Neem, known by its botanical name Azadirachta indica, is widely known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and other health-promoting benefits. Traditional medicine has been used to prevent and treat cancer and other severe conditions. Beyond the physical benefits, spiritual teachers have recommended its use for enhancement and support for spiritual practice and awakening. 

Let’s see some of its extraordinary benefits and how we can take Neem daily.

A Natural Pharmacy in a Single Tree

Natural healers have recognized this evergreen tree for centuries for its health-promoting, disease-fighting potent properties.

In some regions, Neem is known as an expensive supplement. In other regions, as in Bali where these pictures are taken, neem grows abundantly everywhere. It is considered almost like a weed, and those who do not know its remarkable properties, consider it even a nuisance of a tree that takes over the land.

But in fact, Neem is quite magical.  There is an application of each part of the tree –  leaves, bark, root, flower, fruits, and seeds; nothing is left aside.

Researchers have isolated more than 130 biologically active compounds in the Neem plant so far. Here is a non-exhaustive list of its uses and benefits: 

1. Neem is a potent “search and destroys” for free radicals. Neem contains potent antioxidants, and according to some established studies, it has proven to be effective in keeping cancer at bay by specific mechanisms that it triggers within the body.  
2. Neem reduces inflammation within the body by utilizing two enzymes known as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
3. Neem has important antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It reduces the harmful bacteria within the body, so the body does not need to spend so much energy fighting them.
4. Neem is used to prevent and treat malaria in tropical areas where the tree is endemic and abundant.
5. Neem dilutes the blood and prevents the formation of blood clots
6. For several weeks, Neem naturally lowers the amount of blood sugar, enhancing the body’s sugar metabolism
7. Neem is effective as an antiparasitic treatment
8. Neem is a natural insecticide that is eco-friendly, and it has no adverse effects on benign insects, bees, and pollinators.
9. It strengthens the gums and prevents plaque formation; your oral health will increase if you chew on some neem leaves daily.
10. Neem speeds up the healing of wounds and reduces the scars because it stimulates the creation of new collagen fibers.
11. Neem has been used as a diuretic agent, removing excess water from the body.
12. Neem helps eye health and strengthens sight
13. Neem purifies the blood of toxins
14. Neem helps reduce skin irritations and inflammation and aids in the reduction of acne and scars.
15. Neem strengthens the immune system and prevents colds and viral infections
16. Neem has been used as a natural fertility control method, as it is known to kill spermatozoids
17. According to Ayurveda, Neem generates heat in the body that can support restoring and developing the energies. It is advised for practitioners of Hatha yoga and those who need some extra “charge” or “fuel” for their physical, mental, or spiritual activities. 
18. Neem reduces sinusitis conditions and clears mucus from the organism
19.  Neem Leaves are beneficial for treating skin diseases. Just grind or blend neem leaves to a paste and apply it to your skin. 
20. Chewing on Neem Twigs improves dental hygiene.
21. Drinking Neem Juice helps aid digestion and improve our metabolism. It breaks down body fat and purifies the colon.
22. Neem Juice purifies the blood by removing parasites and bacteria. 

How to Prepare Neem Juice?

Neem juice is a bitter-tasting but nutritious drink that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine. Here is a simple recipe to prepare neem juice:

Ingredients:

• 10-15 fresh neem leaves
• 1 cup of water
• Honey or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and remove any stems or debris.
2. Place the leaves in a blender or food processor.
3. Add 1 cup of water to the blender and blend until the leaves are finely ground and the water has turned green.
4. Pour the neem mixture through a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the solids.
5. Press the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
6. Add honey or lemon juice to the neem juice if desired for taste.
7. Serve the neem juice immediately.

Note: Neem juice is very bitter, so you may need to add a sweetener like honey or lemon juice to make it more palatable. Start with a small amount of sweetener and adjust to your taste. Also, consult with a healthcare professional before consuming neem juice if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions.

Precaution:

Because of its powerful effects, consuming neem juice in excess is not recommended. Watch this video for recommendations on the use and modalities of Neem Juice preparation and drinking.

23. Neem powder is convenient as it can be easily stored and transported. It can be used internally, or you can apply it on the skin and take all of the fantastic benefits of neem. 

How to prepare neem powder by yourself?

• Collect fresh neem leaves.
• Let them sun-dry or dry them in a dehydrator
• Finely blend them into powder
• Add the neem powder to your diet by consuming a small spoon in a green detox juice or smoothie or adding some honey and ginger to lessen the bitter taste.

24. Ayurvedic medicine uses neem to resolve hair problems, ignite the inner digestive fire, improve breathing, regulate blood sugar, and promote wound healing

25. Traditionally, neem has been used to remove lice, skin diseases, wounds, and ulcers.

26. Neem has been used externally as a mosquito repellent.

How to make Neem infusion to use as a skin treatment and softener?

Neem is a popular ingredient in skincare products because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. Here is a recipe for neem infusion that you can use as a skin treatment and softener:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of dried neem leaves
• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add 1/4 cup of dried neem leaves to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the neem infusion into a clean container using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
6. Store the neem infusion in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To use the neem infusion as a skin treatment and softener, apply it to your skin using a cotton ball or pad. You can add the neem infusion to your bath water for an all-over body treatment. It is recommended to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the neem infusion all over your body to make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to the neem infusion.

27. Neem is known to improve liver health and liver function

28. Neem seeds can purge the intestines from worms infection. The seeds need to be pressed and juiced, and the juice is used to eliminate parasites and worms in the intestinal tract.

29. Neem bark is used to heal dental issues. It combats plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Traditional people have used neem twigs to chew on as toothbrushes. This can heal the healing of wounds in the mouth because it is antiseptic and astringent.

30.  A study has shown that neem root bark extract acts as a scavenger for free radicals, with 50% scavenging activity at 27.3 μg/mL and extreme antioxidant activity. Thus, it is a powerful ally against cancer. 

31. Neem fruit oil is known to combat dandruff as a mosquito repellent. 

32. Neem flowers have antiseptic and cleansing properties

33. Indian cuisine uses neem flowers for several dishes.  According to Ayurveda, It has cooling properties and eliminates body heat.

Side Effects of Neem

Excessive use of Neem can kill sperm cells.

Women in the first five months of pregnancy should not consume neem because of its property to increase body heat.

In Conclusion:

Neem has fantastic properties and benefits for the body. These are just some that have been confirmed by science and experience. If you are lucky to live where Neem grows abundantly, as in Bali or other Southeast Asia areas, you can benefit from harvesting it directly from the tree. Otherwise, you can use its powdered form, conserving many healing benefits. Neem can help with the treatment of a specific condition, or it can also strengthen your general health and immune system, so give it a try!

Sources:

Subapriya R, Nagini S. Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review. Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents. 2005 Mar;5(2):149-6. doi: 10.2174/1568011053174828. PMID: 15777222.