As most of us know, neem is a natural herb. Also known as Azadirachta indica and Indian lilac, in India, neem has been used for different medicinal uses, but mostly it is used in hair and dental products. However, many of us do not like to consume it despite its numerous benefits, all thanks to its bitter taste. But have you ever wondered about the sweet health benefits that neem offers?
Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya, in her latest Instagram post, revealed that the best part of neem is that all its parts, the root, stem, leaves, gum, seeds and oil, can be used for health purposes. Since it is bitter and astringent in taste, it is best for acidity, urinary and skin diseases.
Benefits of neem
Here’s listing down a few important benefits of neem:
- Improves digestion
- Relieves exhaustion and fatigue
- Relieves cough and thirst
- Cleanses and heals wounds
- Good for urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Relieves nausea and vomiting
- Helps reduce Inflammation
- Balances pitta and increases vata
- Is good for eyes
Also, read: Neem paste is THE antioxidant booster your skin needs! Try 4 ways to apply it
How can you use neem externally?
According to Dr Savaliya, neem can be used externally in a variety of ways. She mentions a few of them in her post:
1. Paste or lepa
Neem powder (mixed with other herbs or alone) can be made into paste with water or honey, and can be over the skin or wound in the form of paste.
2. Bathing
Neem powder/neem leaves can be added to hot water and can be used to take a bath.
3. Dandruff
The same neem water can be used to wash hair once it’s cooled down. Always remember that hot water shouldn’t be used for hair wash.
4. Herbal tea (Kashaya)
Neem water decoction can be used to wash during infection. It can an also be used for sitz bath in peri anal abscess, infected anal fistula or hemorrhoids.
5. Acne
Neem powder can be mixed with other anti-acne herbs like chandan, rose, turmeric, manjistha, licorice and applied on the face as a face pack.
How Neem can be used Internally
Dr Savaliya suggests ways to use neem internally:
1. For detoxification, chew 7-8 neem leaves for 2 weeks, take 1-2 neem tablets for a month, or drink 10-15 ml of neem juice for 2-3 weeks.
2. Neem twigs can be used to brush teeth.
Keep in mind that neem can be consumed in any form (pills, powder, juice) for diabetes, skin issues, heat issues, immunity, and fever depending on the patient’s condition. However, pregnant women, infants, or children apart from anyone trying to conceive should not consume neem.