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Recommended by Ayurveda, neem has been used for centuries in home remedies as well as traditional medicine across various cultures. Elders in India are the first to recommend using neem to heal wounds and for all the right reasons. Turns out, neem leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals while being highly valued for treating skin woes, addressing gut issues, and boosting your overall health.
It’s the ultimate multi-tasking ingredient that you must not ignore. From consuming neem leaves to using neem oil, there are many uses and benefits of neem. Keep reading to explore the top advantages of neem leaves and how you can use them to harness their benefits.
What Is Neem & How Do You Use It
While we commonly know it as Neem, the scientific name of the tree is Azadirachta Indica and is also called the “village pharmacy” in India. The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine owing to its potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. From the seeds to the leaves and parks, all parts of the tree are used in diverse ways including medicine, skincare, and hair care. Neem leaves are ground and used as a paste to combat infections and improve skin health, while the twigs are often chewed on to improve oral hygiene. Neem is also known to improve insulin resistance and can be used as a natural method to manage diabetes, as per a study. It also has the potential to boost immunity and protect the liver, making it a key remedy for improving your holistic health.
Benefits Of Neem Leaves
Here’s how consuming neem leaves can improve your holistic health.
1. Detoxification
Neem leaves act as a natural detoxifying agent to flush the body of harmful toxins. This not only helps prevent diseases but also maintains your gut health. Neem leaves also purify the blood, which improves your complexion and makes the skin look healthy.
You can try: Kapiva Neem Juice
2. Promoting Skin Health
Skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are known to have been treated with neem leaves. The antibacterial and antifungal properties also help reduce inflammation, reduce breakouts, clear up blemishes, and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Neem is also rich in Vitamin E which nourishes the skin and adds a healthy glow.
You can try: Himalaya Purifying Neem Pack
3. Boosting Immunity
Neem is rich in a compound called azadirachtin which is basically a bacteria-fighting superhero. It enables your body to combat infections effectively by strengthening the immune system. This is why regular consumption of neem leaves increases and improves your body’s defence against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
You can try: Nutriorg Immunity Booster Juice With Neem
4. Promoting Hair Health
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of neem leaves can be harnessed to improve your scalp health – which only means better hair growth and reduced loss of strands. The healing advantage of neem leaves also inhibits dandruff and prevents scalp infections. Neem leaves also help keep the tresses shiny and damage-free.
You can try: Wild Organic Neem Hair Oil
5. Improving Gut Health
Facing digestion issues? Trust neem leaves to reduce harmful bacteria in the stomach and promote a healthy gut. Regular consumption of neem leaves also supports better digestive health and also relieves problems such as constipation.
You can try: INLIFE Neem Seed Oil Supplement
6. Fighting Inflammation
If you have frequent skin infections, inflammation, or breakouts, using neem leaves will treat infections and help you achieve clear skin. It also reduces the swelling and pain associated with inflammation and promotes faster healing of wounds. Neem can also be used to stop the spread of bacterial or fungal infections on the skin.
You can try: Nykaa Naturals Tea Tree & Neem Purifying & Hydrating Gel
7. Regulating Blood Sugar
Neem leaves benefits include lowering blood sugar levels and helping regulate the blood sugar of those suffering from diabetes. However, as neem leaves improve insulin sensitivity, they should be consumed with caution. – especially if you’re on blood pressure medication.
You can try: Bliss Of Earth Neem Leave Powder
8. Supporting Oral Hygiene
We’ve all heard of ‘Datoon’ used in rural areas as a natural tooth-cleaning product. But did you know it's basically twigs of the neem tree? The antimicrobial properties of neem help reduce the formation of plaque, fight tooth decay, and stop gum diseases. You can also find neem extract in several oral health products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
You can try: Perfora Aloe Neem Herbal Toothpaste
9. Maintaining Respiratory System
Neem acts as a natural decongestant to relieve those suffering from symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma. Neem leaves benefits also include helping clear mucus and improve breathing for those annoying viral cold infections.
You can try: Herbal Hills Organic Neem Powder
10. Improving Liver Function
Oxidative stress on the liver caused by toxins, alcohol, or other substances can be reduced with neem leaves. This is possible because of the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in neem.
You can try: Indus Valley Bio Organic Neem Leaf Powder
Please note the benefits of neem leaves can vary depending on how you are consuming them and your existing medications.
How To Use Neem Leaves
Neem leaves can be used in various ways – fresh, dried, or powdered. Here are some ways to get the goodness of neem leaves at home:
- Paste for the face: Need leaves can be ground and applied to the face as a mask. The paste can also be used as a spot treatment for acne. You can also try the Forest Essentials Neem Varnya Lepa, which is a boon for acne-prone skin.
- Consumed as tea: To detoxify the body and boost immunity, need leaves can be steeped in warm water to make tea. You can also add it to smoothies for a yummy and healthy treat.
- Cleansing the body: Soak neem leaves in boiled water, wait for it to cool down, and use it while taking a bath. This water will have antibacterial properties that will cleanse and soothe the skin.
- Oiling hair: Oil made with neem leaves is super nourishing for the hair and healing for the scalp, especially if you’re struggling with dandruff. Try The Natural Wash Pure Neem Oil For Hair & Skin.
Parting Thoughts
Neem leaves have been part of Ayurveda and Indian home remedies for ages because of their impressive benefits. From skincare and haircare to detoxification, the advantages of neem leaves are endless. You can consume them in any form for a holistic approach to maintaining your health. We promise neem leaves are essential to your wellness journey. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are prone to reactions or have specific health concerns.
FAQs
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Is neem safe to take daily?
Regular consumption of neem can be safe if done in the right amount. Begin with a small dosage 2–3 times a week and increase the frequency as needed.
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Who should not eat neem leaves?
Pregnant women, people on medications, and those prone to blood pressure fluctuations should avoid neem leaves as they can interfere with medicines and reduce blood pressure.
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Can we drink water after eating neem leaves?
Yes! Staying hydrated will aid your body in fully absorbing the nutrients and vitamins of the neem leaves.
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What are the side effects of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach?
Neem can lower blood sugar and should not be consumed on an empty stomach. Doing so may lead to stomach irritation or even diarrhoea.