Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. Although relatively unknown in the US, neem is a cornerstone of the ancient herbal healthcare system and is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world today. Found over most of the forested regions of the Indian Subcontinent, as well as in other countries of similar climatic conditions, the neem tree can thrive in climates that range from hot, or tropical (45 degrees Celsius) to altitudes of semi-temperate, higher altitude regions, with temperatures slightly above freezing. From a historical perspective, some of the world's oldest written documents – dating back two to four centuries BC – contain multiple references to neem and its myriad uses.
In its native India and tropical countries around the globe, neem is called the "Village Pharmacy", "Nature's Drugstore" and "Panacea for all Diseases" for its incredible healing properties.
For generations, Indian medical practitioners have made poultices from neem leaves to cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm. Pastes and extracts from neem trees have also proven effective in treating various skin fungus conditions, including athlete's foot and lesions in the mouth and vagina. More serious diseases such as chicken pox and small pox have been treated with Neem tree pastes; and even people suffering from herpes and hepatitis B viruses have obtained relief from Neem tree preparations.
Treasured as a beauty-enhancing, health-boosting plant in traditional medicine, neem oil, leaf and bark has been used for it's soothing properties said to be especially beneficial for the skin. While sharing many properties with tea tree oil, neem oil has the added advantage of a high fatty acid and low terpene content. This makes neem oil especially attractive for sensitive and irritated skin conditions. Neem Oil is also high in antioxidants.
Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. The bark is used for malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and fever. The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms. The fruit is used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody nose, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy. Neem twigs are used for cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary disorders, and diabetes. People in the tropics sometimes chew neem twigs instead of using toothbrushes, but this can cause illness; neem twigs are often contaminated with fungi within 2 weeks of harvest and should be avoided. The seed and seed oil are used for leprosy and intestinal worms. The stem, root bark, and fruit are used as a tonic and astringent.
Some people apply neem directly to the skin to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds, and skin ulcers; as a mosquito repellent; and as a skin softener.
Oil made from the neem tree's fruit and seeds is light to dark brown in color and somewhat bitter tasting; almost like a combination of peanuts and garlic. The oil contains quantities of steroids, including beta-sitosterol (used to treat men suffering from enlarged prostate glands) as well as linoleic and olei acids (Omega 6 and 9), and is found to contain the well known Omega 3 fatty acid (used to prevent arterial sclerosis). In addition to its medicinal properties, neem oil is also used as a base for variety of organic cosmetics including soaps, shampoos, hand and body lotions and creams. It is also used as an organic bio-pesticide repellant against insects such as Japanese beetles, meal worms, and aphids.
Neem seed oil is a gentle alternative to tea tree oil, but with similar therapeutic benefits. Many people use neem soap for problematic skin, or for a healthier and more vibrant complexion. Neem soap is often used by people with problematic skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, wrinkles, acne, dry skin, skin ulcers and warts. Neem Lotions, Oils and Gels are used for all sorts of skin problems. Neem has been said to be equal or even superior to aloe in its healing properties. Neem is often taken internally to help enhance overall health and improve immune system response. This means shorter and less frequent downtime from being sick. It is also used to help a number of disorders, such as circulatory, digestive and nervous disorders. Historically, neem has been used to rid the body of all sorts of parasites as well. Neem toothpaste and mouthwash are used to help prevent periodontal diseases, gingivitis, pyorrhea, cavities and toothaches. Use neem pet shampoo to help prevent irritation from fleas, ticks, mites and other skin disorders. Neem is a natural solution that is safe for all animals, including puppies and kittens over four weeks. Neem oil is also great for gardens, as it helps get rid of those pesky insects without having to worry about toxic poisons hurting your pets or children who come in contact with it.
Used in Indian traditional medicine for more than 2,000 years, the Neem tree's bark, Neem leaves, Neem seeds, and roots can be made into various medicinal remedies for a wide range of ailments, ranging from anti-hemorrhoids and loss of appetite, to leprosy and other skin disorders.
