The Benefits of Ayurveda – Neem

In Ayurveda, neem is a popular medicinal herb. The benefits of Ayurveda and neem are well know to medicine men of India. I was used as an Indian traditional medicine for over 5000 years. Also known as Azadirachta Indica in English or ‘Neemba’ in Sanskrit, the neem tree is one of natures pharmacies. It contains more than 130 biologically active compounds.

Its an effective antimicrobial and a powerful immuno-stimulant. Neem is also traditionally used to:

• purify the blood,
• prevent free radical damage in the body,
• remove toxins,
• treat insect bites and ulcers.

Scientifically proven benefits of Neem

Dental Health

Neem may help fight plaque buildup and prevent gingivitis.
In a 2017 study, 20 subjects were given mouthwash with either chlorhexidine gluconate, a substance commonly used to prevent gum disease or neem. The researchers found neem mouthwash was as effective as the medication and suggest neem may be a cost-effective alternative to chlorhexidine gluconate treatments.

In another study published in 2004 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology participants were assigned to six weeks of treatment with either a gel containing neem extract or mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate. The results showed that the neem-based gel was more effective in reducing plaque buildup than the mouthwash.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research in 1999 showed that chewing neem sticks helped protect against the buildup of bacteria associated with cavity formation and periodontal disease.

Prevent Gastric Ulcers

A 2009 report in Phytotherapy Research shows that Neem is effective in the treatment of gastric ulcers. Scientists concluded that neem bark extract may help aid in ulcer control possibly by inhibiting the secretion of gastric acids.

Cancer

A 2011 research review published in Cancer Biology & Therapy indicates that neem may offer anti-cancer benefits. This includes immune-stimulating and tumor-suppressing properties. However, there is currently a lack of clinical trials testing the effectiveness of neem in the prevention or treatment of cancer.

Mosquito Repellent

In a small 2015 study on six male volunteers, researchers tested neem oil to compare its mosquito-repellent properties with those of DEET mosquito repellent. A concentration of 20% neem oil provided 70% protection for 3 hours between dusk and dawn.

DEET provided a similar level of protection, but it lasted for about 8 hours.

In a field study that took place in Guinea-Bissau, burning neem leaves provided 76% protection against mosquitoes for 2 hours.

However the research is currently inconclusive on how effective neem oil is as a mosquito repellent, so people living in or traveling to areas where mosquitoes carry diseases should not rely on it alone.

Kills Head Lice

A number of studies also show that shampoos containing neem oil help treat head lice. In a 2011 study published in Parasitology Research, scientists used a neem-based shampoo on 12 children with head lice. They found that a one-time, 10-minute treatment with the shampoo destroyed all head lice. Repeating the experiment with eight other children, the study’s authors observed that a one-time, 20-minute treatment delivered similar results. What’s more, several other studies suggest that that neem-based shampoo may get rid of head lice and their eggs without triggering any side effects.

And if that’s not impressive NEEM is also a Skin Saviour

Acne Relief

Compounds found in neem oil called “azadirachtins” possess insecticidal or antimicrobial properties. It can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Neem is used to treat acne. But because neem is also anti-inflammatory it instantly reduces the size of pimples while its antimicrobial effects prevents pimples. Hence products containing appropriate concentrations of Neem like our Detox Face Mask can seem to cure spots instantly.

Prevents Scaring

Neem oil contains several fatty acids that are beneficial to the skin, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. Therefore neem can heal acne and blemishes without scarring.

This is why we use Neem Oil and Neem Leaf Extract in Organic Apoteke products.

Organic Apoteke’s Active Range – Active Face Cleanse Gel, Active Face Hydrate Gel and Detox Face Mask – which is for oily, acne prone skin contains neem oil and leaf extract. These products harness the potent effects of this wonderful plant to leave you blemish free and radiant.