Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Hello everyone, today we are going to cover a hot top in Ayurveda. It is bitter in taste but is the ultimate medicine in Ayurveda, yes we are talking about neem(Azadirachta indica). Today we are going to brief you about the health benefits of neem, the nutritional value of neem in Ayurveda, and some precautions you need to take while consuming neem.
The biological name of neem is Azadirachta indica. It is also called Indian lilac; this is a tree from the Mahogany family known as Meliaceae. It is native to the Indian sub-continent like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Nutritional value of neem
Ayurveda has first proved the amazing anti-fungal, anti-bacteria anthelmintic, and anti-viral properties of neem. Neem is the ultimate medicine in Ayurveda which has the ability to almost cure many health problems.
If you suffer from high blood sugar, it has the ability to bring it down to normal even if you are taking insulins. If you start taking neem within time, it has the ability to cure it.
But it does have side effects too, though neem is considered at the direct blessing from God there are some adverse side effects also. The medicine should always be taken when needed extending its time or exceeding its dosage or regular use can be very dangerous.
There is no true evidence of what side effects or bad effects but Ayurveda suggest having it in need only.
Consumption of neem
It can be consumed in many ways
Leaves
Leaves are consumed directly in raw form. People who can tolerate their bitterness can eat it directly. It benefits in regulating blood sugar level, improves digestion, detoxifies the blood, treats face acne, and pimples if it is due to stomach problems.
Stem
Its stem is not consumed but is used to brighten our teeth. Take a slightly green stem and start chewing it until all its juices are excreted.
Oil
Its oil is excreted from its seeds and fruits, it can be used for treating fungal infections and bacterial infections on the scalp and our skin.
Acne and pimples because of bacteria and fungus can be treated by its oil.
If you have dandruff and want to go all-natural for its removal you can use neem oil.
Fruit
Neem bears small berry-like fruits that are sweet in taste. it is also eaten directly in raw form. Just pick some red color berries like the fruit of neem and wash it before consuming it.
It helps cure stomach aches.
Health benefits of neem
There are many ways in which neem can benefit you. Let us have a look at some of them:
Promotes healthy hair
High levels of antioxidants present in neem are known to promote hair health. Excess sebum (oil) production can clog pores which in return makes hair thin and increases hair fall.
Because of the anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties of neem, it helps cleanse our scalp and cleanse clogged pores, this is the reason why neem promotes healthy and strong hair.
Other than this it cures problems like dandruff, grey hair, fungal infections in the scalp, frizzy hair, and much more.
Improve liver function
It boosts enzymes level and reduces the effect of damaging agents. Since neem exhibits anti-oxidant properties it definitely purifies the blood and protects our liver from any sort of damage caused by free radicals.
A thorough study has been conducted to support this statement, “Neem protects our liver from further damage”. It has been proved by the scientist and you will find many proofs on the internet regarding this statement.
Detoxify the blood
Anti-oxidants properties shown by neem detoxify the blood since it brings more oxygen to WBC in the blood which enhances their capabilities to fight against bacteria in the blood, hence purifying it.
Balance blood sugar levels
Neem leaves contain flavonoids, triterpenoid, anti-viral compounds, and glycosides all these elements are proven to reduce blood sugar level and make sure that there is no surge in the glucose.
Still, there is more evidence to be collected by scientists to prove it on paper, but Ayurveda has experienced it. Ayurveda states that neem does lower blood sugar levels and there are visible results in the body.
Also Read: How to grow Azadirachta indica
Benefits of skin health
Neem leaves have also been used to treat skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.
Oleic acid (OMEGA 9) present in neem maintains softness, makes our skin glow and eliminates anti-aging signs like wrinkles, and fine lines.
Stearic acid is responsible to cleanse clogged pored, dead skin and damage caused by free radicals.
Linoleic acid (OMEGA 6) present in neem shows anti-inflammatory properties which reduces the effects of tan and skin redness and also reduces acne redness.
Cautions
Some studies say that neem has the capability of abortion. It is also used as birth controlling agents in some regions. This is not 100% valid statement but research is being gone on regarding this topic.
To be on the safe side we suggest all the pregnant ladies keep a distance from neem during pregnancy since pregnancy is the very delicate and crucial time in one’s life. One wrong step can cost a big loss.
Therefore, take precautions and don’t feed neem to any pregnant lady.
Here at gardeninfograph we try to bring in front of you many relatable topics that are can add up to a healthy diet in your homes to keep your family and friends healthy. Some topics that we have covered are lychee, banana, guava, parsley, dragon fruit, pineapple, custard apple, edible flowers, cardamom, black pepper, kiwi, hala fruit, olive, groundnut and you will find many more.