In its native India and tropical countries around the globe, neem is called the "Village Pharmacy", "Nature's Drugstore" and "Panacea for all Diseases" for its incredible healing properties.
All parts of neem are known for their medicinal use, from root to the small twigs. The flowers are known to neutralize excess pitha. The neem leaves can help reduce swelling and purify blood. It kills germs and cleanses the atmosphere. The neem fruit strengthens brain. Neem seeds are useful in treating tuberculosis. The root is well known for its action on fevers. The bark of the tree is used in treating most of the skin diseases. It helps in rapid healing of wounds.
Neem oil and extracts have been scientifically studied and shown to have the following potential properties:
Neem has anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti protozoal and anti viral properties, which means it provides protection from almost all microorganisms.
Applying neem in the form of powder or oil on external cuts or wounds has exceptional results. It fights off all kinds of germs and enables in the easy recovery of the affected area.
It is very common to take bath in water that has neem leaves added to it. It has medicinal properties and gets rid of all the germs that may be thriving on our bodies.
Neem powder or oil is very effective in relieving us of skin ailments such as eczema, acne, skin allergy, rashes, itch, ringworms, etc.
Neem water is very effective when used to treat injuries caused due to burns. It heals up skin fast and prevents the creation of any kind of an allergy or infection.
Neem oil, when used as a substitute for hair oil, provides amazing results. It prevents hair from graying and also effective in treating dandruff, lice and hair fall.
Neem oil can be used to massage muscle aches and joints and can be used to relieve pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, etc.
Ingesting neem is beneficial in many ways as it helps to restore the taste of mouth, cures constipation and relieves of indigestion. It also eliminated the problem of acidity.
Eating neem will help get rid of intestinal worms, thus performing its role as a de-worming agent and will help restore healthy functioning of the intestines.
Taking neem internally is said to effectively improve the quality of blood and purifies and thickens it. It helps getting rid of toxins that may be present in the blood and keeps the body disease-free.
Neem is said to be a very effective medicine for people suffering from diabetes and helps to control blood sugar levels to a great extent.
Neem has the ability to make the immune system of a body very strong and get rid off any foreign disease that may weaken the body.
Some simple remedies using Neem:
Neem flower can be stored in honey. Flowers soaked in honey taken every night is found to boost your immune system.
Soak a handful of neem flowers in 100 ml water for at least 4 hours. Filter out the flowers and take the water 2 ounces four times day. This is found to cure stomach ache due to excessive pitha.
Mix pure neem oil with pure coconut or olive oil in the ratio of 1:4. This combination can be used for repelling insects including mosquitoes as well as for skin disorders, minor cuts, burns, wounds etc.
For complete skin protection make a strong tea with neem leaves and add to the bath along with a little rose water.
10 freshly cleaned neem leaves to be boiled in water along with cotton for 10 minutes, then cool it. Use as eyewash in case of conjunctivitis, itching etc.
For athletes' foot and other foot problems, make a strong tea and soak feet.
For dandruff and head lice: Massage neem oil mixed with coconut or olive oil into hair and leave for 1 hour. Repeat once weekly for 3 weeks or as long as problem persists.
To treat a sore throat without antibiotics, gargle with neem leaf water (add 2-3 neem leaves to 300 ml water, boil it and cool) to which honey has been added.
For acne, pimples, skin infections pure neem leaf powder mixed with water to be applied to the affected area.
In case of sinusitis, use pure neem oil as nasal drops. Two drops morning and evening.
Prevent breeding of mosquitoes by adding crushed neem seeds and neem oil to all breeding areas. Neem products ensure complete inhibition of egg laying for seven days.
Boil 40-50 neem leaves in 250 ml of water for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and refrigerate to use as a astringent.
Chewing 2-3 neem leaves regularly helps purify the blood and in cases of hyperacidity and diabetes.
