Neem: What Ails You?
An exhaustive collection of common ailments that neem combats effectively, including references to clinical studies and detailed scientific research on neem.
B. Digestive Disorders
B1. Cleansing
Neem has been used for centuries in India for topical cleansing and healing. The Nimba in Neem alleviates the vitiation (impurities or corruption) of the blood, pitta and kapha (Dash, 2000).
Suggested Products:
Neem Bark Extract – 20 to 30 drops, twice a day
Neem Leaf Extract – 20 to 30 drops, twice a day
B2. Constipation
In the Ayurvedic tradition as well as tribal lore of the Uttar Pradesh region of Tibet and Nepal neem is the recommended treatment for hemorrhoids (Singh, 1988). Neem helps avoid hemorrhoids by soothing the bowel and avoiding constipation by promoting elimination of waste. Neem works wonders in treating digestive disorders like diarrhoea, dysentry, hyperacidity and constipation. The acrid, astringent, stomatic action of neem helps cure disorders (Neem Foundation, 1999).
Suggested Products:
Neem Leaf Powder - Mix ¼ a teaspoon with 3-4 black pepper given thrice daily acts as a laxative and demulcent.
B3. Diarrhoea and Dysentery
Neem works wonders in treating digestive disorders like Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Hyperacidity and constipation. The acrid, astringent, stomatic action of neem helps cure disorders (Neem Foundation, 1999).
Suggested Products:
Dried Neem Leaf - Grind dried neem leaf in a mixer. Mix 1 tablespoon with sugar thrice a day.
B4. Gastritis
Research has shown that neem has anti-inflammatory benefits which may decrease irritation and pain as well as providing well known anti-microbial benefits. Since we now know there are microbes involved in stomach irritation and ulcers, Neem may be useful in this area as well. Neem is also an anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) with similar efficacy to diazepam - Valium (Smith, 2002).
Suggested Products:
Dried Neem Leaf - Use to make neem tea
Neem Leaf Extract – 20 to 30 drops, twice a day
B5. Heartburn
Neem works wonders in treating digestive disorders like Diarrhoea, Dysentry, Hyperacidity and constipation. The acrid, astringent, stomatic action of neem helps cure disorders (Neem Foundation, 1999).
Suggested Products:
Dried Neem Leaf and Neem Bark Powder - Ingestion of 2-5 neem leaves for a few days relieves nausea. Neem bark powder - 1 teaspoon in boiled 1 cup of plain water reduced to one fourth given for few days cures hyperacidity and reduces nausea.
B6. Hemorrhoids
In the Ayurvedic tradition as well as tribal lore of the Uttar Pradesh region of Tibet and Nepal neem is the recommended treatment for hemorrhoids (Singh, 1988). Neem helps avoid hemorrhoids by soothing the bowel and avoiding constipation by promoting elimination of waste. If hemorrhoids already exist, neem lotion or extract of neem bark applied topically to external hemorrhoids becomes a soothing and lubricating salve that also helps control bleeding and itching. It provides the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties desirable when treating hemorrhoids. During flare-ups, daily doses of neem tea twice a day will work their way through the digestive system to help avoid constipation and help reduce internal hemorrhoids.
Suggested Products:
Dried Neem Leaf - Use to make neem tea
Neem Bark Extract - 10 to 15 drops, twice a day
Neem Lotion - Apply liberally to affected area
B7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ingestion of neem leaf has been shown to help irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.
Suggested Product:
Neem Leaf Extract – 20 to 30 drops, twice a day
B8. Ulcers
Compounds in neem leaves have been proven to have anti-ulcerative effects (Garg and Bhakuni, 1984); (Garg, et al, 1991); (Pillai, et al, 1978a); (Pillai, et al, 1984). Oral doses of neem leaf gave significant protection against peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers and enhanced the healing process of gastric lesions (Santhakumari, 1984); (Garg, et al, 1993). Nimbidin from seed extracts taken orally prevented duodenal lesions and peptic ulcers. They provided significant reductions in acid output and peptic activity of gastric fluids (Pillai, et al, 1978a); (Pillai, et al, 1980). Neem seed extracts also showed significant healing effects from this compound for existing lesions.
Suggested Products:
Neem Leaf Extract - 25 to drops, twice a day
Neem Leaf Powder – 1 teaspoon, twice a day