Benefits of Neem Oil: Natural Treatment for Psoriasis, Eczema & Acne
Thursday, March 20, 2008 | 
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Recently, I have been hearing a lot about neem oil as a natural treatment for severe skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Our Healthy Being Stores carries TheraNeem skin products and I decided to start using them in my natural skin care routine. I've been amazed by the texture and look of my skin and decided to find out the significant benefits behind this obscure product that reaches beyond skin care.
I've gotten more and more involved in Ayurvedic Medicne and Healing and Neem is deeply rooted in this practice. The antibacterial, antifungal & blood purifying properties of Neem are useful in skin disorders, dental health, diabetes management, immune support and even fighting cancer.
BENEFITS OF NEEM
- Useful as a tonic and astringent that promotes wound healing
- Has detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems
- Extract possesses anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties
- Beneficial in treating malarial fever and cutaneous diseases
All the parts of the plant and active principles and extracts possess a lot of significant pharmacological properties. Neem is bitter and alterative. It is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic in catarrhal affections, stomachic, stimulant. It is useful in snake bite, scorpion sting, hypoglycemic, in rheumatism, as an analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anthelmintic and in skin diseases. The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic, and antiperiodic properties. The bark is beneficial in malarial fever and useful in cutaneous diseases.
NEEM USES:Psoriasis:
Sheryll Zenganeh the publisher of "Empress Press", a national newsletter for people with psoriasis and other serious skin conditions, has promoted the effectiveness of Neem. Sheryll suffered from Psoriasis for seventeen years before she came in contact with Neem. She stated in her newsletter that "today, thanks to Neem, my psoriasis is virtually gone and I now has soft, supple, youthful, gorgeous skin."
In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis. However there were none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone. When applied to the skin, Neem extracts and oil removed the redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin for the duration of the treatment.
Eczema:
In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema, what to speak of the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients. Using a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil can easily relieve the itching and redness of eczema. For specific areas of intensity on your skin apply Neem cream after bathing and/or shampooing with Neem oil products.
Acne:
Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne.
Skin problems in general:
Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts are other conditions that can be effectively resolved by the use of soaps, lotions, and creams, containing Neem leaf extracts and oil.
Neem's effectiveness against Periodontal Disease
Throughout India and South East Asia hundreds of millions of village people use Neem twigs and leaves to brush their teeth, and keep their gums free of disease and infection even though they have limited access to modern dental care. The ancient Ayurvedic practice of using Neem to heal and rejuvenate gum tissue and to prevent cavities and gum disease is verified in modern clinical studies.
Studies showed that Neem bark is more active then the leaves against certain bacteria and that Neem based tooth pastes and mouth washes significantly improved Pyorrhea, at various stages, in 70 patients. In another study Neem toothpaste prevented and even reversed gingivitis.
Neem’s effects on the immune system
I just mentioned how millions of people in India and Southeast Asia maintain excellent oral hygiene standards by brushing with Neem Twigs on a daily basis, there is however, another reason why these people brush with Neem twigs every morning. According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda the bark of the Neem tree will strengthen an individuals resistance to disease. Modern clinical studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate immune system functions.
Neem’s effects on degenerative disease’s
Neem touches the daily life of almost every Indian, from the poorest peasant who snaps off a twig to use as a toothbrush, to wealthier individuals who purchase manufactured neem-based toothpastes, soaps and medicines. Therefore, when manufacturers in India applied for government approval of a new neem capsule to be used to treat diabetes, it was granted in under 24 hours. After almost 4,500 years of almost continuous use, even the Indian equivalent of the FDA apparently believes that "anything from neem has to be good" (Larson, 1993).
Preparations from the leaves or oils of the tree are used as general antiseptics, according to a report of The National Research Council's Ad Hoc Panel of the Board on Science and Technology for International Development. Neem's function as a fungicide depends on the compounds gedunin and nimbidol in its leaf.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is still on the increase but effective management through diet and exercise is fast becoming the first line of treatment. In the ancient system of Ayurveda when an excess of one taste causes a disease the opposite taste is introduced into the diet with herbs and food to reduce the imbalance. Diabetes is a disease of excess sweetness so bitter herbs and foods must be used to counteract the imbalance. Neem being very bitter was often used to treat diabetes in Ayurveda. Modern clinical studies reveal that Neem has been effective in treating and preventing Diabetes.