Add a few dried neem leaves for preservation of food grains like rice, wheat, lentils etc. The leaves should be replaced within every 2-3 months.
Both neem oil and neem leaf are fantastic skin care ingredients:
Neem relieves dry skin.
It soothes itchines, redness and irritation.
It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections, as in acne, boils and ulcers.
But neem doesn't promote resistance in bacteria. Antibiotics are over-prescribed and are becoming blunt as a weapon in our fight against diseases. Neem is an interesting alternative, and one that will never stop working.
One of the top neem benefits is that it lets you avoid harsh chemicals and nasty insecticides when treating conditions like
psoriasis,
eczema,
scabies,
head lice and more.
Nobody wants to douse themselves in insecticides, or use corticosteroids forever... Neem can often do the same job, even better.
Used as hair oil neem promotes shiny, healthy hair, combats dryness, prevents premature graying and may even help with some forms of hair loss.
Neem oil also makes a great nail oil. No more brittle nails and no more nail fungus.
The biggest benefit of neem oil and neem leaf is that they are good for your general health, the condition of your skin and body, and your immune system. So whether you use them to fight some skin condition, or just to prevent any skin related problems in the first place, you are doing yourself something good.
Wash your dog with neem soap or a neem shampoo, and you'll discourage biting insects, ticks and fleas, ringworm, mange mites, any skin disorders or fungal infections...
Neem is just as fantastic for the skin and hair of your pets as it is for yourself. Again, you avoid nasty chemicals and harmful medications. They only increase stress for the immune system rather than helping it, whereas neem benefits the immune system and overall health of your pet.
You probably know that neem spray is a popular insect spray. One of the most valued benefits of neem spray in the garden is that it is totally non-toxic to us, to other mammals, to birds, bees and even beneficial insects. Spraying neem does not create a death zone around your vegetable patch or orchard, like other insecticides do.
These days you never know what kind of chemical cocktail you eat with your bought fruit and vegetables.
Neem protects your garden crops from chewing and sucking insects and from fungal diseases, and your health benefits as well.
Another neem benefit is that insects do not become resistant to it. Normal synthetic insecticides create resistant insects. So farmers need to spray more and more, and nastier and nastier chemicals to keep insects in check. When you use neem oil you don't have that problem.
Neem oil spray can also be used as a natural mosquito repellant. Neem keeps mosquitoes away AND it is good for your skin! On the other hand DEET, the active ingredient in chemical insect repellents, is highly toxic.
And there are more neem benefits. Growing neem trees takes little water. Their deep tap roots break through hard clay pans and mine the subsoil for nutrients. The nutrients are returned to the surface as leaf litter, for other plants to use.
Neem trees are especially good at accumulating calcium. Growing neem trees can bring acidic soils back to neutral and so reclaim exploited soils.
Neem trees can grow in very marginal areas, and improve those soils over time.
Increasing use of neem in the western world, and increasing demand, would open up economic opportunities in third world countries. Those countries have the ideal climate for growing neem.
Neem grows quickly and makes good firewood. Excessive firewood clearing is the main reason for the spread of the desert. The more trees we plant the better...
There is a reason why one of the best known books about neem is called, Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems
After reading all this, do you wonder why the world still knows so little about the benefits of neem? Is it all too good to be true?
Well, no, it's not. It is all true. But there is one key benefit that neem can't offer. It may be great for all of us, and great for poorer countries, but neem would not put big money into the pockets of the western pharmaceutical giants.
US companies tried to obtain patents for neem, and the patents were revoked. Without patents and monopolies there is no money in neem for the pharma giants, so they will not fund the necessary research. A cheap, safe, effective and easily available natural drug is AGAINST their interests.
Research is very expensive, but without that big scale research authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Authority are unable to give neem their ok.
Here's a tree that could very well solve some of the world's biggest problems, but because the pharma giants can't own it we will likely just continue on the same destructive path...
