The scientific name of neem is Azadirachtaindica. It is also known as Indian lilac and is a part of the mahogany family. These trees are native to the subcontinent of India with Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and even Maldives having these trees growing in the tropical regions. It is the fruit and the seeds of the need tree that are used to make neem oil that is used extensively. People also use neem leaves for various reasons. Dry Neem leaves powder is made from the dried leaves of the neem tree. The neem powder benefits are known to all.
What Is Neem?
Neem is a tree that grows in tropical areas and bears fruit. It can reach up to 25 mt in height and is usually evergreen. There are white flowers that are fragrant, while the fruit is like an olive. The neem leaves, fruit and seeds are used for various purposes – health, skin, as a vegetable, pest control, etc. Ayurveda gives us several uses of neem and these have been passed down to us through the generations.
Is Neem Good For Health?
Neem is known to be very good for health. The benefits of neem leaves and the uses of neem leaves are plenty. The plant in its various forms is used for eye disorders, stomach, diabetes, gum diseases and also liver problems. Neem oil powder or neem extract powder has been used over the ages to treat many problems of the human body.
Nutritional Facts Of Neem:
Indian neem powder has several benefits that work well for us. Neem has several antiviral as well as antibacterial properties. Neem contains antibacterial properties to make it taste very bitter. But it is this bitterness that kills the bacteria. The antiviral properties of neem are also as neem health benefits. Try neem powder for eating and see it greatly help you in your health issues. You can also use it as a natural insecticide. The antifungal properties of neem are also greatly used. Neem powder dosage should be taken into consideration before administering it to anyone. The advantages of neem are really a treasure trove.
How To Make Neem Powder At Home?
Neem leaves are mostly available in many households and societies. These grow well and so you can get the leaves for use whenever required. Another option is to buy readymade neem oil, neem powder or neem capsules. It is always a better option to use fresh or chemical-free products and so making neem powder at home is the best.
In order to make neem powder at home, all you need to do is get fresh neem leaves.
- Wash the leaves well and dry them on a flat surface. These make take a few days.
- Cover the leaves with a muslin cloth so that dust does not settle.
- Once completely dry, crush them lightly and the grind in the mixer to get a fine powder and store in an airtight jar for future use.
Read: Ways to Use Neem Leaves to Grow Hair
Amazing Health Benefits Of Neem Powder:
Here we enlisted 16 wonderful neem powder benefits for health, hair and skin. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Antibacterial Properties:
Neem powder has anti-bacterial properties that help to heal many health issues. It kills the internal parasites and thus it is consumed by many as a neem powder tea or in the form of supplements. There are compounds in neem that inhibit the parasites from feeding on the human bacteria, and this reduces their growth. So in cases of nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, it is a good choice for many people.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- You can consume neem supplements that are filled with neem powder.
- These can be taken as daily supplements as well.
- Please look at the instructions on the box.
2. Anti-inflammatory Agent:
The anti-inflammatory properties of Neem leaves are among the best. It is used as neem oil for treating most kinds of arthritis pain. Neem oil uses are plenty and are usually put on joints and muscles that ache due to arthritis. You will see the Neem oil benefits when you massage it over the painful areas. When you use this on a regular basis you will also find it to help with movement.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- You can have neem powder in the form of capsules that are easy to take.
- Have one capsule a day to help with the joint and muscle pain.
3. Anti-Cancer Properties:
There seems to be a way in which neem can act against cancer. Scientists have found out a phytochemical which is from the leaves and the flowers of the neem tree called Nimbolide which helps to cure cancer. This is something that works on many cancers but the drug has not been commercially made. Once the hurdles found in making it work on the human body are sorted, then the drug can be safely manufactured.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- Right now there are no scientific backed ways in which we can use neem.
- Just having neem capsules can give you some strength and health but not to cure cancer.
