Neem leaves form a significant part of Ayurvedic medicine. With over 140 active compounds, neem leaves can treat several issues. Let’s dive deep into understanding the many scientific benefits of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach!
Benefits of Neem Leaves
Neem leaves for hair health
Neem happens to be a popularly used ingredient in hair products. Neem contains Azadirachtin that disrupts parasite growth. A study indicated the benefits of neem as an effective anti-lice treatment. The participants of this study were lice-free post neem relief treatment.
One of the potential reasons behind dandruff can be fungal buildup. Studies have found that neem has antifungal properties. Hence, it acts as an excellent remedy to reduce dandruff.
Research highlights the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of neem in removing scalp dandruff as well. In addition, neem oil is also regarded as a stellar remedy to get rid of dandruff.
Neem leaves for skin
Acne-free skin is just one of the benefits of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach. Why do you think neem is the key ingredient in so many face washes? Studies have suggested that neem leaves have strong antibacterial properties, working wonders on infections, shaving burns and other skin concerns.
Chewing neem leaves daily can purge your blood of toxins and result in clear and radiant skin. To avail the benefits of drinking neem water, please make sure to boil some neem leaves and drink its strained water.
Moreover, studies show that neem has proved beneficial for itchy skin and conditions like Psoriasis.
Also read: Dry Amla benefits
Neem leaves boost your immune system
Neem leaves are rich in antimicrobials, antivirals and antioxidants that destroy bacteria and toxins in your body. Hence, chewing neem leaves is good news for your immune system.
Furthermore, research shows that neem leaves contain antioxidants that prevent damage caused by free radicals. What does this do? It helps prevent diseases like the common flu or heart complications.
Another benefit of drinking neem water is providing your body with those antioxidants in their most healthy form possible. Make sure to chew one or two neem leaves daily to boost immunity naturally.
Neem leaves improve digestion
Have you ever seen your nani chew a neem leaf in the morning? That’s because good digestion is one of the benefits of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach.
Consuming neem leaves daily can destroy dangerous bacteria in your stomach. This cleanses your colon and assists in smoother digestion.
Neem leaves for oral health
One often sees Indians chewing on twigs to clean their teeth. These twigs are almost always plucked from neem trees! Neem’s antibacterial and antifungal properties discussed earlier also apply to effortless dental hygiene.
How does neem achieve this? It effectively maintains the pH levels of the saliva. Additional research mentions that neem helps remove plaque between your teeth that causes painful cavities. Moreover, studies also commend neem leaf action against various gum infections.
You can chew on neem leaves instead of twigs to maintain your pearly whites too. Another remedy is to optimize the benefit of drinking neem water. To do this, boil neem leaves and mix a spoon of honey to remove its bitter taste.
Neem treats ulcers and heals wounds
Some studies show the positive benefits of neem on intestinal ulcers. The study indicated that after ten days, the acid secretion of the stomach declined and resulted in wholly healed ulcers.
Another study proves that neem leaf extracts can accelerate wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of drinking neem juice on an empty stomach every morning
These are the few benefits of neem juice-
- Neem juice is excellent for hair health, skin tone and gut health
- It can keep your sugar levels in check, thereby benefiting diabetic patients
- Works as a detox drink to get rid of body toxins
How do you make neem juice? Combine neem leaves with a cup of water. Add a dash of honey and blend it for a smooth consistency.
Benefits of drinking neem water
- Boosts metabolism
- Assists in weight loss
- Promotes healthy skin
- Cleanses stomach
How do you make neem water? Boil some neem leaves in a pan. Strain the hot water and drink it once it cools down.
Also read: Health benefits of sugarcane juice
Effect of Neem leaves on kidney
The effect of neem leaves on your kidneys is debatable. Some first trial studies have shown zero toxic effects of neem on the kidney. However, there is anecdotal evidence that links the intake of excessive neem leaves to kidney damage.
FAQs
How many Neem leaves should I consume daily?
You can eat one or two neem leaves daily without any side effects. An added benefit of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach is providing a boost of essential nutrients to your body.
However, you could practice leaving a month-long gap between consuming neem leaves. This is because large doses may negatively impact your kidneys and liver.
References
T. Lakshmi,Vidya Krishnan (2015) Azadirachta indica: A herbal panacea in dentistry – An update (U.S. National Library of Medicine) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441161/
Irma Seriana, Muslim Akmal (2021) Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Ethanolic Extract on the Liver and Kidney Function of Rats (The Scientific World Journal) https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2021/7970424/
Mohammad A. Alzohairy (2016) Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment (U.S. National Library of Medicine) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791507/
SS Pandey, AK Jha (1994) Aqueous extract of neem leaves in treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris (Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology) https://ijdvl.com/aqueous-extract-of-neem-leaves-in-treatment-of-psoriasis-vulgaris/
Fathy Abdel-Ghaffar, Saleh Al-Quraishy (2011) Efficacy of a single treatment of head lice with a neem seed extract: an in vivo and in vitro study on nits and motile stages (Springer Link) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-011-2484-3
Suman Chaudhary, Rupinder K. Kanwar (2017) Progress on Azadirachta indica Based Biopesticides in Replacing Synthetic Toxic Pesticides (U.S. National Library of Medicine) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5420583/
Gurpreet Kaur, M Sarwar Alam (2004) Nimbidin suppresses functions of macrophages and neutrophils: relevance to its antiinflammatory mechanisms (National Library of Medicine) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15174005/
