Neem Tea

Neem tea is a refreshing herbal infusion prepared from the fresh and dried leaves of the neem tree. This bitter-tasting tea is full of nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, sodium, calcium, potassium, and thiamine, thus acting as a medicinal decoction, helping to relieve and combat several ailments.

Neem Tea

History and Origin

Neem tree, indigenous to South East Asia especially in countries of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan is of high utility as each of its parts including the bark, leaves or flowers are utilized for medicinal purposes. Since ancient times the decoction made from the leaves were used for treating a lot of health conditions.

Neem Tea

Health benefits of Neem leaf tea: What is neem tea good for

For diabetes

Studies have revealed that neem leaf extracts are effective in treating diabetes, most of which may be attributed to the anti-diabetic properties present in them. Thus neem tea made from the leaves would work towards dilating the blood vessels, in turn improving the circulation, as well as stimulating the production of insulin in the beta cells. Drinking this tea on a regular basis may therefore be beneficial for especially those with Type 2 diabetes.

Blood pressure regulator

Studies have shown the positive impact of neem in blood pressure regulation, which may be due to the presence of the compound nimbidin, whose anti-histamine effect helps neem in dilating the blood vessels, thereby keeping the pressure in control. Including neem tea as a part of your diet may be a good measure to fight hypertension besides ensuring a healthy heart.

 Liver detoxifying properties

Being an effective detoxifier, neem leaves help in cleansing the blood as well as the liver of toxins, thus enhancing proper digestion and aiding to combat several problems like biliary disease, jaundice, and dyspepsia.

Neem Leaf

Anti-inflammatory properties

Several animal studies have confirmed of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of neem extracts. Moreover, in combination to these, the presence of limonoids, catechins and polysaccharides gives it pain-relieving properties helping it to lessen the pain, swelling and inflammation of the joints during an episode of rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Though topical application of neem leaves or oil helps to provide instant relief, incorporating neem tea as a part of your daily diet may be beneficial in relieving you of the inflamed joints if you suffer from chronic arthritis.

Regulating bowel movements

Besides its anti-inflammatory properties, neem also acts as a demulcent and laxative, helping to regularize the bowel movements and relieve constipation. Being a strong astringent, due to the tannin present in it along with its antibacterial properties, it also works towards controlling diarrhea and dysentery. Thus, a neem infusion would pacify your stomach in both the cases.

Neem Tea Pictures

For Kidneys

Sodium nimbidinate obtained from nimbidin (a compound present in neem), contain diuretic properties that makes it useful in regulating the urine flow and flushing out the toxins. In addition to this, its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties helps it to minimize or combat urinary tract infection.

Regularizes menstrual cycle

Owing to its blood purifying properties, drinking a tea made from the barks and leaves of neem may help in normalizing delayed periods as well as increasing the blood flow while its anti-inflammatory properties would aid in relieving menstrual pains and cramps.

Malaria prevention properties

Individual studies have deduced the impact of neem in fighting against malaria by blocking the gamete development in someone who is suffering from it as well as minimizing the chances of contracting this disease. The presence of certain compounds in neem like Irodin A along with gedunin (a limonoid) and quercetin (a flavonoid) gives it this property. Its antipyretic property helps in reducing malarial fever. Thus chewing the leaves or drinking neem tea may reduce the chances of being afflicted by malaria. Though more research is needed to validate the same.

Stress reliever

Animal studies have revealed that neem possesses stress relieving properties may be because of its ability to increase serotonin in the brain.

Anti-fungal properties

Clinical studies have shown that the presence of nimbidol and gedunin in neem gives it anti-fungal properties, helping it to resist several yeast infections, especially those caused by the fungus Candida. Besides applying it topically, drinking the tea on a regular basis may assist in keeping your body free from infections.

Neem Tea Photos

  Other Uses

• Having anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, you can use an infusion of neem leaves as a bath to get relief from chicken pox and herpes.
• Because of its anti-microbial and blood purifying properties tea prepared from neem leaves may be used as a hair rinse after shampooing to minimize dandruff as well as open the clogged pores.
• Because of its anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, besides drinking it neem tea can be used as a face wash or be applied topically to provide relief from several skin ailments like psoriasis and acne.
• Being a vasodilator, also possessing anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties neem tea can be used as a gargle or mouth rinse to relieve toothache and minimize chances of tooth decay.

How to Make Neem Tea

• Boil a cup of water
• Add about five neem leaves to it (fresh or dried)
• Allow it to steep for approximately five minutes
• Strain the liquid
• Add honey, lemon or any other sweetener if you wish

If you do not desire to drink the tea at the moment, you can refrigerate it by storing in a jug or container. You can also make this tea from the powdered leaf.

Neem Tea Images

Safety and Precautions

Side effects

Though neem tea has no known side effects refrain from drinking it if you are on already on a long term medication for any health condition. An overdose of this tea might lead to nausea and vomiting. Though rare, if you encounter allergic reactions like rashes, swelling of the throat, itching or breathing difficulties, stop consuming the tea and consult your doctor at the earliest. It is unsafe to make children ingest neem in any to form as it contains an aspirin-like substance that might lead to complications.

Neem tea and Pregnancy

Since ancient times, there have been a lot of speculations about the use of neem in all forms as a contraceptive, helping in birth control. Though no concrete evidence is obtained in this regard, pregnant women or those who are trying to get pregnant (along with their partners) should avoid its usage.

Lactating mothers are also not to drink the tea as it may lead to toxicity in the babies.

Neem Leaf Tea

Where to Buy

You can buy neem leaf powder, organic neem leaf tea and neem tea bags online or in stores selling herbal teas. You can also opt for variations like neem nectar tea.