4. Increases Blood Circulation:
Neem is a very good source of benefit that helps to regulate your blood flow. The circulation of blood may be hindered due to several factors. Having neem oil benefits can be seen in many patients. You can consume the neem oil in capsule form or as a neem powder. Either way, the neem helps to increase the blood circulation and bring back your hormone levels.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- You can have 2 or 3 leaves of neem every day either directly or mixed with honey for sweetness.
- Have this every day on an empty stomach.
5. Used In Aromatherapy:
Neem powder for skin is something that is now used in aromatherapy. Even though most oils and fragrances used in aromatherapy have fragrances that are sweet-smelling, neem is not one of them. The advantage of neem is that it has antibacterial properties which help in aromatherapy. It protects the skin and heals it too. This is the reason why neem works great in aromatherapy and people are seeing its benefits of it.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- You will need to go to a certified aromatherapist to help you with this.
- Neem oil is used in this case.
6. Improves Gastric Health:
Gastric problems creep up in many people of all ages. Yoghurt can be in the form of ulcers or even gastritis. Consuming neem helps to protect the stomach by removing toxins and other bad bacteria. Neem leaves also help to cure heartburn and also indigestion. Keeping your gastric health happy is easy with neem and its products. So take care with the help of neem powder or neem leaves.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- You can have a tablespoon of neem juice thrice a day for cases of diarrhoea.
- Use neem powder with a few black peppers for constipation.
7. Controls Diabetes:
The advantages of neem leaves are best seen in the case of diabetes. It lowers the sugar levels and this keeps diabetes in check. If you have type-2 diabetes you can include it in your food to keep the blood glucose level in check. Having neem leaves regularly can also delay the start of diabetes in people who may be prone to it. The properties of neem increase the insulin functionality in the body and this ensures that the body receives the right amount of insulin.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- You can have neem powder in capsule form or fresh leaves first thing in the morning.
- Do this on empty stomach to get all the benefits.
8. Treats Malaria:
Neem juice benefits can be seen in the treatment of malaria. Having neem can help to stop the development of gamete in people affected by malaria. When you consume neem leaf extract it helps to increase the oxidation of the red blood cells. This, in turn, prevents the malaria virus from growing. You will feel your fever lowering and your appetite increasing. This will help you to recover faster as the body can fight the infection.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- Have neem leaf extract in the form of capsules as prescribed by the doctor.
- It can be taken as a precautionary dose too.
9. Helps To Cure Leprosy:
Leprosy can be a very painful and disfiguring disease that affects people. The diarrhoea is now not as common as there have been many medical changes in the field. As leprosy is a skin disease, neem leaf powder has been used for its cure and healing process. The antibacterial properties of neem give the skin a soothing effect. They also help to kill any bacteria that grow.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- Make a paste from the neem plant with the leaves and apply this paste to the affected areas.
- This will help in the healing of the disease.
Read: Top Benefits of Using Neem Oil
10. Cures Asthma:
Asthma is a very grave condition that a lot of people suffer from. The inability to breathe easily is quite a dreadful feeling and even kids are affected by it. Neem powder benefits have been seen in patients with asthma. The neem powder uses are many and so are neem oil uses. For asthma, neem oil is very beneficial. You can have a few drops a day and this will help to even clear the phlegm and control the cough.
How To Consume Neem Powder For Health Problems:
- Taking neem oil in the form of capsules or directly every day will greatly help with controlling asthma attacks.
Top 3 Neem Powder For Skin Benefits:
Here we enlisted 3 Best neem leaf powder for skin. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Treats Acne:
Acne is a painful problem that people with oily skin face especially during puberty. The oil glands trap dirt and form a painful boil that bursts. The treatment of acne can be found in neem. Neem has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that work against acne. The neem leaf powder benefits can be seen in the creams made from it.
How To Apply Neem Powder or Paste For Skin Problems:
Ingredients
- Neem powder.
- Yoghurt.
- Fuller’s earth.
- Water.
How To Do:
- Make a paste and apply it on the affected areas or on the entire face.
- Rinse it off after it dries.
How Often Should I Do This?
