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The Wonder Herb – NEEM

July 13, 2009

Posted by monica under Ayurveda, Herbs

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By Monica Groover

I recently came across a very interesting and informative article at Henry’s Marketplace website. I love the way this website presents the Ayurvedic or Western herbs, and, rate them according to their proven ‘healing’ value and assign them stars.

I am a little disappointed that Neem has been preached as an herb for oral and dental issues only, when, as an Ayurvedic Practitioner, I use it in homemade mouthwash, use it topically for infection, even use a drop or two of neem oil in cooking, for detoxifying, in my Shirodhara treatment, Abhyanga oil for Pitta or Vata – to name a few. My whole family uses it in the flu season, to fight off infections and help those B Cells a little!

Still, I am impressed, that the humble Neem has become a mainstream herb in America.

Take a look at the table below-

“Neem has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings	Health Concerns
	Gingivitis (periodontal disease)Peptic ulcer Tooth decay Vaginitis
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.”

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Gingivitis (periodontal disease)Peptic ulcer

Tooth decay

Vaginitis

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.”