that has physiological activity on our body. So, let's discuss about the beneficial effects of this powerful plant.Anti-inflammatory effectA compound "nimbidin" extracted from neem seed oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory actions.Research studies conclude that nimbidin suppresses the functioning of macrophages and neutrophils responsible for inflammation. That is the reason, neem oil aids in the relief of inflamed joints by lowering inflammation and reducing swelling and pain as stated in Ayurveda texts. Neem oil is useful to treat rheumatoid arthritis-a disease characterised by inflammation and pain in joints and muscles due to auto-immune reactions. Consumption of neem oil also reduces the inflammation of gastro-intestinal tract which in turn reduces the ulcers and addresses a range of intestinal issues like bloating, cramping and constipation.Hepato-protective effectResearch suggests that Neem aids in liver protection. A study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of active constituent of neem such as nimbolide against carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage by stabilising serum marker enzymes levels by increasing anti-oxidant capacity.Anti-diabetic effectNeem is one of the commonly used plants for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus in conventional medicine. Oxidative stress due to the development of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can be one of the factors involved in onset of Diabetes. ROS can activate multiple harmful pathways that eventually lead to insulin resistance or auto-immune destruction of beta-cells of the pancreas. Though it's not medically proven, based on its conventional use, researches are trying to establish whether phytochemicals found in neem extract can be used to reduce blood sugar levels by improving beta-cell activity which in turn will increase the insulin production and regeneration of the cells. A study also suggests that phytochemicals like flavonoids also increase the rate of glucose uptake which significantly reduces blood sugar levels.Note: It is important to consult your diabetologist and dietician before including neem extracts in your diet.Immunity boosterDue to the presence of phytochemicals, neem leaves as well as fruit works as a powerful immunity booster. It strengthens the lymphatic immune systems including T-cells. These cells can kill viruses, microbes and cancer cells.Oral hygieneAnti-microbial qualities of neem twig aid in reducing gingivitis and plaque. In rural India, neem twig is still popularly used to clean teeth. Its anti-septic properties help to prevent tooth decay, periodontalHealthy SkinNeem, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, is helpful in treating acne and also preventing future skin breakouts. Phytochemicals present in neem oil are able to kill many acne causing bacteria without causing any irritations or dryness. Neem oil is also very effective in psoriasis symptoms management. Neem is a natural cooling agent which helps maintain body temperature. Neem oil is applied to one's skin to keep body temperature in control and also to maintain the good skin.Malaria preventionMalaria is common disease during monsoon season. Neem leaf extract is effective against parasites that carry the virus. Neem leaves are burnt and used as mosquito repellent. This practise is still in use in Indian household.Parita Gajjar is a Consulting Dietician