In 1992, a group of U.S. government agencies including the National Academy Press, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Research Council, the National Academy of Sciences, the Institutes of Medicine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as the Board on Science and Technology for International Development, published a book entitled "Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems."
Still available online, the book notes that neem has been used through the centuries to treat a myriad of disorders with part of the forward reading:
"To those millions in India neem has [incredible] powers, and now scientists around the world are beginning to think they may be right. Two decades of research have revealed promising results in so many disciplines that this obscure species may be of enormous benefit to countries both rich and poor. Even some of the most cautious researchers are saying that 'neem deserves to be called a wonder plant.'"
Since its publication 15 years ago, an enormous amount of research has been completed in laboratories and universities around the world. We'll be the first to admit that modern research hasn't always supported neem's "healer of all ailments" moniker. Still, considering the wide variety of disorders where researchers can detail positive results – combined with the fact that it has few side effects – results of this ongoing research probably surpass the expectations of the people who called it a wonder tree 15 years ago.
Beyond "Solving Global Problems"
From the perspective of poor countries in tropical growing zones, neem offers multiple benefits. Easily grown in poor, dry soil, it's the ideal tree for reforestation. It's so tenacious, in fact, that the tree can be cut down for firewood or fencing while the roots continue to hold soil in place and send up new growth. Both leaves and oil pressed from abundant seeds can be used on crops with minimum impact on people, wildlife or beneficial insects.
Closer to home, neem is being recognized more for its medicinal qualities. Ongoing research, detailed at the National Institutes of Health's Library of Medicine website, shows significant potential in treating disorders as diverse as AIDS, cancer, ulcers, arthritis and diabetes. Just as the diseases are different, the varied compounds in neem have multiple mechanisms. In many cases, it's clear that neem's immune-boosting properties play a critical role. Selective toxicity to insects, cancer cells, parasites (particularly malaria), fungus and bacteria is important in other instances.
Separate reports on each of these topics provide the latest information from the NIH site, along with a brief overview that explains the basic concepts. But while neem has been in continual use for thousands of years, it is a potent herb. Please read our section on safety before starting any program using neem.
Antibacterial Compounds in Neem -- Ongoing research over the past 45 years recognizes these traditional uses of neem, but researchers typically list them as "known to be" rather than reporting on their action. More recent reports focus on antibacterial activities in the mouth, specifically gum disease and cavities.
Antifungal Properties of Neem -- Like neem's antibacterial and antiviral properties, its antifungal properties are often a given among scientists in India and other Asian nations where most of the current research is being conducted. Reports completed before 1992 are not available online but do indicate that compounds in neem help control fungi that can cause athlete's foot, ringworm and candida, the organism that causes yeast infections and thrush, as well as fungus that may affect plants.
Anti-Inflammatory and Neem -- Nimbidin, a component of neem, has been show to posses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis activity in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Researchers suggest that nimbiden suppresses the functions of macrophages and neutrophils involved in inflammation. Earlier research not available online also documented neem's anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidant Compounds in Neem -- Oxidative stress, the process through which free radicals are created, is a normal function of the body but the resulting molecules are unstable and can damage other cells. Researchers have associated a series of disorders, including cardiovascular disease, eye health, cataracts and macular degeneration, age-related neurodegeneration (decline of the brain and nervous system) and even cancer with high levels of free radicals. Antioxidants, including those found in vitamins A, C and E, provide the free radicals with electrons to minimize damage. More than a dozen studies conducted in India, Thailand and Malaysia indicate that neem protects against chemically induced carcinogens and liver damage by boosting antioxidant levels, particularly glutathione.
Antiviral Compounds in Neem -- Other researchers report that neem inhibits the growth of Dengue virus, a hemorrhagic fever related to Ebola, and interferes with the reproduction of the coxsackie B virus, one of a group of "enteroviruses" that are second only to the common cold as the most infectious viral agents in human beings.
