Neem

Also known as:  Arishtha;  Neem Oil;  Neem Seed Oil;  Nimbin

Neem is a tropical, evergreen tree used as an Herb.  It is native to India and Burma.  Neem Oil is the Oil pressed from the seeds (Fruit) of a tree grown in lowland tropical areas.  Neem Oil comprises 20% of Neem Seeds.  The extract of Neem leaf is also used for therapeutic purposes.

Botanical Name

 Azadirachta indica from the Mahogany family.

Parts Used

 Seed Oil

 Leaf extract

Most of Neem’s beneficial properties are due to its minor components rather than its primary Fatty Acids.

Neem Oil is usually used topically as, although it is edible, its taste is extremely bitter.  Neem Leaf extract is used both topically and orally.

Digestive System

 Neem (leaf extract consumed orally) may alleviate Gastritis. 

 Neem (leaf extract consumed orally) may alleviate Heartburn. 

 Neem (leaf extract consumed orally) may alleviate Indigestion. 

 Neem (consumed internally) may kill Intestinal Parasites. 

 Neem (leaf extract consumed orally) may alleviate some types of Ulcers - Peptic (Ulcers - Gastric and Ulcers - Duodenal) by suppressing the Helicobacter pylori Bacteria that is responsible for many cases of Peptic Ulcers. 

Excretory System

 Neem (leaf extract or oil used as a constituent of Toothpaste or Mouthwashes or leaf extract consumed orally) may alleviate Halitosis. 

 Neem may alleviate some types of Urinary Tract Infections (by killing or suppressing some types of Detrimental Bacteria that cause Urinary Tract Infections): 

 Neem may alleviate Urethritis (by suppressing the Detrimental Bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis) that cause Urethritis). 

Immune System

 Neem (oil, seed or leaf  applied topically or leaf extract consumed orally) may alleviate Allergies (by minimizing the activity of Histamine during allergic reactions).  ^[1]

 Neem may suppresses or kill some forms of Bacteria - Detrimental including:

 Chlamydia trachomatis 

 Escherichia coli  ^[2]

 Gardnerella vaginalis 

 Helicobacter pylori 

 Klebsiella pneumoniae  ^[3]

 Neisseria gonorrhoeae  ^[4]

 Salmonella species

 Staphylococcus aureus  ^[5]

 Streptococcus pyogenes 

 Neem may inhibit several types of Fungi - Detrimental including: