NEEM – one of Nature’s miracles Neem and Allergies
Allergies come in two basic forms: inhalant allergies and food allergies. Each is caused by an immune over-reaction that targets basically harmless material causing inflammation. Inflammation of the mucous membranes causes swelling and leakage of plasma. Histamine release causes itching. There is also a theory that allergies can cause inflammations or abnormal tissue reactions elsewhere in the body.
The brain is one example and various problems such as ADD are thought to be caused by food allergies in at least 66% of the cases. Many other problems seem to have an allergic component, also.
Pollen allergies often cause asthma, along with the usual runny nose, itchy eyes and so on. Both conditions indicate a body that needs detoxification and attention to correcting immune dysfunction.
Food allergies are caused when the body reacts to the antigens in food, or when it is allowed to gain access to the bloodstream and cause circulating complexes after combining with antibodies. Food allergies are reported to be the root of many illnesses.
Neem inhibits allergic reactions when applied to the skin. Neem compounds inhibit the stimulus produced by histamine and may be helpful in skin rashes and bronchial allergy.
Application of a neem-based cream, oil or leaf extract will stop the itching and inflammation of rashes. Neem tea or capsules may be taken internally for allergies to pollen, moulds, etc.
Arthritis
Traditionally Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem leaf, seed, and bark, for reducing arthritic pain and inflammation and for halting the progression of the disease. The use of Neem for these purposes has been confirmed by modern clinical studies.
The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds in Neem. In numerous clinical studies the polysaccharides and other compounds of Neem leaf extract have produced a reduction in the inflammation caused by arthritis.
There are several reasons why the compounds in Neem work so well. It appears that these compounds make a number of adjustments to various mechanisms in the body, which explains their anti-inflammatory effects. There is an inhibition in the release of mediators of acute inflammation, an antihistaminic effect, and a modification in the functioning of the immune system response. This last effect is extremely important. Neem's ability to change the way the immune system responds to arthritis, by reducing the generation of inflammation producing chemicals, may also be the reason why it halts the progress of the disease and why it may hold the promise of an actual cure.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects there are several leaf compounds which are clinically proven to be more potent than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in decreasing prostaglandin synthetase and the pain it causes.
Arthritis is a term covering many types of joint ailments. The ailments can be autoimmune disorders, infections, the result of wear on the joints or simply inflammation. Generally though it is the inflammation or the pain associated with it that is treated regardless of the origin. Neem can aid in treating arthritis in many ways. Neem's antibacterial properties can help kill infectious causes while its inflammation reducing properties and pain-suppressing properties can alleviate the symptoms. Neem can also help create a balance in the immune system, which directly affects progression of the disease.
Common types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis.
Caused by normal wear and tear on the joints, this chronic condition is usually not serious. However a joint may degenerate to the point where replacement surgery is needed.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
A type of inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition caused by the body's immune system attacking joint-lining tissue.
Rheumatism:
Rheumatism or Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause serious pain and inflammation. Modern medicine uses strong drugs like phenyl butazone and cortisone to relieve the pain and inflammation of rheumatism, however these drugs can cause many uncomfortable side effects. Clinical studies have conclusively demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activities of various compounds in Neem leaves are equally as effective as phenyl butazone and cortisone.
In addition to relieving pain and inflammation the active constituents in Neem leaves are clinically proven to inhibit the prostaglandin mechanism, that causes pain, more effectively than aspirin. In the same study Neem significantly reduced acute paw edema as well. The consumption of Neem Leaf capsules and the topical application of slightly warmed Neem cream can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation of this condition.
Infectious arthritis.
Infectious agents include bacteria, fungi and viruses. This type of arthritis can affect anyone. Usually, prompt diagnosis and treatment results in recovery.
Neem capsules or tea along with massage of oil around problem areas are the recommended treatment.
Virus (Anti-Viral)
Neem is one of just a few known anti-viral agents. In a study on neem's effectiveness as an anti-viral agent, neem seemed to interact with the surface of cells to prevent infection by the virus thereby inhibiting multiplication of the virus. Similar results have been observed in studies of various viral pathogens indicating a unique property of neem to prevent viral disease.
