Uses for Neem Extract

Neem is an evergreen tree native to India. For thousands of years its seeds, bark and leaves have been used for their medicinal properties. Neem extract is used extensively in homeopathic medicine as well as traditional medicine. Its antiviral, antibacterial and immune-boosting properties make it useful for many applications.

Crop Protection

• Neem extract is a natural solution to pest control.

  Neem oil is used to protect crops against insects, pests, fungi and viruses. It is effective in the control of more than 600 types of pests, and is ideal pest control because while it kills off unwanted pests and disease, neem oil is safe for humans, birds, cattle and honey bees. The Drugs website reports that neem seed extract was also shown to be effective against lice.

Antifungal

• Neem extract is effective in treating fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and the Candida virus, an organism that causes thrush and yeast infections. Neem is also used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. According to the Drugs website, neem and tumeric paste as well as extracts of neem in propylene glycol have been shown to work in the treatment of scabies as well.

Anti-Inflammatory

• A component of neem called Nimbidin has been show to contain anti-inflammatory and anti arthritis activity. According to the Drugs website, studies of the extract of neem seeds and bark shows it is effective in treating ulcers because of this anti-inflammatory action. Clinical studies show that duodenal ulcers have improved after taking neem bark extract for a 30-day period. Neem has also been used to relieve inflamed joints and reduce pain caused by arthritis.

Antioxidant

• Neem extract boosts antioxidant activity which helps the body fight against colds.

  Neem is used to boost the body's immune system. Neem has been shown to be active against several types of cancer cells, such as colon, stomach, liver, prostate, skin and breast cancer. It does this by boosting the body's antioxidant levels which kills free radicals in our body. Free radicals damage other cells and cause a series of disorders like cancer, liver damage and cardiovascular disease.

  Neem is also used to prevent colds and other dangerous viruses from developing in the body by boosting lymphocytic and cell-mediated systems in the body. These systems kill viruses, microbes and cancer cells. Extracts from the neem leaf are used to prevent the development of the malaria virus. It has not been shown to prevent malaria once it is in the body however.

Dental

• Neem twigs have been used as a toothbrush for years in rural India.

  In rural parts of India, neem is used to clean teeth because its antimicrobial properties help to reduce plaque gingivitis. Chewing on neem twigs is believed to aid in preventing tooth decay, periodontal diseases, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums and infection.

Stress Relief

• Low doses of neem extract are used to reduce anxiety and stress due to its sedative effects. However, higher doses -- 400 to 800 mg per kg of body weight-- lose the sedative effects.

Prevention of Heart Disease

• Neem leaf extracts are used to decrease the risk of heart disease because the extract reduces clotting and high blood pressure. It also aids in regulating rapid or irregular heart rhythms.

Warnings

• The seeds of the neem tree are poisonous when taken in large doses. Neem extract has not been tested in children and so it is not recommended for pediatric use. Severe poisoning has been reported in infants given neem oil.