Cancer and Neem -- More than two dozen studies, both in test tubes and on animals, document neem's efficacy in killing cancer cells or boosting the body's immune system to protect it from damage. Neem or its isolated compounds have shown impressive action against a wide variety of human cancer cell lines and in animal models for cancers that include colon, stomach, Ehrlich's carcinoma, lung, liver, skin, oral, prostate and breast cancers. Two separate reports indicate that it may be helpful in enhancing the activity and reducing side effects of some conventional cancer treatments.
Diabetes and Neem -- With its extremely bitter properties, neem has been a cornerstone of traditional therapy for pitas, or disorders caused by overeating sweets. Some of the earliest reports on neem, dating back to a 1973 report in Medicine and Surgery, indicated that insulin requirements could be cut. More recent studies have focused on animals, including one report which indicates that neem's hypoglycemic effect is comparable to the prescription drug glibenclamide and noted that it may be beneficial in preventing or delaying the onset of disease.
Immunostimulatory Compounds in Neem -- Until we compiled the data on neem and cancer, we thought its immunostimulating properties were neem's most important benefits. It's such a powerful booster to enhanced the immune system. It boosts both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated systems, including "Killer T" cells which are able to destroy microbes, viruses and cancer cells by injecting toxic chemicals into the invaders.
The Liver and Neem -- Throughout its long history, neem has often been recommended as blood cleanser. The truth of the matter may be that it helps protect the liver from damage, which in turn helps cleanse blood. The details are extremely complex, but the research indicates that neem leaf appears to minimize chemically induced liver damage in rats by stabilizing levels of serum marker enzymes and boosting levels of antioxidants, like those found vitamins C and E and other natural carotenoids, which neutralize free radicals and help prevent damage. Several studies indicate that neem provides significant protection for the livers of rats who have been fed large doses of acetaminophen.
Malaria and Neem -- While questions still remain about the dosage required in human beings, neem clearly has great potential in preventing malaria, a parasite that kills more than a million people per year. Several in vitro studies indicate significant protection, including one that concluded it was more effective than chloroquine, a drug to which the parasite is becoming resistant. One interesting report indicates that it may increase the efficacy of chloroquine when the two are taken together.
Neuroprotective Effect of Neem -- A single study shows that indicates that antioxidant compounds in neem helped to prevent brain damage in rats who had suffered a stroke by enhancing lipid peroxidation and increasing ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the brain. Rats pre-treated with neem seemed to complete standard tests, including a water maze, better than the control group and blood parameters were significantly improved over the untreated rats.
Oral Disease and Neem -- Another traditional use of neem has been chew sticks still used to clean teeth in rural parts of India and Africa (and the US more recently). A series of studies confirm it has antimicrobial properties that help reduce plaque and gingivitis.
Safety Issues and Neem -- When used as directed, neem leaf and bark show very few signs of toxicity even at high levels. Neem oil, however, should not be used internally. High levels of neem (up to 320 grams per kilogram in rats) taken internally may result in damage to the thyroid, liver, and kidneys, although the organs showed significant recovery after 28 days. Neem also contains compounds similar to aspirin and should never be used in children with colds, fevers or flu.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Neem -- Another area where neem shows great potential is sexually transmitted diseases. One study funded through an agency of the US government found that neem provided 75% protection from the HIV virus to cells in a test tube and volunteers with AIDS who took neem for 30 days gained an average of three kilograms. Key chemical markers, including CD4+ cell counts, hemoglobin and platelet counts, also increased. A 1997 study at Johns Hopkins University also showed that neem provided significant protection against the herpes virus in mice.
Stress and Neem -- A small number of animal studies indicate that low doses of neem leaf extracts have sedative effects comparable to those in diazepam – the active ingredient in Valium. Interestingly enough, that effect disappears at high doses, approximately 400 or 800 milligrams per kilograms of body weight.
