The neem tree is known in Ayurveda, the oldest system of medicine in the world, as the panacea of all diseases. Though the benefits of the tree have been known in India for 2000 years, its chemical compositions are revealed through research in modern times. 80 per cent of people in rural India maintain their oral health by using a neem stick. Let us learn what research has to say about the role of neem in dental care.
Neem and Dental Care
- The tree is known for its anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, pest-control, sedative and many more effects
- In 1942, scientist Salimuzzaman Siddiqui was the first person to find that the nimbidin compound in the neem oil is primarily responsible for the antibacterial property
- Based on this research fact, neem oil is the main ingredient in commercial toothpaste sold by advertising the dental benefits of neem
- A research study was carried out at the Department of Public Health Dentistry, People’s College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, India
- The study aimed at comparing the effects of neem stick with a toothbrush in removing plaque and improving gingival health
- 30 participants belonging to the age group of 18-25 years underwent this study for three weeks
- At the end, the researchers found that neem stick is equally effective in removing plaque and reducing gingival inflammation as a toothbrush
- The study recommended the use of a stick of neem as the primary source of dental care in rural areas where commercial toothbrushes and toothpaste are not available easily
- It fulfils all the requirements of primary dental care and can serve as an excellent alternative for commercial toothbrushes and pastes
- The research also recommended a stick of neem as a health promotion tool in developing countries in the Asia continent where there are limited oral health care facilities
- The benefits can be obtained by chewing the neem stick for 10 – 15 minutes
- The juices released from the stick contain all the essential chemical ingredients and reach every nook and corner of the mouth to provide the above-mentioned benefits
- However, the researchers mentioned that enough care should be taken while using the stick to ensure no damage is caused to the oral mucosa through any trauma or injury
Significance of Neem Use by Diabetics
- Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes is becoming prevalent in American society than ever before
- This autoimmune disorder affects every organ of the body and oral health is not untouched by it either
- The use of neem has a two-fold benefit for people suffering from diabetes and worried about their oral health complications
- While the active ingredients of the leaves provide natural protection from a host of oral threats, they also reduce the requirement of insulin in the body by 60 – 70 per cent
- Diabetic patients can chew two to three fresh neem leaves on a daily basis to keep their blood sugar level intact in addition to getting benefited from the natural dental and oral care provided by these same leaves
- In this way, there is no risk of causing any injury to the oral mucosa when the tender leaves of this tree are chewed
- A teaspoon of honey can be taken along with these leaves to reduce the effect of bitter taste on the tongue, though it is optional
Other Health benefits of neem juice
Neem is a well-known herbal plant that has been used as a natural remedy for a number of health problems since time immemorial. The juice extracted from neem contains an intense bitter taste which makes it difficult to consume for many people. Sometimes honey is mixed with need juice to subdue its bitterness. Following are some of the much-coveted benefits of fresh need juice:
Eyesight Improvement: Ayurvedic theory has always suggested that neem juice improves eyesight. A few drops of neem juice applied on the eye during nighttime happen to be a common treatment for curing night blindness. Neem juice is also effective in treating conjunctivitis.
Natural Contraceptive: Neem juice is considered to be the cheapest form of contraception. Researches suggest that neem juice lowers the fertility of women without affecting their sexual feelings. Neem juice can be used before or after intercourse. However, it does not lead to permanent infertility nor does it damage the reproductive organs.
Pregnancy Health: Neem juice is also known to help pregnant women by alleviating labor pain. It also reduces the fever associated with pregnancy. Neem juice is also known to reduce the pain of external wounds around the vaginal area post-pregnancy.
Anti-inflammatory Property: Owing to neem’s anti-inflammatory properties, the juice is used to treat pimples, acne and skin infection. Regular consumption or application of neem juice improves the skin complexion and provides it with a natural healthy glow.
Skin Scar Removal: Neem juice is used to cure skin diseases like eczema. Besides, the ugly marks left by diseases like smallpox and chickenpox can get faded with regular usage of neem juice.
Ear Treatment: A few drops of neem juice is warmed and applied to the ears for treating hearing problems. The juice is also used to kill bugs in the ear. A mixture of neem juice and honey is used to cure boils in the ears.
Diabetes Cure: Neem juice is effective in treating diabetes. Regular consumption of neem juice regulates the sugar levels in the body.