Whether drinking a simple cup of tea out of the leaves or taking extracts of the Neem leaf, Neem significantly and consistently reduced insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin sensitive forms of Diabetes. Because of the numerous and successful clinical studies with Neem on Diabetes and it's long history of successful use in Ayurveda for the same purpose, the Indian equivalent of the FDA has approved the manufacture and sale of Neem tablets, by Pharmaceutical companies, for the treatment of Diabetes.
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 as well. 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. One of the major components in Neem seed, which has demonstrated a significant effect against arthritis, is nimbidin. Other components that possess anti-inflammatory properties are limonoids and catechin.
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 like the above mentioned polysaccharides, catechin, and limonoids, which are clinically proven to be more potent than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in decreasing prostaglandin synthetase and the pain it causes.
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 relive 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.
Chronic Fatigue:
There are two schools of thought on what causes of Chronic Fatigue.
Some are convinced that it is related to the Epstein Barr virus others believe that it is related to the candida albicans fungus. In either case Neem extracts have been proven clinically effective against both the virus and the fungus that are the suspected causes of Chronic Fatigue. Because the immune system becomes compromised in Chronic Fatigue Neem’s ability to enhance the immune response on a cellular level enhances its usefulness for this condition.
Cancer:
For centuries in India and Southeast Asia Ayurvedic practitioners and herbalists have successfully used Neem to reduce tumors. Clinical research performed in Europe and India using the polysaccharides and limonoids found in Neem bark, leaves, and seeds demonstrated some remarkable effects against cancers. These compounds not only reduced tumors and cancers but were also effective against lymphocytic leukemia. An amazing reduction in tumor size was reported when Neem extracts were injected around the tumors.
Others:Heart Disease:Including high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, and Arrhythmia/rapid heart beat.
Blood Disorders: Including poor circulation, blood poisoning, and kidney problems.
Digestive Disorders: Including heartburn/indigestion, peptic/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and hemorrhoids.
Nervous Disorders: Including anxiety, epilepsy, and hives.
Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Conjunctivitis, Allergies, Bad Breath, Hangover, Stress, Insomnia, Smoking, and on and on.
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Have a question about using neem in your daily routine?
Visit our On-Line Store to purchase various Neem & TheraNeem Products at Healthy Being Products Store
Healing Tea: Herbs that Naturally Heal & Treat Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a painful condition that occurs when small sacs form in the colon and become inflamed. Although diverticulitis is most common and most serious in the elderly, it can afflict anyone. Susceptibility is greater for people who take prescription drugs with side effects that affect the immune system and increase the chances of developing an infection.
The first indication of diverticulitis is usually pain in the lower left area of the abdomen. You may also develop a fever from the infection, but do not rely on these symptoms to diagnose the condition yourself. You must see a physician to rule out the possibility of several other disorders that have similar symptoms and, if you do have diverticulitis, to judge how serious it is, since bad cases can land you in the hospital.
Doctors believe that the primary cause of diverticulitis is a diet containing little fiber and lots of processed foods. The obvious way to prevent or treat diverticulitis is to improve your diet, although shifting too quickly to a high-roughage menu can irritate your colon even more. Once the problem has cleared up, you must slowly make dietary changes to prevent its return.
My Grandmother suffers from diverticulitis and I have found that wild yam can help decrease the pain and inflammation of diverticulitis and promote relaxation in the colon. Chamomile, cramp bark and peppermint are other good additions to your formula. Eating garlic or taking it as pills will directly attack the infection.
The best natural remedy or natural therapy for Diverticulitis:Diverticulitis Tea
2 teaspoons wild yam root
1 teaspoon cramp bark
1 quart water
1 teaspoon each chamomile flower and peppermint leaf
Put wild yam and cramp bark in water and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat, add chamomile and peppermint, cover and steep for at least 15 minutes. Strain. Drink 2 or 3 cups a day. You can use the same proportions of these herbs to make a tincture.
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Have a question about healing diverticulitis through herbal remedies?
Visit our On-Line Store to purchase a variety of supplements and vitamins to improve the health of your digestive system at Healthy Being Products Store
Treating Eczema Naturally- Preventing Eczema & Psoriasis Outbreaks
I have a few close friends who suffer from Eczema. It has been extremely challenging for them; especially when one had an outbreak right before her wedding. Luckily, there are a few natural treatments that combat eczema and psoriasis orally and topically.
Often eczema can be the directly the result of a deficiency in essential nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, blood toxicity and even leaky gut syndrome. Certain types of fat-metabolism malfunctions are more often found in patients suffering from eczema and psoriasis than in the rest of the population. Therefore diet and specialized skin care routines are necessary to balance the root cause of the eczema and psoriasis outbreaks.