Ulcers and Neem -- One of the few recent clinical trials among humans using neem indicates that neem bark causes significant decreases in gastric acid secretion (77%), as well as gastric secretion volume (63%) and pepsin activity (50%). That research may be particularly important for people with arthritis or other chronic pain. Along with its own anti-inflammatory compounds, neem may help counteract the gastric damage caused by pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Neem appears to be SAFE for most adults, when taken by mouth for a short period of time. When neem is taken in large doses or for long periods of time, it might be UNSAFE. It might harm the kidneys and liver.
Neem use is considered SAFE, provided you...
only use neem seed oil externally,
don't take any neem products internally if you are trying to conceive a child (this applies to women and men!) or when pregnant.
don't attempt to treat fever in children with neem.
Never give neem in any form to children with fever or viral illnesses. Neem contains Aspirin like substances and like Aspirin it can lead to Reye syndrome.
There is no data or experiences that indicate any negative side effects from using fresh or dried neem leaves (unless you are pregnant/trying to conceive). But any medicinal herb should be ingested with caution.
Children: Internal use of Neem is UNSAFE for children. Serious side effects in infants and small children can happen within hours after taking neem oil. These serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and death.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Neem oil and neem bark are UNSAFE to use during pregnancy. They can cause a miscarriage. (You can still use neem soap, neem shampoo, lotions, etc. and of course you can still spray it in the garden. And yes, of course you can eat the sprayed produce, too. That's not like ingesting capsules of the stuff. Just don't drink the spray...)
"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Neem might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using neem.
Diabetes: There is some evidence that neem can lower blood sugar levels and might cause blood sugar to go too low. If you have diabetes and use neem, monitor your blood sugar carefully. It might be necessary to change the dose of your diabetes medication.
Reduced ability to have children (infertility): There is some evidence that neem can harm sperm. It might also reduce fertility in other ways. If you are trying to have children, avoid using neem.
Organ transplant: There is a concern that neem might decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to prevent organ rejection. Do not use neem if you have had an organ transplant.
Surgery: Because neem might lower blood sugar levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using neem at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Pets and animals: Some studies on laboratory rats did show negative neem side effects (again mostly related to reproduction) when neem seed oil was taken internally. Those rats were fed considerable amounts of neem oil on a daily basis. The neem side effects were reversible, meaning they disappeared when the animals stopped taking neem. Don't treat any animals that are pregnant, or that you are trying to breed. Otherwise the use of dilute neem oil products (including neem soap and neem shampoo) on pets is considered safe.
Gardening: The EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) says neem is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food products. They even exempted their typical requirement for maximum pesticide residues on agricultural products. If there are no restrictions regarding maximum allowable residues for farmers, then you also don't have to worry about residues from your neem spray in your vegetable garden. Yes, neem spray is safe. Much safer than all the other sprays you ingest with conventionally grown produce!
Be cautious with this combination
Lithium interacts with NEEM
Neem might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking neem might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with NEEM
Neem might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking neem along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with NEEM
Neem might increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, neem might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
Here are some different Neem reviews taken from the web that highlighting some of the health benefits of using Neem:
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5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, August 27, 2010
By
ladylulu from Sacramento
I have suffered from really large cystic acne for years and when I went on vacation to another country, it just went crazy. My face broke out to a whole other level and it was painful. By chance, I happened to see the Himalaya Herbal Neem and Tumeric soap bar. Originally, this was to be for my body and not my face. But at the hotel I could not find my facial soap so I used this as a last measure. I saw a difference immediately. My skin was glowing and looked smoother. By the second week, the inflammation on my skin had reduced. Then, I noticed that the cystic acne stopped forming and the old ones were going away. On top of that, I was suffering from eczema and once I started using that soap, my skin started healing. And, of course, no more bacne!!!!!
I have been using it for almost two months and the cystic acne or bacne has not returned. I have gotten a few small pimples probably due to hormones but they are so little and go away after a few days. My acne no longer lasts for days or scar my face.
