Medicinal values of Neem

The bark, seeds, leaves, fruit, extracts and oils of the Neem tree contain pharmacological constituents which offer some impressive therapeutic qualities, including the following:

* Anti-viral: capable of destroying viruses
* Anti-fungal: able to destroy fungi
* Anti-microbial: able to inhibit or destroy the growth of disease-causing organisms
* Anti-bacterial: able to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria
* Anti-pyretic: able to lower body temperature or prevent or alleviate fever
* Anti-inflammatory: able to reduce inflammation
* Anti-tumour: able to reduce the risk of tumour growth
* Analgesic: able to relieve pain
* Alterative: able to cure or restore health
* Anti-thelmintic: capable of expelling or destroying parasitic worms
* Anti-emetic: able to prevent or stop nausea or vomiting
* Immune system booster and stimulator
* Anti-arthritic: effective in treatment of arthritis
* Anti-gastric: able to prevent or destroy ulcers
* Anti-carcinogenic: reduces the occurrence of cancers
* Anti-anxiety: capable of preventing depression
* Anti-oxidant: preventing atherosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, keeps free radical (cancer cells) under control
* Anti-fertility: prevents unwanted pregnancy
* Anti-histamine: agent that serves to inhibit the release or action of histamine and serves to reduce or neutralize the effects of histamine in a allergic response
* Anti-feedant: a substance that deters or inhibits feeding by an insect but does not kill it

Therefore we can see that Neem boosts the immune system on all levels while helping the body fight infections. It stimulates the production of T-cells to mount a head-on attack against infections. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, Neem does not destroy beneficial bacteria and other micro-organisms needed to maintain optimum health. Some medical experts believe that the overuse of chemical antibiotics is contributing to the breakdown of the human immune function. Neem offers a non-toxic, zero-harm alternative to powerful and sometimes damaging prescription medicines.

Numerous active compounds have been isolated from the Neem plant. Some of the most studied include gedunin, sodium nimbinate, salannin, nimbin, azadirachtin, ninbidiol, quercetin and nimbidin. Neem leaves contain fibre, carbohydrates and at least ten amino acid proteins. They also contain calcium and other nourishing minerals. Analysis also reveals the presence of carotenoids, nutritive compounds being hailed for their ability to ward off many types of cancer. Neem oil is especially high in important fatty acids, and contains all of these vital nutrients in significant quantities. Researcher believe the high fatty acid content of the oil may be why Neem is so effective for treating many skin ailments. Neem has a very powerful skin rejuvenating qualities and absorbs quickly into the skin. The uses of Neem to cure human ailments, boost immunity and fortify human health are almost endless. Neem is one of the most powerful known blood purifiers and detoxifiers. Hundreds of specific health maladies respond favourable to the proper application of Neem. This does not include the countless uses of Neem as a natural insect repellent or as a component in beauty aids. Some of the more common current uses for Neem products are:

Skin Conditions
Neem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that often fail to respond with classical treatments. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, rosacea, shingles, ringworm, athlet's foot, herpes, fungal infections, cold sores, dandruff, dry skin, hemorrhoids, rash, skin ulcers, rheumatism, sprains, pain, warts, wrinkles are among the conditions that clear up consistently when a high quality organic chemical-free, zero harm Neem product is utilized. Synthetic chemicals used to treat these conditions can produce negative side effects such as rashes, allergic reactions and redness of the skin. Studies are currently underway to try and understand the skin rejuvenating properties of Neem. It relieves the itching and pain of psoriasis while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.

Hair and Nails
When high quality, wild-crafted Neem extract and in some cases cold pressed Neem oil from the kernels of the olive shaped fruit is added to health and beauty preparations, it provides many benefits. Problem scalp conditions including dandruff and psoriasis, scaling and even hair loss respond to treatment with Neem shampoo, conditioners, creams, tinctures and capsules. Listless, damaged and overly oily hair appears to "come alive" when treated regularly with this most amazing plant. Nails, which have turned yellow or brittle due to the presence of yeast or fungi, often return to their normal condition when Neem is applied.

