Neem as a Treatment for Diabetes
Article by John Conrick, The Miraculous Healing Herb

Diabetes mellitus is a disease suffered by millions of people in the United States alone. It causes a number of debilitating and sometimes deadly complications. Blindness, amputations from poor circulation, heart disease and a number of other problems can result from diabetes. It is therefore a major concern that we develop adequate treatments, and eventually a cure.

Diabetes had been treated with herbs and diet until the advent of modern pharmaceuticals and the ability to chemically produce insulin in large quantities. Though insulin has been a lifesaver for insulin-dependent diabetics, the repeated injections are expensive and painful. The neem tree offers an opportunity to reduce the number of insulin shots with a safe and proven herb. Neem can also reduce the need for hypo-glycaemic drugs, and increase their effectiveness for those with non-insulin dependent diabetes.

Scientific studies show neem leaf and certain extracts of the leaf and seed oil are effective in reducing insulin requirements. Different studies show insulin requirement reductions of between 20- 50 % for those who take five grams of dried neem leaf capsules daily. There are even anecdotal reports of diabetics chewing a single neem leaf daily that have been able to eliminate hypoglycemic drugs completely.

Based on the many studies of neem’s effect on diabetes, the Indian government approved neem-based tablets for sale by a pharmaceutical company as a treatment for diabetes. One study of the product published in The Journal of General Medicine showed the tablets alone significantly lowered blood glucose levels. Tests were also performed on the effect of taking the tablets along with standard hypoglycemic drugs. These tests showed that the neem-based tablets significantly improved the effectiveness of standard hypoglycemic drugs when taken together.

Circulation problems are a frequent cause of amputations for diabetics. Neem leaf extracts cause the blood vessels to dilate, allowing for increased circulation to the extremities.

In one personal experience, a friend’s diabetic brother was about to lose a foot because of poor circulation. After taking neem leaf capsules three times a day and wrapping his foot in a poultice of neem leaves for several days, the circulation returned to his foot and the amputation was cancelled.

There is no consensus as to the mechanism of the results observed. Some researchers believe it can work by either reserve insulin being released or by directing the reduction of blood glucose by metabolic factors. In either case, neem can be extremely useful in treating both types of diabetes mellitus.

Disclaimer: As with all medicines and botanicals, consult a health care professional before using neem. People with any existing medical condition who are on medication, or under a doctor’s care, should seek medical advice before incorporating neem into their health care program. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid neem entirely unless prescribed by their health care provider. The information in this article is for informational purposes only.

Back to Articles Page