Now all I see are the scars from the years of continuous cystic acne. I have used so many products that you can think of from the dermatologist, natural remedies, diet changes, and even going to the facial spa to get peels and the like. I spent thousands of dollars on any cure......
This is the only thing that has helped--without the weird side effects, I should add. I also started taking the neem pills from this line but I will post another review on that.
It has not dried out my skin and only made it look better. My bottom line is: try it. It may work for you or it may not...but it worked for me so it is worth a shot.
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5.0 out of 5 stars works well for athlete's foot, itching, and redness, May 29, 2010
By
J. Myers (Seattle, Washington)
I've been using this neem skin salve for 2 months - it has worked well against moderate athlete's foot (rubbed into feet every morning after careful drying), itching from dry winter skin, bug bites, and hives, and redness (pimples, hives, bites). I'm trying it for skin discoloration, and on some older scars as well, where it seems to be making a difference after a few weeks. Unlike some other neem products, this has a very mild scent. The consistency is close to petroleum jelly, as another reviewer has mentioned, but this contains no petroleum products.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars I love this shampoo!, July 29, 2009
By
JCK777 "wiser-than-before" (pa)
I bought this shampoo to help with rosacea, since the neem oil is reputed to kill the skin mites often connected with the rosacea rash. In conjunction with neem soap, it seems to be working, but after using this shampoo I'd recommend it for general use anyway. It is a gentle, nicely lathering shampoo that gets right down to the scalp. It contains no chemical ingredients and, to my surprise, leaves my usually thin and limp hair very soft, managable, and full -- without any conditioner. Although it seems rather pricey at first glance, it comes in a more generously sized bottle than most shampoos, and a little bit goes a long way. This is THE best shampoo I've ever used. Highly recommended.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for itches, January 25, 2011
By
C. Pasquariello "illhonky" (New York, NY USA)
My step daughter brought home scabies from someone at her school and it quickly spread to everyone in our house. After using a prescription to wipe out the mites, we were told the itching would persist for about 6 more weeks (as the antihistamines slowly leave the skin). We bought this after trying many, many, many over-the-counter "anti-itch" creams to help with the constant itching. This skin salve was the ONLY product that worked. I can not explain in words how good it felt to go to bed and fall right asleep. The frustration of waking up every 45 minutes, to find yourself scratching in your sleep, was taking a serious toll on our quality of life; I had not gotten a good night sleep for over 3 weeks until we got this product. It worked immediately and, with only one application before bed, we've been sleeping soundly ever since... This has also "healed" most of the red bumps and sores on our skin; everyone realized a noticeable reduction in their bumps after using this for 2 days.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Luv it!, December 5, 2009
By
I. singh "I. singh" (california)
I have very sensitive skin and an mild acne...and knew from reading about the neem plant what it can do for your skin. However, it is hard to find an all natural product that contains neem in an easy to use product that you can travel with in America. I hope that the product or the seller [stays in business]...I will probably buy it for a long time to come. Although the product itself comes in four little tins it lasts a long time....
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Really Liked It!, July 13, 2010
By
Nana
Over the past few months I developed a really itchy scalp and little raw spots started appearing. I have no allergies and have never had anything like this before. I've used quite a bit of product on my hair - shampoo, conditioner, styling gel and hairspray, and have been using the same popular brands for years - none of them organic or natural. At first I tried shampooing with T-Gel, but it made no difference and that coal tar smell was nasty. So I got on line and started doing a little research on scalp conditions and Neem oil kept popping up as a healthy, natural hair and scalp treatment. I ordered a couple of bottles of Neem Hair Shampoo, and within less than two weeks, my scalp is completely normal. It is thinner than regular shampoo so it covers the scalp, and I leave it on for the recommended 3-5 minutes before rinsing. No longer need any conditioner - my fine hair feels silky, but it's not limp... It's a really terrific product. My husband has a little psoriasis, so he's been using the shampoo, and ordered some Neem oil as well. He's seen a real improvement. Highly recommend this.
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