At a Glance
- Neem juice adds healing properties to any juice.
- Neem juice contains many powerful nutrients which provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Neem juice improves dental health, aids in weight loss, has the potential to treat and prevent cancer, keeps skin healthy and maintains blood sugar levels.
Although records are unclear, most evidence suggests the neem tree originates from the Indian subcontinent.
History tells us neem was introduced to more than 30 different countries and now can be found flourishing in many parts of Africa and South America. (source)
Also known as “Indian lilac”, the neem tree is regarded as a sacred goddess in Indian culture.
Often touted as “a wonder tree” because of healing properties, neem is a foundation for many ancient holistic practices of ayurvedic medicine.
What Is Neem?
The neem tree is botanically known as Azadirachta Indica and is a part of the Mahogany family.
It’s a fast-growing evergreen tree and can reach up to 15-20 meters. It produces fruit in the summer months of June to August.
Neem juice is extracted from the leaves which have more than 140 active compounds beneficial to health. (source) Neem has a very high concentration of iron, copper, zinc, selenium and chromium, all of which are essential for your health. (source)
What is so significant about neem is the versatility of the plant. Every part of this sacred tree can be used for a purpose.
The bark can be used to brush your teeth, the seeds are crushed and used as oils in aromatherapy and many skin care products, and the flowers are traditionally used in India for cooking.
Neem is even heavily used in agriculture as an effective non toxic pesticide. From medicinal purposes to household remedies, neem provides a vast array of potential benefits. Whether you choose drink it or apply it to your skin is up to you.
Neem Juice Benefits for Health
Neem Improves Dental Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that almost half the US population aged over 30 have some form of gum disease. (source) Gingivitis is the medical term for swollen gums and is caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a form of bacteria in your mouth.
Most people have experienced this at some point in their lives. Keeping on top of oral care should prevent this from happening. However, if gingivitis isn’t treated and the plaque remains, it could develop into gum disease.
This has far greater consequences for your dentures. Gum disease could lead to receding gums and loss of teeth.
Studies suggest that using neem juice as a mouthwash it made for an effective treatment against gingivitis, drastically reducing symptoms. This could be down to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of neem. (source)
Neem Is a Natural Remedy for Skin Conditions
When used topically, neem is particularly beneficial for many skin conditions. Neem has a high concentration of vitamin E which is very useful for those who suffer with dry skin. It can help to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, as well as reducing redness.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are both diseases of the skin which are considered inflammatory conditions. Eczema causes skin to become inflamed and produces a burning or itching sensation. Often the skin will be very dry and flakey.
Psoriasis is when the skin cycle is processing too fast, causing a buildup, usually in parts of the body like the elbows or the knees.
Applying neem oil to the affected area it could help to relieve the symptoms of inflammation and soothe the skin.
Acne
Neem helps eliminate grease and bacteria in the pores of the skin which is the primary cause of acne. The antibacterial properties help prevent future episodes. (source)
Neem Could Balance Your Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is a condition where your body either cannot produce insulin or cannot control insulin correctly.
Reports from The World Health Organization state the global prevalence of diabetes has almost doubled to 8.5% over the last quarter- century. (source)
Certain types of diabetes are preventable or controllable through lifestyle choices.
Studies indicate neem could help naturally control blood sugar levels by improving insulin processes. (source) Neem leaves can help by enhancing your cells to respond normally.
Neem Helps You to Lose Weight
If you are planning on losing weight around your belly, then drinking neem juice daily can help you to achieve this in a natural way.
Neem leaves can help improve metabolism and aid breakdown of body fat which can help you achieve your weight loss goal. You could boost your metabolism by combining lemon, honey and water together with the leaves.
Neem Juice Can Aid Cancer Treatment
There is reason to believe neem could not only help treat cancer, but also prevent it.
Cancer affects so many lives and is one of the biggest causes of death, however The National Cancer Institute Estimates the number of people outliving their diagnosis is expected to rise to 19 million by 2024. (source)
Prevention and early detection are primarily responsible for the glimmer of hope against this disease. Identifying new treatments through scientific research is also crucial.
Neem has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy making the cancer cells weaker and more sensitive. (source)
Neem leaf is known for its pure protein elements called glycoprotein. Research indicates this plays a fundamental role in ironing out any immune deficiencies in vulnerable cells which could turn cancerous. (source)
Neem Precautions for Use
If you are on any kind of medication it is always best to seek medical advice before proceeding. Some treatments could interact with the active compounds in neem.
Although neem helps to improve the immune system, it may also interfere with the potency of certain medications used to reduce autoimmune diseases.
Neem could also reduce blood sugar levels. Therefore anyone who is on medication to treat diabetes should either avoid or keep a close check on sugar levels.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive it is advisable not to drink neem juice.
Juicing with Neem
Neem juice is has a very bitter taste, so it could take your taste buds time to adjust. As with any fresh produce, make sure you wash the neem leaves before use.
Neem Juice Recipes
Here are five great neem juice recipes, to help you enjoy all of its benefits.
#1 Flower Power Neem Juice
A bittersweet tasting juice, this will get your taste buds talking.
- 3 Neem leaves (dried)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 large lemon
- Crush the neem leaves
- Mix in one teaspoon of honey followed by the lemon juice
- Mix well and consume immediately
#2 Ginger Neem Juice
This potent tonic is guaranteed to get your home fires burning.
- ½ Cup fresh ginger
- ½ Cup neem leaves (the fresher the better)
- 1x Teaspoon honey (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Cup water
- Clean the ginger and cut into fine pieces.
- Wash the neem leaves
- Place both into the juicer with the water
- Mix with honey and salt to taste
- Consume immediately.
#3 Iced Neem Tea
A twist on the nation’s popular beverage.
- 1 Cup water
- 3 oz neem leaves
- 1 large Lemon
- 1 lime
- 1 Cup ice cubes
- Bring the water to the boil
- Pour the boiling water into a bowl with the neem leaves
- Steep the leaves for around 10 minutes, strain the leaves and set the juice aside to cool.
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon and lime
- Once neem tea has cooled, mix in lemon and lime juice
- Place ice cubes into a glass
- Pour over neem tea
- Serve and enjoy
#4 Neem, Orange and Cinnamon Juice
This refreshing and nutritious juice with the sweet addition of cinnamon makes for an ideal antioxidant boost.
- Fresh neem leaves
- 5 large oranges
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 Cup of ice cubes (optional)
- Take the fresh neem leaves and soak in hot water until they soften
- Grind leaves into a paste and set aside
- Juice the oranges
- Place the orange juice, neem paste and cinnamon into a blender and mix until ingredients combined
- Place ice in glass
- Pour juice over ice and serve immediately
#5 Neem Water
This juice is perfect for those who are always on the run.
- 6 neem leaves
- 1 small piece of fresh turmeric root
- Sprig of mint
- Water
- Gym water bottle
- Fill your water bottle with water
- Place the neem leaves, the turmeric root and the mint into the water bottle.
- Replace the lid, and once sealed give the water bottle a good shake so that all ingredients are soaked in water.
- Place the bottle in the refrigerator and leave for 12 hours to allow ingredients infuse.
- Take your neem juice and drink on the go.
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