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Health Benefits of Neem Oil, Uses And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Aug 31, 2020

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Neem oil extracted from neem leaves has great application in medicine and cosmetic industry. Dried leaves of neem may be used as herb to prepare a variety of beauty products and pesticides. Having a unique composition of beneficial organic compounds, neem oil is used for making herbal products that are safe for usage.

Right from garnishes, tea to herbal supplements and skin salves, neem is considered as the most versatile plants in the entire Indian culture. As per the researches, neem oil benefits are magical whether one uses it on hair, skin or for treating stress or viral diseases. Neem oil is used as an agricultural pesticide and also for pet care.

Neem Oil

Neem oil, is a vegetable oil, which is pressed from the seeds of neem and fruits. ‘Azadirachta Indica’ or Neem is an evergreen tree which is endemic to India, introduced to several other regions including the tropics. Used as a pesticide, neem oil is yellowish brown in color having a bitter taste and smell of garlic and sulphur.

The oil of Neem is available commercially for medicines and organic farming. The color of the oil may vary; it can be reddish brown, greenish brown, golden yellow or even bright red. Composed of triglycerides, neem oil is composed of several triterpenoid compounds. Being hydrophobic in nature, it is emulsified in water for several applications.

The Azadirachtin compound of neem is a widely studied triterpenoid compound in this oil. Nimbin is again a triterpenoid compound which is credited with properties like antifungal, antiseptic, antihistamine and antipyretic. The oil is extracted from the seed kernels of neem.

Nutritional Value of Neem Oil

‘Azadaracta Indica’ or neem has 45% oil content and has seeds of considerable potential. It is bitter and non-edible. The oil of neem seed has 15% of linoleic acid and 50% oleic acid and no fatty acid.

A nutritional study was carried out on rats for 14 weeks, which suggested that neem oil has more potential and nutritional value than groundnut oil. Feeding 10% of neem oil to rats, showed a healthy and good growth performance in the rats.

Triglycerides and cholesterol in neem oil are again comparable to groundnut oil. Debitterized neem oil has the same kind of nutritional value as other edible oils.

Health Benefits of Neem Oil

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of neem oil. This oil used for medicinal purposes, also used in skincare soap, toothpaste, hair oil, and more. If you are facing dandruff problem then use neem oil to reduce it. We list out when not to neem oil otherwise you can face some side effects.

Neem oil for skin infection

Antibacterial property and antimicrobial properties of neem oil helps to treat a variety of skin conditions. Neem oil is considered as the best tonic for the immune system, both internally and externally. Not only skin conditions, it can address a variety of conditions. Doctors, list a variety of health benefits of neem oil such as it is good for skin infections and used in skin whitening treatment as it is loaded with medicinal properties.

Neem Oil acts as detoxifier

Neem is a one-stop pharmacy tree that helps to get rid of body toxins. Whether you use the leaves directly on the skin or the paste, neem extracts can help you to get rid of toxins from the body. By stimulating kidney and liver, neem oil can optimize the body’s metabolic activities and quickly eliminate built up toxins.

As a great amount of detritus accumulates in our skin in the form of dust, microbes and germ, neem oil helps to neutralize pathogens, chemicals and dirt diminish the chances of skin irritation

Neem oil for acne and pimples

Neem oil is a fabulous treatment for acne. It can address and treat even the most challenging of skin conditions, eliminate acne and acne marks.

As it has antiseptic properties, neem oil can eliminate bacteria and grease that cause much of the problems. Its antibacterial nature, anti-fungal properties prevent future breakouts.

Neem oil reduces inflammation

Consumption of neem oil is associated directly with reducing inflammation of gastrointestinal tract. Neem oil reduces ulcers and powerfully addresses a range of intestinal issues such as bloating, cramping and constipation. The neem essential oil may also be used as the healing antidote for infections and stomach flus that may kill the good bacteria in the gut.

