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A Single Herb Can Be The Village Pharmacy

The “wonder tree” known as Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathic medicine for thousands of years. In India, Neem is commonly called “the village pharmacy” because a doctor would prescribe it for almost any condition. It has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases, and dental problems.  Because of its bitter properties, neem is indicated as having a calming and cooling effect on pitta heat or redness as it shows up on the outer skin. It’s good to remember you need to support your skin on the inside, too– neem can support the inner skin (epithelium) that lines the arteries, digestive, and respiratory tracts.

For its skin-smoothing, purifying, and beautifying benefits, Neem has been dubbed “Queen of the Skin” in Ayurveda. Its role as topical and internal support for skincare is one of Neem’s greatest glories. Here are ten potential benefits of neem, as supported by scientific research.

Check out the many products with neem in LifeSpa’s Consciously Clean Skincare Line. 

Top 10 Reasons to Use Neem

1. Oral Health

In Ayurveda, neem is most well-known for its oral health benefits. Neem twigs are traditionally used in Ayurveda as oral deodorant, toothache support, and for physically cleaning the teeth. The neem tree’s bark possesses antimicrobial and deodorant activity. The phytochemical constituents present in neem are nimbidin, nimbin, nimbolide, azadirachtin, gallic acid, epicatechin, catechin, and margolone. All of these phytochemicals exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. The chief active constituent of neem is azadirachtin, which is an effective antimicrobial agent. 

See also Five Ayurvedic Ways to Boost Mouth Immunity

2. Antimicrobial & Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Neem’s ability to help with oral care is largely due to its significant antimicrobial effects. Studies have shown that neem extracts can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, making it a valuable asset in maintaining intestinal, oral, and skin health. This antimicrobial effect is attributed to those compounds such as azadirachtin and nimbin found in both the neem leaf and bark. The anti-inflammatory properties of neem may also help in managing inflammation-related conditions. Neem extracts have been found to support a natural anti-inflammation response in various studies, suggesting it could provide support for conditions like arthritis, lymphatic congestion, and toxicity. 

3. Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Properties

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, neem contains various antioxidants that work to combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. This antioxidant activity contributes to overall health and may have anti-aging benefits. In one relevant study, neem enhanced oxidative stress resistance at the cellular level. 

Neem’s presence also demonstrated a decrease in reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and a reduction of ‘zombie’ or senescence cells. This suggests anti-aging and anti-oxidative effects. This study unveils the anti-aging and anti-oxidative properties of neem at the cellular level.

4. Skin Health

Known as the queen of the skin, neem has been widely used in skincare products for its ability to improve skin health for hundreds of years. Its microbial and anti-inflammatory properties help support the body’s natural healing response to acne, eczema, and other skin concerns. Neem oil is particularly popular for its skin-healing benefits, as is organic powdered neem leaf supplementation. 

See also LifeSpa’s Consciously Clean SkinCare

5. Blood Sugar Regulation

Preliminary research suggests that neem may also assist in managing blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid for individuals with blood sugar issues. In one relevant study, neem significantly supported healthy blood sugar levels after 15 days of supplementation in diabetic-induced rats. Another report suggested that chewing neem leaves in the morning for twenty-four days protected the body from blood sugar issues. 

6. Digestive Health and Indigestion

Let’s talk digestion. Neem may support digestive health by helping to balance stomach acidity and promote the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Its support against inflammation and its antimicrobial properties contribute to a healthier microbiome and digestive system.

In one study, a group of patients suffering from stomach acid issues were given an extract of neem bark for 10 days. This resulted in a significant (77%) decrease in gastric acid secretion. The amount of pepsin secretion activity was also inhibited by 50%. Neem bark extract exhibits therapeutic potential for controlling excess acid and esophageal and duodenal acid-related issues.

7. Biofilm

One of the mechanisms of how neem supports so many bodily functions is through biofilm management. Neem is antagonistic to biofilms. Biofilms create safe havens for “bad” bacteria to flourish and take root in the mouth (as plaque) and on the intestinal wall. These biofilms negatively impact gut microbiology.

Inhibiting unwanted biofilm accumulation allows natural gut immunity—driven by beneficial bacteria—to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad intestinal bacteria. The gut-brain/brain-gut connection therefore allows neem to support multiple aspects of both the mind and the body. 

See also Gut Health: Inhibit Intestinal Biofilm with Neem

8. Immune System Support

Neem’s immunomodulatory effects can help to boost the immune system. Research indicates that neem extracts can enhance immune responses, which may support overall health and resistance during an immune-compromising event. Neem leaf has also been shown to support the body’s natural and healthy regulation of cytokines during an immune event.  Research has shown that neem leaf extract can support cytokine-driven pro-inflammatory immune cell signaling response and the immune system’s natural programmed cell death of undesirable cells. 

See also Neem, Ayurveda’s First Immune Responder 

9. Liver Health

The liver-protective properties of neem have also been studied with positive results. Neem extracts may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and support overall liver function. In one study during chemically-induced liver stress, researchers found that neem significantly reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in mice. In addition, there was a significant reduction of fatty liver accumulation within the group of mice that were given neem compared to those given a placebo. 

10. Healthy Cellular Replication

According to Ayurveda, healthy cell regulation depends on cellular memory. Specifically, memory of how to divide and multiply in a healthy manner. Neem acts as a natural immunomodulator, supporting healthy cell replication by stimulating memory cells. Neem was also shown to regulate cellular hypoxia, which is a major factor in poor cellular replication and loss of cellular memory. 

Neem has long been a powerhouse in Ayurvedic medicine, and clearly it is for good reason. 

NOTE: This article is intended to provide general information on the potential benefits of neem. Always consult with healthcare professionals before using neem supplements or any other dietary products.