Neem Leaf Powder

An antifungal and antibacterial powder. Indians are accustomed to consuming the fresh leaf when needed, which can be more problematic in the West. If it is leaf alone, it will be green (not white, which would indicate the chemical origin of the product) or brownish if it is mixed with bark or crushed twigs.

Controlling Candida albicans infection

Since the second half of the 20th century, the^e century, a significant number of scientific studies and research have uncovered the antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem powder, particularly on the dreaded Candida albicansyeasts of the genus Trichosporon (pharynx and digestive tract), the Geotrichum (bronchopulmonary infections and colitis), the genus Microsporum (responsible for highly contagious mycoses), epidermophyton (fungus responsible for mycoses of the nails, scalp, eczema...) and many others.

Trials have even been conducted on the dreaded Staphylococcus aureus, which has become highly resistant through the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and bactericidal cleansers, and it has been found that combined internal/external use often kills it. Similarly, neem also inhibits typhoid salmonella, responsible for typhoid fever and infections including blood poisoning and inflammation of the intestine.

Internally, Ayurveda recommends using the powder to cleanse the epithelium lining the digestive tract, respiratory tract, arteries and heart. As the neem powder passes through the digestive tract, it sends signals to the entire body to activate its own healing mechanisms. Externally, a paste of neem powder, possibly reinforced with neem oil, is applied to damaged areas of the skin, nails and scalp, but also to the teeth and gums.

The trend is towards homemade products: cosmetics, hygiene products, toothpaste... If you are one of them, neem powder and neem oil should perhaps be part of your ingredient list. Especially for toothpaste. We know the basic products like white clay, baking soda, xylitol, calcium carbonate, a few drops of tea tree...

Add neem powder. Studies have shown that an aqueous extract of neem can inhibit the growth of the main bacteria responsible for the carious process on our teeth, in particular the genus Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria form long chains of glucose (insoluble glucans) in the mouth which ensure their adhesion to the mucous membranes and teeth, and then colonisation by other bacterial species. This sets the stage for the development of plaque and periodontal disease.

These bacteria then metabolise the fermentable sugars in our food and convert them into organic acids, which dissolve the tooth enamel and thus lead to caries. Inhibiting the development of these pathogenic bacteria with neem is therefore a significant protection against caries and periodontal disease.

Research on rats showed that aqueous neem leaf extract provided significant protection against paracetamol-induced liver necrosis. Protection against stress-induced liver ulceration was also observed in one case, and against ethanol ingestion in another case. The bark extract is similar.

The hypoglycaemic activity of neem has been known empirically for ages and has since been confirmed by research. Neem is able to smooth out blood sugar peaks, and it is suspected that this ability is due to its high content of quercetin, a powerful flavonoid that potentiates insulin secretion.

It can be beneficial to take a regular one to two month course of neem to prevent diabetic conditions, particularly in the phases when the condition is in "preparation". The interest of such a cure lies in its ability to correct the ground, to help the body to better manage the variations of glycemia, but also the surplus of acidity. It is often observed that, in addition, the desire to nibble fades, as well as the "hunger pangs" and the call for sugar that accompany them.

Finally, neem is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism. Recent research has confirmed this property, highlighting one of the active ingredients involved: nimbidin, derived from the seeds. However, the anti-inflammatory action of neem has different levels of activity. Ongoing work suggests that neem prevents the release of neurochemicals responsible for inflammation, such as prostaglandins.

As you can see, the range of benefits offered by this tree is incredible. According to some specialists, exploiting all its potential would make it possible to do without almost all synthetic pesticides, but also many drugs. This shows how dangerous it is for the chemical multinationals to allow free access to such a 'phenomenon'.

In human health, too, neem has much to offer in specialties such as the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, parasitosis or the fight against pathogenic bacteria. Other avenues of investigation include the toxicity of neem on malaria parasites and its ability to reduce cancerous tumours. "The 'pharmacist tree' is only at the beginning of its international career...

Neem oil, against skin infections and lice. Neem oil is a powerful antibacterial agent and is mainly used for acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is also an excellent anti-lice treatment. Its properties: In India, the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a sacred tree, which produces a vegetable oil with benefits that have been recognised for centuries. The kernels extracted from the fruit of this tropical tree are cold pressed to produce the oil. Neem oil has a strong smell, so many people prefer to use it diluted in other vegetable oils.

It is one of the most effective natural insecticides. Neem oil is also the queen of antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, moisturizing and softening, thanks to its content in fatty acids, amino acids and vitamin E. It treats skin problems such as fungus, acne and eczema, scalp disorders, and is particularly effective against lice. Benefits of neem oil for the hair: When used as a lotion, neem oil calms itchy scalp, fights dandruff and regulates lice. In this case, it is best to apply it as a mask to the whole head of hair and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Mothers are likely to appreciate it

Benefits of neem oil for the skin: Its antibacterial and antifungal action helps to fight against skin infections, from acne to mycosis, eczema and psoriasis. Nourishing and emollient, neem oil calms irritations and softens the skin. It can be used alone or in combination with other natural products, such as clay on acne pimples. Applied in a thin layer, it is also an excellent insect repellent.

For acne: Pour a few drops of neem oil into green clay and apply directly to the pimples. Against lice: In 90 ml of coconut oil, pour 10 ml of neem oil and 5 ml of lavandin essential oil (super quality). Apply to hair and leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Comb through with a special lice comb, then rinse and shampoo with a special shampoo. Repeat every 3 days for a fortnight. Mosquito repellent oil: In 90 ml of kukui oil, pour 10 ml of neem oil, and the same amount of essential oils of citronella, lemon eucalyptus and rose geranium.

Risks, precautions and contraindications of neem oil. Neem oil should never be heated above 60°C, as its active ingredients may be lost. Furthermore, its use is exclusively external. Neem oil is an endocrine disruptor.

Store dry, away from light and heat. Neem oil solidifies at temperatures below 25°C, but this does not change its properties.