Neem Oil contains antioxidants

Neem is high on antioxidant content and so it reduces the chance of certain kinds of cancers. Antioxidants in the neem oil may help in neutralizing free radicals that are a dangerous aftermath of cellular metabolism.

Such free radicals can cause a range of cancerous diseases along with several other chronic diseases in the body. There is a positive correlation between lower risk of cancer diseases and antioxidants. Antioxidants may also keep your cardiovascular system unobstructed and clean.

Protects the skin

Neem oil is a fabulous exfoliant that works like a miracle on the skin. It can shrink large pores and thus prevent the development of pimples, age marks and blemishes.

Neem Oil for fungal infection

Neem oil helps in the treatment of fungal infection. Diluted neem oil may be directly applied on infected regions of the body including athlete’s foot. Its antifungal effect is highly efficient and rapid to keep intact healthy skin and a healthy immunity system.

Neem oil prevents diabetes

Although it is quite unclear as to how neem oil helps in the treatment of diabetes, there is a connection between neem oil and lower blood glucose level. Consumption of neem is associated with low demand for insulin.

The chemical compounds present in neem oil can help optimize the functioning of insulin receptor and ensures that your body receives apt amount of insulin to save from diabetes. In fact, the ones who are suffering from diabetes will be less dependent on insulin therapy if they use neem oil.

Neem Oil treats malaria

As per the unconfirmed researches, neem oil can be helpful in the treatment of Malaria, its symptoms and can also reduce the probability of its occurrence. Neem is a natural insect repellent and so it is linked to the treatment of malaria. Being nontoxic in nature, neem oil can help in treating malaria

Neem oil ensures oral hygiene

Neem oil is good for oral health and it is used in most of the oral care products. Its antibacterial property makes it ideal for eliminating bacteria under the gums. So, in a way, it helps to avoid periodontal issues and halitosis or bad breath. Neem oil is used widely in toothpastes, mouthwashes and its flavor is also not bad

Neem Oil prevents STD

Neem oil is also used for reproductive health as a birth control agent and natural spermicide. Neem can reduce the chance of conception without causing any harm to the system. Without affecting libido, neem oil can lower the fertility level, prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Neem oil treats arthritis pain

If used consistently, neem oil can improve joint health; and treat the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of neem make it suitable for the treatment of joint diseases.

Uses of Neem Oil

The purified components of neem and neem oil are used in over hundreds of pesticides. The oil of neem is used for a variety of ornamental crops to control insects. It may also be formulated into dust, granules and wet powders. Neem oil can kill insects, germs and pests by reducing an ability to feed. Since it has antiseptic properties, it is used in the preparation of medicines. It can treat a number of ailments like blood disorder, cancer, digestive issues, arthritis and diabetes.

Neem oil work wonders on the skin. Skin care products and cosmetics make a wide use of neem extracts. The oil holds a very predominant place in the realm of aromatherapy due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Neem Oil

Despite a plethora of beneficial uses, there are a few side effects of neem oil as well. Kids, infants and toddlers must refrain from consuming neem oil. Those with kidney and liver diseases cannot use it without the permission of the doctor. Whether it is neem oil, neem paste or neem leaves, the doctor’s consultation is a must.

Neem oil is slightly sedative in nature and so it is associated with fatigue. Be cautious and do not overuse it. If you are using some medications, consult your doctor prior to its usage. If the neem oil is at all used, appropriate dosage must be consumed as per the age, health and medical condition.

Origin And Cultivation of Neem Oil

Despite a plethora of beneficial uses, there are a few side effects as well. Kids, infants and toddlers must refrain from consuming neem oil. Those with kidney and liver diseases cannot use it without the permission of the doctor.

Whether it is neem oil, neem paste or neem leaves, the doctor’s consultation is a must. Neem is slightly sedative in nature and so it is associated with fatigue. Be cautious and do not overuse it. If you are using some medications, consult your doctor prior to its usage. If the neem oil is at all used, appropriate dosage must be consumed as per the age, health and medical condition.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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