Who doesn't want the best health possible? Including medicinal herbs and plants in your day-to-day life is a great way to boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Neem is one example of a powerhouse of a medicinal herb. But what exactly is neem and what are its benefits?
Let's take a closer look at neem.
What Is Neem?
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree that is native to India and Myanmar. The bark, leaves, root, flowers, and seeds are all used to make medicine. In Sanskrit, its name is arista which means imperishable, complete - something that is perfect.
Neem has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a plethora of ailments, including cough, asthma, constipation, lice, gastric ulcers, indigestion, UTI's and more. It is reported to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve liver health, stimulate the immune system and protect against heart disease. Visit Energetic Lifestyle for more natural health tips.
Neem can be purchased in many forms, depending on what you need it for. It can come in capsules, as a powder, oil, tincture, or cream, and so on.
Health Benefits of Neem
Dental Health
In the Indian subcontinent, neem twigs have long been used as a way of cleaning teeth. They have been shown useful in preventing the buildup of plaque and against gingivitis. Nowadays neem extract can be found in many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes, and the practice of using neem twigs persists in rural areas.
Dandruff
Neem oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and, as such, may be useful in the treatment of dandruff. Dandruff is caused by either dry skin, a fungal infection, contact dermatitis, or other skin conditions.
Repels Insects
Neem is a powerful insecticide and repellent. Organic gardeners have long benefited from applying neem oil to infestations. Burning neem leaves can help ward off unwanted insects and mosquitoes. You can also burn neem incense, apply neem oil diluted with other oils directly to the skin, or burn a neem candle.
A 2015 study in the Malaria Journal noted that a 20% neem formula is more than 70% effective against mosquitoes and lasts up to 3 hours.
Good for Your Bones
Neem is rich in calcium and minerals that help build strong bones and reduce the risk of inflammation. Regular self-massage with neem oil has been said to help keep the bones strong. Neem is traditionally prescribed to elderly patients to aid with arthritic pain, stiffness, and other related symptoms of aging.
To Sum Up
Neem is a tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent that has long been used and valued for its medicinal properties. The leaves, bark, roots, seeds, and flowers are all used to make medicines in the form of oils, powders, creams, tinctures, and capsules.
Neem can be used to promote dental health and prevent skin conditions due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Neem is also useful in repelling insects and, as such, is useful in organic gardening practices and in stopping the spread of diseases such as malaria. The bone health-promoting benefits of neem making it useful for both young and older persons.
