Neem Leaves
Name
Neem
Latin Name
Azadirachta indica
Origin
Wild and cultivated throughout Indian, Asian and African Continents
Cultivated/Parts Used
Typical multipurpose tree: the bitter and astringent bark is used to treat fevers and worms; the bitter leaves are antiseptic; the flowers are used as tonic; the bitter seed oil (Neem or Margosa oil) to treat skin diseases, also used as lamp oil and to make soap. The bark yields a gum, used technically and for medicine.
Neem leaves help to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radicals. It is the Neem leaves we supply.
History of Use
The medicinal uses of Neem had been described at first in classical Hindu texts, especial in the Ayurveda which had been compiled 500 AD, but originated long before. Neem is one of the most important trees of India and the Holy tree of the Hindus. Called "the village pharmacy" in India, Neem is one of the most ancient and widely used herbs in the world. In fact, herbalists in ancient India had documented the healing qualities of this remarkable tree long before Western civilization discovered the analgesic qualities of the willow tree from which aspirin is derived.
Neem is widely used in reforestation agro forestry programs in South and S. East Asia, West Africa and America. The tree is also planted for shade and shelter, erosion control and soil improvement, and as windbreak. The hard wood of the tree is used as timber. The leaves are used as fodder. One of Neem's most important attributes is its effectiveness as a natural pesticide (see the IBIDS database for details). It is proving to be equally effective in repelling pests that affect people, like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and head lice.
Properties
Fungicide, bactericide (oil), insecticide, anti-malarial
Nutritional Breakdown
Gedunin (a limonoid), polysaccharide compounds, phenolic compounds including catechin, quercitin, nimbidin & Irodin A
How it works
In the Ayurvedic medicine system Neem is used to treat malarial fevers. Recent experiments have shown that both water and alcohol based Neem leaf extracts which contain, Gedunin (a limonoid), is as effective as quinine against malaria.
Neem leaf extract also greatly increases the state of oxidation in red blood cells, which prevents normal development of the malaria virus. Irodin A, an active ingredient in the leaves, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria; 100 percent of the malaria gamete are dead within seventy-two hours with a 1 to 20,000 ratio of active ingredients. Other experiments have used alcoholic extracts of Neem leaf, which performed almost as well.
Gedunin and quercetin, compounds found in the leaves, are also effective against malaria. Several studies show that Neem extracts are effective even against the more virulent strains of the malaria parasite. Some scientists believe that stimulation of the immune system is a major factor in Neem’s effectiveness against malaria. The plant also lowers the fever and increases one’s appetite, enabling a stronger body to fight the parasite and recover more quickly.
Even though Neem may be effective against the parasites that carry malaria, it has not been shown to prevent the malaria infection once it’s in the body.
Neem contains immune modulating polysaccharide compounds; which may be responsible for increasing antibody production. Other elements of Neem may stimulate immune function by enhancing cellular mediated response. This dual action can help the body ward off the frequent infections that generally accompany AIDS. Another investigation found that quercetin, an antibacterial compound, exists in Neem leaves.
Neem is comparably effective, anti-inflammatory and does not adversely affect the stomach. The active constituents in its leaves, phenolic compounds containing catechin, relieve pain by acting on the prostaglandin mechanism and significantly reduce acute derma, reducing symptoms of arthritis. Other studies have shown that the polysaccharides in Neem reduce the inflammation and swelling that occur in arthritis.
Because Neem is a tonic and a revitalizer, it works effectively in the treatment of diabetes. One recommendation is to take one tablespoon (5ml) of Neem leaf juice daily on an empty stomach each morning for three months. An alternative is to chew or take in powder form ten (10) Neem leaves daily in the morning. Some studies have shown that oral application of Neem leaf extracts reduced a patient’s insulin requirements by between 30 and 50 percent for non- keytonic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes.
Because Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50 percent, without altering blood glucose levels, the Indian Government has approved the sale of Neem capsules and tablets through pharmacies and clinics for this purpose. Many of these pills are made of essentially pure, powdered Neem leaves.
Neem’s leaf extracts have been shown to reduce clotting, lower blood pressure and levels of bad cholesterol, slow rapid or abnormally high heartbeats and inhibit irregular heart rhythms. Some compounds may produce effects similar to mild sedatives, which reduce anxiety and other emotional or physical states that may prompt a heart attack. The antihistamine effects of the nimbidin in its leaves cause blood vessels to dilate. This may be why the leaves help reduce blood pressure.
A recent study proved that, when a patient took either Neem leaf extract or Neem capsules for a month, her high cholesterol levels fell subsequently. In another study, alcoholic extract of Neem leaves reduced serum cholesterol by approximately 30 percent two hours after its administration. The cholesterol level stayed low for an additional four hours until testing ceased.
In the Ayurvedic medical tradition, Neem is considered a useful therapy for ulcers and gastric discomfort. Compounds in Neem have been proven to have anti ulcerative effects. Throughout India, people take Neem leaves for all sorts of stomach problems. Some scientific evidence exists for its effectiveness for these problems. Peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers are treated well with Neem leaf extracts.
Neem is also useful in treating other problems in the stomach and bowels such as gastritis. The herb promotes a healthy digestive system by protecting the stomach, aiding in elimination, and removing toxins and noxious bacteria. Its leaves are often used to treat heartburn and indigestion. Some Neem extracts also reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Contraindications/Interactions
Neem should not be taken by anyone (male or female) who is trying to conceive or is pregnant. It also contains compounds similar to those in aspirin and should not be used to treat children with fevers. And while people in some countries use Neem oil internally, we definitely do not recommend taking Neem oil. Within those limitations, Neem is generally considered to be one of the safest medicinal herbs available.
Instructions For Use/Dosages
Make into herbal tea using 1 teaspoon of leaf per cup. The leaves can also be eaten or chewed.
Supporting Research
Plentiful research on Neem is available on the internet