Azadirachta indica commonly known as neem is an herb that is mostly native to the Indian subcontinent. It is widely grown in tropical & semi-tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Malaysia. Neem is a broad-spectrum herb mostly used as a therapy for treating superficial fungal infections, conjunctivitis, skin problems like acne and rosacea, and also for an antiseptic purpose. Leaves of neem are the best known for their immunity-boosting effect and hence have been commonly used for treating dengue.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease commonly found in tropical & subtropical areas mainly in the rainy season. Dengue fever is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its major common symptoms are fever, headache, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and weakness. Dengue may get life-threatening if not treated on time. In this case, the platelet counts are decreased suddenly and the person will feel difficulty in breathing, bleeding from the nose and gums is seen. Neem seeds and leaves contain a phytochemical, azadirachtin that prevents the replication of the dengue virus. Here it is explained how to use neem extracts can be used for treating dengue fever.
1. A Decoction Of Neem Leaves
Nimbidin & nimbin are the triterpenoids found in neem leaves which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Boil the neem leaves in water & drink the decoction 2-3 times a day. Several scientific studies have suggested that neem extract can increase the blood platelets & WBC count in a patient who is suffering from severe dengue fever.
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2. Neem & Papaya Leaf Extract
Extracts of neem & papaya leaves extract when given in combination can be a good remedy to treat dengue. Together, they increase the platelet count at a faster rate in dengue patients and also helps to prevent the viral load from multiplication.
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3. Neem Leaves
Eating 2-3 neem leaves daily can help to boost immunity. It can also purify your blood and detox your body by removing toxins.
4. Application Of Neem Oil
It was a saying in medical terminology that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, keeping mosquitoes away is the best way to avoid dengue. Oil extracted from flowers & fruits of neem is an excellent mosquito repellent. Applying neem oil topically on your exposed skin reduces the chance of dengue mosquito bite and hence prevent you from being affected by dengue.
5. Smoke Of Neem Leaves
As said in an earlier point that the best possible solution to prevent dengue is avoiding mosquitos. Dried leaves of neem alone or in combination with camphor can be used to make smoke so that the mosquitoes can’t enter your house and keep you and your loved ones protected. Neem leaves can also be used to treat regular fever from the flu virus and boost your immunity. It is also used for treating skin ulcers, stomach upset, flatulence, diabetes, liver disorders, and dental problems.