Teeth and Gums
It is estimated that over 90% of the US adult population has some type of gum disease. Infection, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums have been treated very successfully through the daily application of Neem mouth rinse or Neem leaf extract added to water or using Neem toothpaste. German and American researchers have proven that Neem extract prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Some people report a total reversal of gum degeneration and gum bleeding after using Neem for only a few weeks or months. In India most people are using the twigs from the branches of the Neem tree and you can notice that these people have very healthy looking gums and white teeth.

Fungi, Parasites and Viruses
Neem has been successfully proven under stringent laboratory conditions to destroy harmful fungi, parasites and viruses. Even though its exact action on these "body predators" is not yet known, it does an excellent job of destroying them. Unlike its chemical counterparts, Neem does not kill beneficial intestinal flora nor produce the negative side effects. Athlete's foot, thrush, candida infestations and herpes viruses are easily cleared up and prevented when Neem is used. Neem has been proven successful in treating stomach ulcers. Its antihistamine and antibacterial compounds appear to reduce inflammation and destroy the bacteria now believed responsible for the common ailments.
Major Health Problems

Professionally administered Neem solutions are being studied for their beneficial effects on AIDS, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions.
AIDS

The immune modulating polysaccharide compounds found in Neem are being researched as a way to stop this most debilitating illness. The polysaccharides may be responsible for increasing antibody production, while other elements in Neem appear to stimulate immune function by enhancing cellular mediated response. This dual action helps the body ward off the numerous infections so commonplace with AIDS. Neem leaf extracts, tincture and capsules are typically utilized when treating this condition. The National Institutes of Health reports encouraging results from in vitro tests for Neem as an antiviral agent against the AIDS virus.

Cancer
Neem has been tested on many types of cancers, including skin cancers, using Neem-based creams against lymphocytic cancer and using the Neem tincture or capsules internally. The polysaccharides and limonoids have reduced cancerous tumours in a number of scientific studies.

Diabetes
Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements for diabetics by up to 50% for nonkeytonic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes without altering blood glucose levels. This success has resulted in the Indian government approving the sale of Neem capsules and tablets through pharmacies and clinics. These preparations are essentially pure, powered Neem leaves.

Heart Disease
Neem has been scientifically tested for its ability to reduce blood pressure, blood clots, has delayed the coagulation of blood, heart irregularities (palpitation) inclusive calmed erratic heartbeats, helps reduce elevated heart rates and high cholesterol levels. The antihistamine effect helps reduce elevated blood pressure. A recent study showed that Neem lowered high cholesterol levels when either Neem leaf extract or capsules were taken for a month.

Chronic Fatique
This is suspected of being caused by both viral and fungal infections. Neem attacks both, and reportedly helps fight this incredibly debilitating syndrome.

Minor Skin Abrasions: cream or leaf extract applied topically. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial attributes of Neem are delightfully soothing.

Natural, Non-Toxic Insect Repellent
Neem repels all types of annoying pests without being toxic to pets or humans. Studies have shown that one Neem compound is a more effective insect repellent than the widely used synthetic chemical known as DEET (N,N,-diethyl-m toluamide), a suspected carcinogen with long periods of use.

Insecticide
Neem extract have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for us on food crops. It is non-toxic to birds, animals, beneficial to insects or man and protects crops from over 200 of the most costly pests.

Sunburns
Prevents sunburns from UV rays.

Herpes
Recent tests in Germany show that neem extracts (cream) are toxic to herpes virus and can aid in a rapid healing of cold sores.

Allergies
Neem has antihistamine properties that help inhibit allergic reactions when applied externally or consumed as a decoction.

Ulcers
Neem extract give significant protection from discomfort and speed the healing of gastric and duodenal lesions.

Malaria
An active ingredient in Neem leaves, called irodin A, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria. In-vitro studies show 100% mortality of malaria gamete in 72 hours with a 1:20.000 ratio.
Hepatitis

Tests show Neem adversely effects the virus that causes hepatitis B.

Birth Control (Men)
In India and United States, trials show Neem extract reduced fertility in male monkeys without inhibiting libido or sperm production, making it potentially the first male birth control pill

Birth Control (Women)
Used as a vaginal lubricant or injected into the fallopian tube, Neem oil was up to 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Nanas wrote:what about neem oil?