There are certain compounds in Neem that demonstrate a unique ability to surround viruses, which prevents them from causing infection. Neem also inhibits viral multiplication by interacting with the surface of the cells to prevent the cell from becoming infected by the virus. Neem has been observed to be effective against a number of viral pathogens in various clinical studies demonstrating it contains unique properties to inhibit viral disease. Neem is one of just a few known antiviral agents.
Chickenpox, shingles, herpes, and hepatitis are viral conditions, which have been successfully treated, in clinical studies by Neem's therapeutic compounds. The uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu's can be relieved during seasonal changes by the regular consumption of Neem Leaf capsules, extract, or tea.
Treatment: neem capsules or tea.
Encephalitis
One of the most impressive accomplishments of Neem against parasites is its effectiveness against encephalitis. In a paper delivered to the American Chemical Society at its annual meeting in March 1993 R.O. Larson describes how an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in India was eradicated. This was accomplished by giving children two doses of crushed Neem leaves daily.
Intestinal Worms
Neem teas are regularly used throughout the tropics to rid the body of intestinal worms (Singh, 1980).
There have been conflicting reports as to its effectiveness, but few who use neem for intestinal worms doubt the efficacy of neem. Neem leaf teas or capsules taken twice per day for one week is the usual method for eliminating these parasites from the body.
For childhood pinworms apply neem oil or cream to the anal opening for relief from itching.
Suggested Products: neem capsules and neem leaf.
Neem is a versatile natural product that comes from the Neem Tree. We use neem a lot in our home, for all sorts of reasons. Neem boosts the immune system whilst at the same time dealing with common dog problems such as fleas and skin complaints.
For centuries, the Neem Tree has been an integral part of life in India. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of neem's fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. Each of these has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years with no known adverse effects.
Laboratory tests have shown that neem is effective against fungi that infect the body, including athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida (yeast).
Neem has been used traditionally in India to treat viral diseases, including warts. Neem is effective against parasitic insects such as fleas, tics, mites, and even maggots. Worms don’t like neem, either.
Neem is widely used for treating fevers. It has anti-pyretic (fever-reducing) properties, as well as analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects.
A wide range of diseases and conditions can be successfully treated with neem.
Arthritis:
Neem has a long history of relieving inflamed joints, supported by scientific studies. Most anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, irritate the stomach and may cause internal bleeding. Neem is a comparably effective anti-inflammatory and does not adversely affect the stomach. Quercitin, an antibacterial compound, is present in neem leaves. Other studies have shown that the polysaccharides in neem reduce the inflammation and swelling that occur in arthritis. Not only does neem help reduce inflammation; it also has pain suppressing properties. Neem can also help create a balance in the immune system, directly affecting the progression of arthritis.
Teeth and Gums:
People in both India and Africa have used neem twigs as tooth brushes for centuries. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients necessary for dental hygiene. Some people have reported a total reversal of gum degeneration after using neem for only a few months. Neem toothpaste is available for humans, and Neem Chews are available for dogs.
Diabetes:
Because neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50 percent, without altering blood glucose levels, the Indian Government has approved the sale of neem capsules and tablets through pharmacies and clinics for this purpose.
Stress:
Studies indicate that neem may be useful for reducing anxiety and stress. An experiment was done on test animals to see what, if any, effect neem leaf extract had on these conditions. Doses of neem leaf extract showed important anti-anxiety activity equal to or greater than Valium. Neem extracts apparently only work in small doses for this application. Benefits reduce with larger doses.
Miscellaneous Health Benefits:
Minor cuts, sprains and bruises are treated with neem lotion, cream or leaf extract applied locally.
Studies indicate that neem extracts can block infection by the virus that causes hepatitis.
Neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus and can easily heal cold sores.
One of neem's stronger advantages is its effect upon the skin. It has been helpful in treating a variety of skin problems including psoriasis and eczema.
According to a report from the National Research Council, neem preparation from the leaves or oils can be used as general antiseptics.
Neem shampoos and sprays are available to repel and kill parasites.
Neem oil and other neem products such as neem leaves and neem tea should not be consumed by pregnant women, women trying to conceive, or children. Neem is, in fact, used as a contraceptive.
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