Neem Leaves 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Neem Leaves – 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
Although scientific research into neem is in its beginning stages, it shows promise for several aspects of health, including blood sugar management, as well as benefits for your hair, skin, teeth, liver, and kidneys.

Keep in mind that further human studies are necessary.

A 2020 overview of research suggests that neem has the following effects:

• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• anticancerous
• antidiabetic

A 2022 literature review also suggests that neem has antiarthritic and antimicrobial activities. A 2024 article notes that, based on preclinical studies and clinical trials, neem may be a promising complementary treatment option for certain medical conditions, such as:

• cancer
• diabetes
• skin diseases, such as psoriasis
• stomach ulcers

Antioxidant  According to a 2021 article, various studies have shown that neem’s antioxidant properties are related to polyphenols and compounds such as azadirachtin and nimbin.

The 2020 overview of research suggests that various studies have tested the antioxidant effect of neem and its effect on the body’s natural defenses. The authors note that studies on rats demonstrated that extracts of potential compounds of neem were able to boost the body’s natural defenses. Neem’s impressive health-related properties don’t stop there. Scientists have found the strong antioxidant plant pigment called quercetin in neem.^[11] This and other compounds act as free radical scavengers, picking up harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) throughout the body. Neem also reduced premature cell death (apoptosis) of healthy cells, while helping to destroy harmful cells.^[11] Researchers have found neem can be an effective tool for promoting good health.^[2] It’s easy to see why neem is known as a “wonder tree.”

Anti-Inflammatory  Previous research suggests that limonoid, a compound found in neem, inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators in the body, reducing inflammation. It may also provide pain relief. The authors of the review state that the anti-inflammatory properties found in certain compounds in neem play an important role in the herb’s anticancer and antidiabetic properties.

Anti-Cancerous  A 2022 literature review notes that neem may have the potential to help treat prostate cancer when used alone or in combination with conventional treatment options, such as chemotherapy. The authors suggest that neem and neem-based products can interfere with the processes that cause prostate cancer cell incidence, progression, and resistance to chemotherapy. The authors state the need for clinical studies.

Anti-Diabetic  Studies on rats found that the leaf and bark extract of neem had a similar effect on glucose compared to insulin.

Additionally, a 2020 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study found that neem significantly improved high blood sugar levels and inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes.

Dental, Oral Health  A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis notes that neem is one of the most common herbal ingredients used in oral care products and is more commonly used in South Asian countries. This is because of its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The authors found that herbal toothpastes, such as those containing neem, were as effective as toothpastes that did not contain herbal ingredients at reducing dental plaque. However, the authors emphasize that the evidence is from low quality studies.

Before you could buy toothbrushes on store shelves, Ayurvedic practitioners recommended their patients use neem twigs to clean their teeth, relieve painful toothaches, and prevent gum disease. Perhaps it’s no surprise to learn that neem bark is an active ingredient in several natural oral health products, from toothpaste to mouthwash. Neem’s anti-bacterial properties help limit bacterial growth in the mouth, reducing the risk of swollen gums (gingivitis), bad breath (halitosis), and even more serious dental issues like plaque buildup and tooth decay.^[8]

Chewing neem bark to promote oral hygiene is a common practice in India (13). Neem’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties may promote oral health. Although more research is needed, studies indicate that neem may relieve pain and help treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay (3).

Test-tube studies suggest that neem may minimize bacteria’s ability to colonize the surface of your teeth, thus reducing plaque formation (14). Plus, in a 21-day study including 45 people with gingivitis, neem mouthwash was found to be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash — a heavy duty prescription mouthwash — at reducing gum bleeding and plaque (15).

Digestion  Neem has long been used to help promote gut health and digestion. In the Ayurvedic tradition, the tree’s bark is used to help different stomach ailments, including gas and bloating. Modern research has verified that neem extract has gastroprotective properties: a 2004 study demonstrated that 30-60 mg of the extract, taken twice a day, had a positive impact on stomach ulcers.^[3]

Cleansing & Detoxification  Neem’s support for digestive health extends one step further than just helping your digestion. It turns out the tree’s bark may help defend against intestinal invaders. Neem offers significant activity against various types of harmful organisms, especially those that affect the digestive system. By promoting good bacteria (probiotics) while deterring harmful ones, neem supports a healthy and happy gut.

Liver, Kidney   Neem’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight oxidative stress, which may in turn promote liver and kidney health. Oxidative stress is caused by a buildup of unstable molecules called free radicals. Although your body naturally produces free radicals as a byproduct of metabolism, external sources increase their presence.

Some drugs, including cancer medication, painkillers, and antipsychotics, may contribute to oxidative stress, leading to tissue damage in your liver and kidneys (16). Interestingly, one study on rats found that neem leaf reduced liver damage induced by high-dose acetaminophen (17). Another rat study showed similar effects, suggesting that neem improved kidney tissue damage caused by chemotherapy medication (18).

