WHAT IS NEEM FOR: 10 PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS - GEOGRAFÍA - 2025

The neem (Azadirachta indica) is an evergreen that can reach 20 meters high and growing throughout India and nearby regions, where it is grown for commercial purposes. It is also known as nimba, its flowers are white and its fruits yellow and in naturopathy it is one of the best purifiers and cleansers of the blood.

Due to its healing properties and medicinal benefits, almost the entire part of the tree is used as traditional medicine in many countries. The stem, root and fruits are used as tonics and astringents.

Neem Tree Leaves, By Jose Taboad Arteg, from Wikimedia Commons

The leaves are used to treat ulcer or worm infections, for cardiovascular diseases or even for leprosy. Indian farmers have also used it as a pesticide and insect repellent.

In India it has also been used to brush teeth and in the West its greatest interest is its ability to combat diabetes and as a non-toxic insecticide.

Currently, it has begun to be cultivated in other subtropical areas, such as Florida and various companies in the USA have begun to offer products based on neem, both for health purposes and non-toxic pesticides.

Regarding research, you can find more than 2000 investigations and approximately 50 patents.

Chemical properties

Neem seeds contain around 10% oil, mainly made up of glycerides. It has a garlic smell and contains 2% more than 50 tetranortriterpenoids: azadirachtin, nimbolide, nimbidinic acid, azadirone, nimbine, nimbidol, nimbinin, margolene, mahmoodin, salanin, meldenin…

-Azadirachtin is the most powerful insecticidal component of this tree.

-Nimbidol fights tuberculosis and protozoa.

-Nimbidin has antibacterial properties and helps to treat ulcers and arrhythmia, also having analgesic properties.

-Nimbine is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antihistamine.

-Quercetin is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial.

-The leaves contain quercetin, gallic acid, catechin, carotene and ascorbic acid.

What it is for: Benefits

1-Diabetes

In India it has been used for a long time to lower blood sugar; They take it both in capsules and by chewing its leaf.

If taken after a meal, it can reduce sugar by up to 50%.

Although it is not clear how it works, it is believed that it can increase insulin secretion, allowing sugar to enter cells and reduce it in the blood.

So if you have diabetes and use it, it can cause your blood to drop too low. You will need to closely monitor your sugar levels and may need to change the dose of your medication.

2-Strengthen the immune system

Neem contains compounds that increase the body's ability to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

Increases the number of leukocytes and activates NK cells.

It is also a good remedy for the common cold.

3-Prevent cancer and AIDS

It is believed that due to its ability to strengthen the immune system, it can help prevent cancer or AIDS.

4-Cardiovascular diseases

Along with diabetes, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

One of its components, nimbidin, is a vascular dilitator, which reduces high blood pressure.

It can also prevent cardiovascular accidents as it prevents the accumulation of platelets.

5-Pesticide / insecticide

It is a natural remedy to repel mosquitoes and other insects such as ticks or fleas.

6-Oral health

Neem oil and extract contain strong antiseptic components that can kill bacteria that cause halitosis, tooth decay, and gum disease. It is an excellent natural remedy for brushing teeth and rinsing your mouth.

8-Anxiety and stress

Because neem can increase serotonin levels in the brain, it can help combat stress, anxiety, and depression.

9-Antifungal

Neem can kill the candida fungus, which thrives in an acidic and sugary environment.

10-stomach upset

It can reduce nausea and improve digestion by stimulating digestive juices.

11-Skin problems

The leaves can be used as a paste to treat skin conditions such as acne, rashes, psoriasis, or eczema.

The oil is used in India for dandruff, dry skin and to prevent wrinkles.

12-Antibacterial and antiviral

It is effective against bacterial infections such as salmonella, E.coli, and staphylococci.

13-Contraceptive and sexual health

Neem is known to reduce fertility in men and women without affecting libido. It works as a spermicide and can prevent sexual infections.

Contraindications and possible side effects

It is safe for most adults, although if taken for too long it can damage the liver and kidneys.

Special caution must be taken in:

- Children: taking neem seeds or oil can be unsafe for children. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, seizures, coma, loss of consciousness, or even death. Avoid in children.

- Pregnancy: it can be dangerous when taken orally during pregnancy, and can cause an abortion. Although not enough is known, avoid its use.

- Infertility: if you are trying to have a child, avoid using it.

- Surgery: because neem lowers blood sugar levels, it can interfere with controlling levels during an operation. To avoid complications, avoid its use 2 weeks before a possible operation.