It may be beneficial for treating head lice and improving dental health.
Neem oil is also used as an insect repellent and pesticide.
Neem supplements are available as capsules, powders, tinctures, and creams.
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It can also be an ingredient in some mouthwashes.
Its use is associated with some side effects, ranging from mild to severe.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
It’s also used to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Research on the potential health benefits of neem is limited.
More research is needed with well-designed, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed human research studies.
However, the results are mixed.
However, the study was small, involving only 40 people for one week.
The researchers could find no evidence that neem mouthwash is a reasonable alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Insect Repellant
Alimonoid(plant chemical) compound in neem seeds calledazadirachtinhas toxic effects on insects.
They include fleas on cats and dogs, cattle ticks, and more.Neem products also are used as pesticides.
These conditions include:
What Are the Side Effects of Neem?
Consuming a supplement like neem may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Topical use (placed on skin) can cause:
Neem oil should not be consumed orally.
Oral consumption can lead to:
Who Should Not Take Neem?
Consuming neem oil is not advised, even at low doses.
Dosage: How Much Neem Should I Use?
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of neem.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Neem?
Studies and research reports indicate a number of side effects and risks.
As a rule of thumb, never take more neem than the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
This is true for any of its forms.
If you experience side effects, stop taking neem and call your healthcare provider.
Studies suggest that neem has blood sugar lowering effects.
The use of some CYP450 substrate medications can be affected by this interaction because of effects on liver enzymes.
However, most claims are not backed by enough human data and require more research.
Neem is available as a capsule, powder, oil, tincture, cream, or mouthwash.
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