Skin Health  Although there is a lack of evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness, people have been using neem to help treat many skin conditions, including:

• acne
• eczema
• impetigo
• chicken pox
• psoriasis
• itching
• scabies

Neem may be beneficial in treating wounds and some skin infections due to its antimicrobial properties.

Neem seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. Collectively, these fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that promote healthy skin (19). Keep in mind that while Ayurvedic medicine — an Indian traditional healing system — uses neem to treat psoriasis and eczema, very few scientific studies support these claims (20).

Neem is also known for its skin-enhancing benefits. Practitioners of Siddha medicine, a traditional practice from Southern India and Sri Lanka, added neem oil to herbal combinations or made neem soap to help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, and even leprosy.^[4] You may find neem oil listed as an ingredient in many natural cosmetic, soap, and anti-aging products. Neem’s fatty acids, vitamins, and powerful antioxidants are the perfect trifecta to help rejuvenate the skin by diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.^[5]

Acne  Historically, neem has been used to treat acne, reduce blemishes, and improve skin elasticity (21). Indeed, studies suggest that neem oil’s antibacterial properties combat acne. A test-tube study showed that neem oil may aid long-term acne treatment when added to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), a new type of drug formulation that offers a stable release of active ingredients (21).

Ulcer, Wound Healing  Animal studies suggest that neem leaf accelerates wound healing through an increased inflammatory response and the formation of new blood vessels (8, 22). In a 2013, 34-day case study, applying 100 mg of neem oil topically twice daily completely healed chronic skin ulcers (23).

In another study, 6 people with intestinal ulcers took 30 mg of neem orally twice daily. After 10 days, acid secretion had declined significantly, and after 10 weeks, the ulcers were almost completely healed (24). A small study, but a very positive outcome and as a result human research is needed.

Hair Care  Neem’s benefits also extend to your hair, helping to make it stronger and fuller. Using a shampoo with neem oil helps improve scalp health through its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll see healthier hair follicles as a result. Those same properties curb dandruff by providing nourishment across the entire scalp and deter Candida, a fungus known to cause those pesky skin flakes.^[6] Neem can also help you rid yourself of every parent’s nightmare: lice. Topical lice products with neem oil have been shown to eradicate the adult lice in a single treatment — but not the nits (eggs), which you will still have to remove manually.^[7]

Neem may be able to reduce dandruff, which is a common scalp condition. A 2024 study using rats found that hair gel and leave-in tonics containing rosemary and neem extracts outperformed minoxidil, the standard treatment for dandruff.

Neem seed contains azadirachtin, an active compound that may fight parasites that affect hair and skin, such as lice. Azadirachtin works by disrupting parasite growth and interfering with reproduction and other cellular processes (9). In a study that tested the efficacy of a neem-based shampoo on head lice in children, leaving shampoo in the hair for 10 minutes killed the lice while being gentle on the skin (10, 11). Neem oil with nimbidin, may also treat dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dandruff and scalp irritation may result from fungal buildup on the scalp (8, 12).

Antimalarial   Neem contains active compounds called limonoids. A study in mice found that limonoids may be as effective at targeting malaria-infected cells as conventional treatments using chloroquine (2, 25). However, some test-tube studies show no positive effect of neem on malaria outcomes (26). Keep in mind that neem is not widely used to treat malaria at this time.

Natural Birth Control  Research suggests that neem may have anti-fertility effects, acting as a natural birth control. A study found that neem leaf extract has spermicidal (sperm-killing) action, reducing human sperm motility to near zero at a 3mg dose.^[9] Studies showed that applying neem oil intravaginally before sex prevented conception in rhesus monkeys, rats, and rabbits.^[10] Neem oil may prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg in humans, as well as lab animals. The anti-conception effects were completely reversed after its use stopped in studies.^[10] We don’t recommend relying on neem for birth control; always consult your healthcare provider.

Male Antifertility/Vasectomy  Neem has also been considered as an alternative to a vasectomy due to its anti-fertility effects. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that sterilizes people with testicles by stopping the release of sperm. Animal studies note that neem may immobilize and kill sperm with no long-term consequences (2, 4, 27).

WARNING: When using Neem, please be aware that it can dramatically reduce male fertility, even after 1 use. On the other hand, if a man wants to have a vasectomy, this presents an easier, non-surgical way to become infertile, potentially combined with barberry bark or fruit. If this seems to be a desirable route, consult a naturopath or herbal expert.

Diabetes Management  Some animal studies indicate that neem leaf extract may be a candidate for new diabetes medications (4, 5, 8). That’s because neem may help revive cells that produce insulin — the hormone that helps control blood sugar — and lower blood sugar levels (28). Human studies are needed.

