Since antiquity neem has been renowned for healing. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of its fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots, and bark. 1 Each of these has long been used in the Indian Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine. Thus, over thousands of years, millions of Asians have used neem medicinally. In addition, in places where the tree has been introduced in recent times, such as tropical America and Africa, it has also established a reputation as a useful cure for various ailments.
Today, the best-established and most widely recognized uses are based on its merits as a general antiseptic. Neem preparations are reportedly efficacious against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores, and infected burns. The leaves, applied in the form of poultices or decoctions, are also recommended for boils, ulcers, and eczema. The oil is used for skin diseases such as scrofula, indolent ulcers, and ringworm.
Cures for many more ailments have been claimed but have not been independently confirmed by trials under controlled conditions. Nonetheless, there are intriguing indications that neem might in future be used much more widely. These promising, but unproved, applications include anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, and anti-ulcer treatments.
A summary of some recent results in medical and veterinary studies follows.
FUNGICIDES
Neem has proved effective against certain fungi that infect the human body. Such fungi are an increasing problem and have been difficult to control by synthetic fungicides. For example, in one laboratory study, 2 neem preparations showed toxicity to cultures of 14 common fungi, including members of the following genera:
- Trichophyton —an “athlete’s foot” fungus that infects hair, skin, and nails;
- Epidermophyton —a “ringworm” that invades both skin and nails of the feet;
- Microsporum —a ringworm that invades hair, skin, and (rarely) nails;
- Trichosporon —a fungus of the intestinal tract;
- Geotrichum —a yeast like fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs, and mucous membranes; and
- Candida —a yeast like fungus that is part of the normal mucous flora but can get out of control, leading to lesions in mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands, and lungs.
ANTIBACTERIALS
In trials neem oil has suppressed several species of pathogenic bacteria, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus. 3
A common source of food poisoning and many pus-forming disorders (for example, boils and abscesses), this bacterium also causes secondary infections in peritonitis, cystitis, and meningitis. Many strains are now resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics, one reason for the widespread occurrence of staphylococcal infections in hospitals. - Salmonella typhosa. 4
This much-feared bacterium, which lives in food and water, causes typhoid, food poisoning, and a variety of infections that include blood poisoning and intestinal inflammation. Current antibiotics are of only uncertain help in treating it.
However, neem has many limitations as an antibiotic. In the latter test, neem showed no antibacterial activity against certain strains of the above bacteria, and none against Citrobacter, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus morgasi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas EO1, and Streptococcus faecalis.
ANTIVIRAL AGENTS
In India, there is much interesting, but anecdotal, information attributing antiviral activity to neem. Its efficacy-particularly against pox viruses—is strongly believed, even among those of advanced medical training. Smallpox, chicken pox, and warts have traditionally been treated with a paste of neem leaves—usually rubbed directly onto the infected skin.
Experiments with smallpox, chicken pox, and fowl pox suggest that there may be a true biological basis for this practice. Crude neem extracts absorbed the viruses, effectively preventing them from entering uninfected cells. 5 Unfortunately, no antiviral effects were seen once the infection was established within the cell. Thus neem was effective prevention, but not cure.
Recent pharmacological studies have supported the belief that neem leaves possess some antiviral activity. So far these are only preliminary and unconfirmed results, but they are intriguing, nonetheless. In the United States, aqueous neem-leaf extracts have shown low to moderate inhibition of the viral DNA polymerase of hepatitis B virus. 6 In Germany, an ethanolic neem-kernel extract has proved effective against herpes virus. 7 And in horticultural studies, crude extracts also seemed to effectively bind certain plant viruses, and so limit infection (see Chapter 6 ).
Should these early results prove to be soundly based, an array of extremely virulent and difficult diseases of people—not to mention of wildlife and livestock—might be treated.
DERMATOLOGICAL INSECTS
Given all of neem’s insecticidal properties, it is perhaps not unexpected that it is a common folk remedy against maggots and head lice. In Haiti, for instance, crushed leaves are rubbed into open wounds that have become maggot infested. And in India and Bangladesh, villagers apply neem oil to the hair to kill head lice, reportedly with great success.
DENTAL TREATMENTS
As noted earlier, both in India and Africa millions of people use twigs as “toothbrushes” every day. For many the twig is neem. Dentists have endorsed this ancient practice, finding it effective in preventing periodontal disease. 8 It is unclear whether the benefit is due to regular gum massage, to preventing plaque buildup, to neem’s inherent antiseptic action, or to all three.
People using neem sticks as disposable toothbrushes are commonly seen in rural regions of South Asia and Africa. Research has found that neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients and they are able to maintain healthy teeth and gums. (M. Elvin-Lewis)
As also noted earlier, a German company uses neem (actually, extracts of bark) as the active ingredient in toothpastes and other oral hygiene preparations. It claims that its tests prove neem bark to be highly effective at both preventing and healing gum inflammations and periodontal disease.
Ways To Use Neem Oil For Skin, Hair & In The Home
Now let us take a look at how you can use this versatile oil to naturally promote your health and beauty.
1. Condition Dry Skin
Neem oil is an excellent skin conditioner, particularly for dry skin which is most commonly found on the face, hands and the feet because they are the most exposed and most frequently washed parts of the body. Being hydrophobic in nature, neem oil does not mix with water, so it locks in moisture when applied in a thin layer over the skin. Neem oil also resists getting washed off when we wash our hands and face to get rid of dust and grime.