- You can repeat this process 2 or 3 times a week.
2. Prevents Aging:
Neem leaf powder uses can also be seen in the overall ageing process of a person. Having neem powder internally takes care of the digestive system and this, in turn, gives the face a clear look. You can also use neem powder to make a facial pack that works wonders. It clears the skin of blemishes and acne.
How To Apply Neem Powder or Paste For Skin Problems:
Ingredients
- Neem powder.
- Curd.
How To Do:
Make a paste and apply it all over the face. Once dry, rinse off.
How Often Should I Do This?
- Repeat this once a week for great results.
3. Treats Wounds And Rashes:
Wounds and rashes are skin problems that have bacteria in them. The antibacterial property of neem helps to treat wounds quickly. You will see the neem bark powder benefits for these problems. The health benefits of neem powder work great on skin rashes as the growth of bacteria is hindered.
How To Apply Neem Powder or Paste For Skin Problems:
- Ingredients.
- Neem powder.
- Water / Base cream.
How To Do:
- Mix neem powder in a base cream or plain water and apply to the affected areas.
How Often Should I Do This?
- Apply it for a few days till the wound heals.
Read: Homemade Neem Face Packs You can try at home
Top 3 Neem Powder For Hair Benefits:
Here we enlisted 3 best neem powder for hair benefits. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Cure Dandruff:
Neem powder for hair is used extensively by all. Neem oil and its extracts are used in many shampoos and soaps as it has antifungal as well as antibacterial properties. As Neem works as a tonic, the antioxidant content keeps the hair strong and thus clears dandruff. It is also good for keeping the scalp hydrated thus keeping dandruff at bay.
How To Apply Neem Powder or Paste For Hair Problems:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp neem powder.
- Water/curd.
How To Do:
- Mix both the neem powder with enough curd to form a paste.
- Apply this on the scalp and keep for half an hour.
- Wash off with plain water.
How Often Should I Do This?
- This treatment can be done twice a month.
2. Head Lice Treatment:
Lice are insects that live and breed on the human scalp. Once they are present on the scalp it is quite difficult to remove them. Neem leaf powder’s health benefits extend to the hair as well as the properties stop the lice from breeding. This keeps the eggs from hatching as well.
How To Apply Neem Powder or Paste For Hair Problems:
Ingredients:
- Neem powder.
- Water.
How To Do:
- Make a paste and apply it to the scalp.
- Once it dries, wash your hair well.
How Often Should I Do This?
- Do this on alternate days or at least thrice a week for best results.
3. Helps Prevent Baldness:
Neem is not only good for the skin but it also helps hair growth. The problem of hair fall and ultimately baldness is seen in so many men. Women too suffer from premature baldness. Neem works well to increase hair growth too. Using the paste of neem on the scalp will help the roots of the hair to be strong and grow well.
How To Apply Neem Powder or Paste For Hair Problems:
Ingredients:
- Neem powder.
- Water.
How To Do:
- Make a paste of the powder and water and apply it to the scalp.
- Keep for about half an hour and then wash off.
How Often Should I Do This?
- Do this twice a week.
Neem Powder Side Effects:
Though neem is used for many things like – neem powder for teeth, neem powder for face benefits, etc. there are also some side effects.
- The neem side effects can be vomiting, drowsiness, seizures or even diarrhoea. These are usually when neem powder or oil is consumed internally.
- During pregnancy, neem oil may cause a miscarriage as well. So it is better to take neem in small quantities and check for any adverse reactions.
- Neem leaves side effects that can give you some problems so always do a test beforehand. If neem works on you then it is one of the best natural ways to treat many ailments.
Neem has been used for ages to treat many illnesses and for overall health. These medicines have been passed down through the generations and we still see the good benefits of it. So using neem or neem powder is a great way to stay healthy. You have seen all the various ways in which neem has to be good for you. So do give it a try and keep your family and yourself in good health. Treatment for hair and skin can also be found through neem powder.