The Amazing Properties of Neem: Antibiotic, Antiviral, and Anti-fungal
Neem leaves possess remarkable properties, including antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic effects.
Neem is one of the herbs used to treat Lyme Disease. Neem leaves are nature’s secret, just now being discovered by Americans, even though India and other areas have used them for hundreds of years.
Here are examples of how Ayurvedic physicians in India use Neem:
“Virtually all parts of the neem tree (leaves, seeds, bark, and stems), neem oil, and individual neem-associated phytochemicals possess antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and/or antifungal activities.” Pub Med research published. Using Neem as a natural antibiotic is much cheaper and less adulterated than Goldenseal or Oregano.
- Applied topically, the oil is used for dry, itchy skin or scalp conditions, including wounds, skin ulcers, burning skin conditions, skin cancer, skin diseases, leprosy, and syphilitic sores.
- As an anti-inflammatory compound, Neem leaf salve relieves minor muscle and joint pain and discomfort. It seems to affect the balance of prostaglandin levels. Indian doctors use it for rheumatism and arthritis.
- Neem bark (powdered leaf) is used to reduce stomach acid and support improved digestion
- Neem bark is chewed to promote healthy teeth and gums. These chew sticks have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. You can buy neem as a dental powder to help the health of your teeth and gums. You can buy neem branch sticks to chew, as people in India do.
- Oil extracted from the leaves, seeds, and bark in lab tests shows this oil is effective against M. tuberculosis, Streptococci, Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and M. pyogenes. It is given orally to patients with malaria in India. Do not ingest Neem oil. This was used in a lab experiment.
- Lab research shows Neem is effective as an antiviral agent against Vaccinia virus, Chikungemya and measles virus.
- Anti-fungal properties show Neem effectiveness against Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, MicrosporTrichosporon, Geotricum and Candida.
- Neem bark contains concentrated antioxidants such as glutathione and flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin,
- Neem leaves and powdered bark products have been found to be non-toxic but should not be used by women attempting to become pregnant. It is used as an anti-fertility treatment in those countries.
Neem and Lyme Disease – Its anti-inflammatory properties, I have found, although I can’t find research to support my experience, Neem takes away the deep pain in my eyes and some of the other head inflammation symptoms. Since Neem has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps with joint pain and other pains in my body. Its anti-inflammatory properties are supported by research studies.
I grew the trees in TN so it was natural to use the Neem since nothing else seemed to work on the deep eye pain. I also use it as a natural preventive against the infections and viruses circulating in our community.
Neem and Cancer Studies
- Neem leaf powder and bark have been proven in lab studies to boost immune response, increase white blood cells, including Killer T cells, and boost antibodies and macrophages.
Neem Research shows promise in CLL
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia and is currently incurable. To expand the therapeutic armamentarium, we investigated neem leaf extract (NLE) after a patient with CLL demonstrated disease regression upon taking oral NLE. NLE-mediated apoptosis was examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 41 patients with CLL.
- NLE induced a dose-dependent reduction in CLL cell viability, with significant apoptosis observed at 0.06% (w/v) by 24 h. Annexin-V staining and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and caspase 3 cleavage were observed after NLE treatment. However, a pan-caspase inhibitoronly partially blocked NLE-mediated cell death.
- NLE also caused loss of mitochondrial outer membrane permeability and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor. Furthermore, NLE treatment resulted in LC3-I cleavage. Biochemical analyses revealed that NLE also inhibits Bcl-2 and p53 proteins. In summary, NLE exhibits antileukemic properties in patient primary CLL cells and demonstrates clinical efficacy. (Neem leaf extract induces cell death by apoptosis and autophagy in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells – PubMed)
Neem helps with diabetes, according to research
Neem fruit is suggested for diabetics to help them lower blood sugar levels.
This incredible leaf exhibits strong anti-diabetic properties, which help regulate blood sugar levels. The β-pancreatic cells, which help in the production of insulin, become extremely active on the consumption of the leaf powder or juice. It also helps reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose, which helps maintain balanced blood glucose levels and supports a healthy diabetic reading.
Neem shouldn’t be given to newborns, children, pregnant women or women trying to conceive.
Dosage on Neem Leaf Capsules and Bark
I would start with the dosage suggested on the bottle. Bottle dosages range from 600 mg to 1000 mg per day.
If you are sensitive to foods and products, go with the 600 mg.
If you have no problems with taking herbs, the 1000mg might be fine.
The dosage is determined by the individual’s sensitivity. Starting at the lower dosage is a good start, generally speaking.
Neem is extremely bitter, so don’t buy it in bulk unless you can handle bitter herbs. I buy the bulk and put it in capsules myself. I buy from Banyan Herbs because of the tests they perform on their products, such as heavy metal and toxin tests.
Resources:
Neem Tree Farms, which sells trees, seeds, dry Neem leaves, chew sticks, and other Neem products, also houses some links to published research studies that all of you should read. Neem is very effective against pathogens and is cheaper than herbs such as Goldenseal. I have used it now for a few years and have grown my own dwarf house trees as well. I bought the original trees from Neem Farms and bought some of their health care products, such as their face cream. Photo permission from Neem Tree Farms in Florida. Links below.
https://neemtreefarms.com/why-neem-for-oral-care/
https://neemtreefarms.com/clinical-trial-shows-remarkable-results-treating-diabetes-with-neem/
https://neemtreefarms.com/neem-bark-extract-like-penicillin-for-strep-throat/
https://neemtreefarms.com/neem-in-the-news-three-specific-reports-with-wide-ranging-applications/
https://neemtreefarms.com/top-neem-research-articles/
Here you will find various published research studies on Neem, its leaves, its bark, and oil.
PubMed.gov http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15777222
http://www.indianscience.org/essays/t_es_agraw_neem.shtml
Note: The FDA and AMA have not approved the statements in this article. It is for education only. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose any problem. Please consult your doctor before using herbs for your health problem.
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