Because of its potency, application of neem oil at full strength can irritate skin and may also be quite offensive due to its pungent odor. Instead, try diluting neem with coconut oil and mix in a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil to make it more tolerable on the skin as well as the olfactory sense.
2. Control Acne
Acne may be an outcome of the overproduction of sebum by the skin glands under the influence of reproductive hormones, but it usually becomes a bigger problem with bacterial proliferation inside the hair follicles. Even at very low concentrations, regular use of neem oil can effectively inhibit bacterial growth and is a much safer alternative to antibacterial face washes, lotions and creams which often contain toxic chemicals.
Neem oil is anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce the redness, pain and itching associated with acne. The high fatty acid content of the oil also helps to heal skin damaged by acne and reduce the potential for scarring or pitting.
To use neem oil for acne control, warm a teaspoonful of coconut oil or olive oil and mix in 10 drops of organic cold-pressed neem oil. Apply on the face and wash it off after an hour, or leave it overnight, depending on your tolerance level.
3. Relieve Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema is an allergic reaction to external irritants while psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Although neem oil cannot cure either of the conditions, it can help bring down the associated inflammation. It can also soften the skin on the affected area by forming a protective layer that prevents the skin from drying out.
Frequent scratching of the affected area often results in cuts and breaks in the skin that can then become the breeding ground of germs, exacerbating the skin condition. Neem oil can effectively prevent such complications.1
4. Reduce Skin Pigmentation
Overproduction of melanin in some areas of the skin can mar the complexion. With regular use, neem oil can lighten areas of hyper pigmentation by down regulating melanin production. Spot application with an ear bud dipped in the oil may be sufficient for small areas. Check for sensitivity on your inner arm area before using full strength oil on affected areas on the face or neck.
5. Parasite Control For Pets
Cats, dogs, and other household pets may be carrying several external and internal parasites that can not only cause discomfort to the animals but can pose a threat to human health as well. Neem oil has wide ranging antiparasitic activity against ticks, fleas, ear mites, and mange commonly found in dogs.
Neem has antihelminthic effect too, and may be given to pets to control internal parasites. However, neem oil can have toxic effects on smaller animals like cats if ingested in too large of quantity. Instead of the oil, you can also use neem leaf to control internal parasites.
Neem has a strong odor which cats and dogs may find offensive. Try mixing powdered neem leaf with fish oil or coconut oil to encourage your pet to eat it
6. Use As An Antiseptic
Neem oil is contained in many antiseptic soaps, toothpastes and mouth wash liquids. The bitter taste of the oil makes it difficult to use for dental hygiene, but it can be used externally as a hand rub and surface cleaner. The bitterness can actually dissuade young children from putting unwashed fingers in their mouth, and perhaps help avoid many episodes of childhood diarrhea.
Neem oil can be used to treat minor cuts and bruises on the skin too. Just dab it on to prevent infections setting in.
7. Pest Control Inside the Home
Insect pests in the house may range from ants to cockroaches, but if you are reluctant to use systemic poisons in the house, neem oil can come to your aid. Dip cotton balls in neem oil and wipe around doors, windows and other entry points to keep the pests away from your home. A few cotton balls dipped in the oil can be kept in kitchen cabinets, cupboards and drawers to repel them.
It is interesting to note that, while neem oil is highly toxic to insects, it does not have a similar effect in humans. The unique mechanism of action of this biological insecticide is responsible for this selectivity. Unlike many insecticides, neem oil does not kill the insects on contact. On the contrary, it mimics the hormones that control their growth and development, preventing molting, and thus disrupting their well orchestrated metamorphic cycle. Neem oil also repels insects, reducing their feeding and starving them to death. It has a somewhat similar effect on intestinal worms too.
8. Control Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew in the house can cause respiratory distress and serious immune reactions that can be highly debilitating, if not life threatening. The antifungal property of neem oil can be put to good use in the home. Mix it with liquid cleaners and spray it on areas prone to mold growth. Add a few drops to your leather cleaner when polishing leather sofas and luggage.
9. Treat Indoor Plants
Indoor plants may develop a number of fungal infections as well as infestation by aphids, spider mites and scale insects. If you’re using chemical agents to control them, it can considerably deteriorate the indoor air quality and jeopardize your health. Treat the plants with 2 teaspoons of neem oil mixed in a gallon of water. Since neem oil does not mix with water, you need to add a surfactant such as a few drops of dishwashing liquid or detergent. Spray it on to control insects, powdery mildew, and rust. Pour the liquid in the root zone if you suspect root rot.
10. Get Rid of Hair and Body Lice
This problem is not as common as it used to be, nevertheless, lice infestation is occasionally seen among school children. If your child comes home with head lice, refrain from using commercial products which may contain highly toxic chemical insecticides. Neem oil is an excellent insecticide; it can get rid of lice from the hair and the body, nit and all.
Warm 2 tablespoons of neem oil and apply it on the hair. Tie a scarf or towel over the head and leave the oil on overnight. The next day, you may be able to spot the carcasses of dead lice on the scarf/towel. Wash the hair thoroughly with a herbal shampoo. If itching persists, repeat the process.
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