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica
English: Neem, Margosa
Ayurvedic: Nimba, Nimbaka, Arishta, Arishtaphala
Unani: Aazaad-Darakht-e-Hindi
Also, known as: Abodua, Neeb, Neem, Neem Sikha, Nim, Nim Tree, Nimba, Nimbatikta, Nimbam, Aforo Oyinbo, Anwe Egyane, Aryaveppu, Arista, Arulundi, Azad Dirakht, Azadarakht, Azedarach, Balantanimba, Bakan, Bead Tree, Bevinama, Bevu, Bewina Mara, Bodetso, Bo-Nim, Bakayan, China Tree, Cót Anh, Darbejiya, Dogo Yaro, Dogo’n Yaro, Dogonyaro, Dogoyaro, Dongo Yaro, Dua Gyane, Gori, Vemu, Vembu, Vemmu, Vepa, Veppa, Veppam, Veppan, Gringging, Holy Tree, Igi-Oba, Imba, Indian Lilac, Indian Lilac Tree, Indian Neem Tree, Indian Sadao, Intaran, Isa-Bevu, Jaroud, Kadunimb, Kahibevu, Kingtsho, Kiswahhili, Kohhomba, Kwinin, Labkh, Lilac De Perse, Lilas Des Indes, Liliti, Limb, Limba, Limbado, Limado, Linigbe, Mahanim, Mahanimba, Mahnimu, Mak Tong, Margosa, Margosa Tree, Margose, Cape Lilac, Chajara Hourra, Chichaâne Arbi, China Berry, Marrar, Mimba, Mindi, Miro Tahiti, Mwarobaini, Nimgach, Nivaquine, Ogwu Akom, Kohumba, Koummar, Kuman Masar, Kuman Nasara, Oilevevu, Ouchi, Persian Lilac, Phak Ka Dão, Paaribhadra, Picumarda, Pichumarda, Pichumanda, Pichumandaka, Sa-Dao, Sa-Dao Baan, Sadao India, Sdau, Salien, Sandan, Sandannoki, Sãu Dâu, Senjed Talhk, Shajarat El Horrah, Shereesh, Sutiktak, Tâak, Tâakhak, Tiktaka, Touchenboku, Veppu, White Cedar, Xoan Dão, Zanzalakht, and Zaytoon
Habitat: India
Origin: India
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
Azadirachta indica is a straight deciduous tree, reaching a height of 6-25 m with a stout body and spreading branches, occurring throughout the country up to an altitude of 900 m. The tree is an evergreen, except in freezing temperature regions, has dark-green leaves and white or yellow fragrant blooms that produce yellow or purple fruit with a germ deep down. The first reported use of the neem was by the ancient Indian Harappa culture around 2500 B.C. It has been widely utilized in Ayurvedic, and Unani medicines worldwide, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent in the handling and prevention of various diseases. It was so popular in ancient India that some scholars think that, at that time, more than half of the Ayurvedic preparations contained neem as an ingredient. It is a largely accepted fact that numerous pharmacologically active drugs are derived from natural resources including medicinal plants. Dissimilar types of planning based on plants or their constituents are very popular in many countries in disease management. In this vista, neem, Azadirachta indica, a member of the Meliaceae family, commonly found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh has therapeutics implication in diseases curable and the formulation because neem is also applied to treat several diseases.

Leaves alternately arranged, pinnately compound, are 8-16-inch-long, with 15-30 medium to dark green leaflets about 1-3-inch long. The terminal leaflet often missing. The petioles are relatively short and slight flattened. The white and fragrant flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles which are astir to 10-inch long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third level, hold from 120-250 flowers. An individual flower is 0.23-inch long and 0.40 inches broad Protandrous, bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the same individual tree. The fruit is a smooth, glabrous olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe is 1.5-3 cm by 1-1.5 cm. The white, hard inner shell of the fruit encloses one, rarely two or three, elongated seeds (kernels) having a brown seed coat. Bark dark-brown, externally fissured, with a buff inner surface, fibrous fracture.

For centuries, the oil has been used in Asia for skin and hair care, the bark extract for mouth and gun inflammations, and the leaves as an insecticide. In countries where the neem grows, every part of the tree is used. In earlier times the patients suffering from incurable and chronic diseases were advised to live under neem and eat all parts of the tree Since it is considered cool in its outcome, patients were advised to keep off all things live in nature like animal products, alcohol, sex, spices, etc. Milk as a role of the diet was allowed. In the 19th century, a neem bark decoction was used for all types of fever, mainly malaria. Even today in the Indian sub-continent neem is a household name for treating skin diseases. It is a common practice to take a bath in the decoction of its leaves or to chew tender leaves as a blood purifier. The fatty oil obtained from the seed is applied externally for skin diseases or is mixed with other ingredients. The stem sap, which is sometimes exuded by the old neem tree, is very much esteemed for general physiological health. The leaves are added to animal feed for their high protein content, and the needs and leaves yield an insect repellent. The tree contains the chemical component azadirachtin, which interferes with the metamorphosis of insect larvae, preventing the larvae from getting further into purpose. Many leaf-chewing insects find the tree leaves so repulsive that they would rather die of starvation than eat the leaves. The seeds yield approximately 40 percent oil. The oil is an ingredient in toothpaste, lotions, and soaps.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.