Eating Salmon, seaweed salad, flaxseed and consuming Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements can help maintain and manage these difficult skin conditions. My one friend found that drinking Zrii with Amalaki juice helped tame her flare ups.
Similarly, soaking the body in a kelp based bath is very soothing and detoxifying and cleansing. You can find kelp powder at the local natural store in the herb section. About a 1/2 cup can be diluted in you tub. Adding tea tree essential oil to this bath is especially healing.
Occasionally a colloidal oatmeal bath is also help. Oatmeal is very calming and soothing to the skin. I remember getting an oatmeal bath when I had the chicken pox when I was 8.
To help control the extreme itch associated with eczema and psoriasis try out this natural receipe:
Mix together in a bowl:
one-teaspoonful of comfrey root
one-teaspoon of slippery elm bark
one-teaspoon of white bark
two cups of water
Boil the mixture for approximately thirty-five minutes and then allow it to cool. Use this mixture as a skin wash and wash the affected skin with it. It may not completely remove the itch, but it will decrease it dramatically.
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Have a question about treating your eczema or psoriasis naturally?
For a free health consultation feel free to email (wellness@healthybeingproducts.com) or call
Melissa Gallagher at 727-954-8968.
Visit our On-Line Store to purchase a variety of supplements and vitamins to combat Eczema and Psoriasis at Healthy Being Products Store
The Best Natural Remedy for Arthritis Pain: Gin Soaked Raisins
Ingredients: golden raisins and gin.
Empty the raisins into a bowl and pour in just enough gin to cover the raisins. Allow the gin to evaporate (about one week) and then place the moist raisins in a jar with a lid.
Eat nine raisins a day. You can eat plain, in your cereal or even in yogurt!
Why & How does the Gin Soaked Golden Raisins remedy work?
Well, no one really knows.
Have a question about other natural treatments for arthritis?
For a free health consultation feel free to email (wellness@healthybeingproducts.com) or call
Melissa Gallagher at 727-954-8968.
Visit our On-Line Store to save over 65% and get free shipping on Vitamins and Supplements at the Healthy Being Products Store
Natural Remedies for Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels: Cinnamon and Diabetes
(www.healthybeingproducts.com) Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics, a new study has found. The effect, which can be produced even by soaking a cinnamon stick your tea, could also benefit millions of non-diabetics who have blood sugar problem but are unaware of it.
The discovery was initially made by accident, by Richard Anderson at the US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland.
"We were looking at the effects of common foods on blood sugar," he told a New Scientist reporter . One was the American favourite, apple pie, which is usually spiced with cinnamon. "We expected it to be bad. But it helped," he says.
Sugars and starches in food are broken down into glucose, which then circulates in the blood. The hormone insulin makes cells take in the glucose, to be used for energy or made into fat.
But people with Type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin. Those with Type 2 diabetes produce it, but have lost sensitivity to it. Even apparently healthy people, especially if they are overweight, sedentary or over 25, lose sensitivity to insulin. Having too much glucose in the blood can cause serious long-term damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves and other organs.
In one lab study, the team said it found that cinnamon contains polyphenols, or antioxidants, that boost proteins that are important in activating insulin, transporting glucose and responding to inflammation.
How to get Cinnamon into your daily Diet:
1. Cinnamon tea or Cinnamon Coffee twice or three times daily after meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 regular or decaffeinated black teabag or add 3/4 cup of black coffee
- Honey, or another sweetener, to taste (optional)
Preparation:
1. Place the cinnamon stick in a cup.
2. Add the boiling water and steep covered for 10 minutes.
3. Add the teabag. Steep for one to three minutes.
4. Sweeten to taste, if desired.2. Cinnamon bread- sprinkling a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon onto whole wheat bread as a snack can help regular blood sugar levels.
3. Seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen its impact. Research has found that cinnamon daily can reduce blood sugar by up to 20%.
Besides cinnamon, Bitter melon which is called Karela in India, is also helpful to reduce suger level, you can take a few slices of bitter melon with salad before taking your lunch or dinner.
Other Amazing Elements of Cinnamon Spice:
In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
It is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
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Have a question about maintaining blood sugar levels?
Want to recommend a great natural remedy?
For a free health consultation feel free to email (wellness@healthybeingproducts.com) or call
Melissa Gallagher at 727-954-8968.
Visit our On-Line Store to save over 65% and get free shipping on Vitamins and Supplements at theHealthy Being Products Store
