10 Unknown Side Effects of Neem

10 Unknown Side Effects of Neem

Neem is one of the most valuable herbs in Ayurveda. It has powerful medicinal properties. But with good things come some flaws. This wonderful evergreen traditional herb has some serious effects on your health when taken in higher doses. In some cases, neem side effects have been found to be life-threatening for young children. So, before you start consuming any part of this tree, it is important to also know the likely side effects.

10 Side Effects of Neem:

Neem is an antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory herb. In addition to its medicinal benefits, neem has shown negative health effects in some laboratory tests. It is very important that you know about them before you start taking neem directly or in the form of some supplements.

1. Damage to Liver and Kidney:

Neem has a natural antioxidant property that protects both the liver and kidney. These organs remain protected as long as neem is taken in small quantities. Consuming excessive amounts of neem in any form can cause serious damage to these vital organs. These side effects include yellowing of the skin, jaundice, and urine infections such as decreased urine production.

2. Skin Allergies:

While neem is often used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, it can cause some skin allergies. Neem is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. But some people are allergic to its composition in medications. As a result, they may suffer from symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling of the skin.

3. Side effects for children:

Neem oil may be a safer supplement for adults. However, for children, it is completely avoidable due to its serious effects. It contains aspirin-like compounds that can easily cause Reye's syndrome in children. Studies have shown shocking side effects in children exposed to neem oil. These include diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, irritability, brain disorders, drowsiness and even coma.

4. Causes of diabetes:

By lowering blood sugar levels, neem can also cause diabetes. For patients suffering from this disease, it is important to carefully monitor blood sugar levels while taking neem in any form. They may also need to change their medication dosage.

5. Causes of Infertility:

Neem causes infertility in humans. It is even widely used in insecticides to prevent pests from multiplying in plants. It damages sperm. Neem extracts can cause the immune system to rise above acceptable levels. While it's desirable for some people, for those trying to conceive, it's a strict no-no.

6. Increase in Autoimmune Diseases:

Neem has the ability to strengthen the immune system. However, such overdrive can prove fatal for people suffering from autoimmune diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, etc. Its potential to aggravate immunity may result in ineffectiveness of drugs administered for its treatment. Therefore, it is better to avoid using or taking neem under such conditions.

7. Stomach Diseases:

Neem extracts and oil are often used for better digestion. However, in some cases they show adverse effects by causing stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. For such people, it is recommended to limit the dose of neem to lower levels to avoid its diuretic effects.

8. Harmful for Organ Transplantation:

For a successful organ transplant, medication is administered to prevent the body from rejecting the organs. The immunosuppressant may become ineffective due to neem's immune-boosting properties. Therefore, its use for organ transplants must be avoided.

9. Side effects during surgery:

Studies have shown that neem can disrupt blood sugar levels before or after surgery. This is an important concern. For this reason, it is recommended to stop taking neem two weeks before the operation to ensure successful completion.

10. Harmful During Pregnancy:

In some studies, neem has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women are often advised to avoid taking it to prevent miscarriage. Even for breastfeeding mothers, neem is never recommended for consumption anyway!

Despite these side effects, neem is an amazing medicinal herb. But it is extremely important to take it in moderation like any other herb. Always seek expert advice before using neem for safer results.