Neem, which is a tree used often for medicinal purposes, is known to cause dangerous side effects when proper precautions are not observed. Common neem side effects include liver and kidney damage, rashes, and swelling. External uses of neem are generally considered safe, but supplements containing neem can cause severe illness or death. When used in moderate doses as a pesticide, there are generally no side effects if the plants are consumed. There is little data about whether neem is dangerous for pets, but tests with rats show that consuming large amounts of neem oil can be at least temporarily damaging to an animal’s health.
Among the many neem side effects, some of the most serious are damage to the liver and kidneys. A person experiencing these side effects may also have yellow skin or low urine production. These effects may be reversible, but any use of neem must stop immediately.
Many side effects associated with topical use are the result of an allergy to the product being used. This may be due to the neem itself or, if there are other substances in the product, any of the product's ingredients. An allergic reaction may involve rashes, itching, or swelling, or in more serious cases, difficulty breathing.
Children are particularly susceptible to neem side effects. They may experience brain swelling, liver and kidney damage, or even death. Given the potential danger, no dosage of neem is safe for children. Even when used topically, children may ingest some of the neem and experience these serious side effects.
One of the most interesting neem side effects is that it may prevent pregnancy when taken by either men or women. There is some evidence to suggest that neem oil taken internally can make men impotent and prevent an embryo from implanting in women. For some people, this is a desirable effect, but for anyone trying to get pregnant, all neem products should be avoided.
While these side effects are the most common among users of neem, in actuality, no side effects are common with proper use. Neem side effects are actually quite rare. The amount that needs to be ingested or absorbed in order to cause problems in adults is thought to be quite large, although special precautions should be taken around children and people trying to conceive a child. That said, when side effects do occur, they are often severe and may cause death. Anyone using neem should consider the risk involved before undertaking a long-term regimen.
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Azuza
Post 5 |
@indemnifyme - I'm a big fan of herbal and natural medicine myself. It always kind of bugs me that the side effects for those aren't listed on the box like with regular medicine.
However, I guess that's what the Internet is for. I think it's generally a good idea to do some research before you take any kind of medicine-natural or from the pharmacy. For instance, my doctor prescribed me a medication for my asthma a few years ago that I decided not to take. After I did some research, I decided the benefits didn't outweigh the risks. |
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indemnifyme
Post 4 |
I've used neem before and I must admit the beginning part of this article really scared me! However, it sounds like you would have to take a much more than the recommended dose to experience the side effects.
Even after reading this, I think I will still use neem in the future. My herbalist recommends it sometimes for when I get sick. Of course, she recommends it like an antibiotic-you take it for 7-10 days and then stop. I've never heard of neem being recommended for long term use.
Also, I'd like to point out that antibiotics and other medicines deemed "safe" by the FDA can have some pretty disturbing side effects as well. Next time you get something from the pharmacy, take the time to read the insert. You might be surprised at what it says! |
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turkay1
Post 3 |
I'm so glad that there is a site which talks about the side effects of neem. I have been hearing a lot about neem lately. I first heard about it on a TV show about health. They were talking about how neem is a great antioxidant and strengthens the immune system. The brands I've looked at also say all good things about neem- how it's great for skin, how it's safe for pets and how it's completely non-toxic and safe to use in any dose.
Of course it is not as safe as these companies claim. First of all, how could it be safe in any dose when neem directly affects the liver and kidney? My doctor told me that neem should only be taken according to the recommended dose and not more than a couple of months. I think these breaks are required to allow the liver and kidney to recuperate, even though companies never mention of this.
I also highly doubt that neem is entirely safe for pets because it is not safe for children. I think it could affect small pets and animals in the same way.
My friend who has been using neem for her eczema also had to stop taking it because she found out that neem is a blood thinner. She has to take aspirin regularly and her doctor told her not to take them at the same time as it could be dangerous.
After I mentioned about neem to my cousin, she also asked her doctor who said that neem is like an antibiotic and should be used with care just as antibiotics are!
I think that since neem products are not sold with prescription, their side effects are not always listed on the product. That's why I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn about it before I used any. Again, thanks for such a great article and for keeping the public informed! |
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alisha
Post 2 |
@feruze-- Yes, neem prevents pregnancy while it is being used, it's not a permanent change. As far as I know, there have even been some initial studies done on it and scientists are considering using neem as a contraceptive.
Some men and women already take neem extract capsules for this, although I don't think there's any guarantee that it will be 100% effective. Once you stop taking it, you will be back to your normal capacity to conceive, so there is no damage to the reproductive organs or anything.
I would imagine if people used it for a long time or in large doses as a contraceptive though, they might experience some of the other more dangerous side effects. I personally think that until a safe and tested neem contraceptive product is released, people who use neem for its contraceptive effect are doing it at their own risk. |
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feruze
Post 1 |
Does neem make men impotent permanently or permanently prevent women from getting pregnant?
I have heard of other natural herbs and oils being used as a contraceptive, but usually these are temporary side effects. If you stop using them, you will be able to get pregnant again.
Is neem different? |
