Testimonials of Neem Working As Birth Control
Neem is a common herb used in natural medicine to heal infections. Neem may also serve as a spermicide and contraceptive. Though it is not approved by the FDA, studies performed on animal subjects have yielded results which identify neem as a safe and consistent form of birth control. To find out whether neem is right for you, talk to your doctor.
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Warning
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Neem is not FDA approved. The contraceptive effects of neem are still under investigation to further verify its safety and effectiveness. Neem oil use should be supervised by a herbal health specialist. Herbal supplementation is a complement to proper medical care, not a substitute.
You should not use neem for any reason without the supervision of a medical professional. According to the "Physician's Desktop Reference" guide to neem as an herbal supplement, side effects include shortness of breath, chest pain, skin hives and rash. You should contact your doctor and discontinue taking neem if you experience any of these side effects, since they could mean you are having an allergic reaction. Children should not take neem.
Identification
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Neem is a type of tree which originates from the Western Himalayas in India. Neem is also grown in other parts of the world, including Africa and Indonesia. Neem is used for multiple healing purposes. According to Holistic Online, a resource for natural and herbal healing information, neem is also used to heal infections, gum disease and lung conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
Neem can also be called the Persian lilac or the holy tree. Neem can be taken in many forms, including as a powder, tea, or tincture. A neem tincture is usually prepared by an herbalist. Tinctures are created by soaking neem in the appropriate amount of liquor, often vodka or grain alcohol.
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Neem in Primates
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A 1996 study by International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in New Delhi, found that daily oral doses of neem oil consistently ended early-term pregnancy in baboons and bonnet monkeys. A 1991 study by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences's finding showed that neem prevents pregnancy in rhesus monkeys by killing sperm.
Neem in Mice
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When introduced into a mouse's reproductive system after a mouse mates, neem can stop the formation of mouse embryos, preventing pregnancy. In a 1996 study by the University of Florida's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which examined neem's effect on the fertility of mice, the scientists found that neem blocks fertility when it is injected into female mice who have just mated.
Spermicidal Properties
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Neem contains a compound researchers refer to as NIM-76. When extracted from the neem, which is performed by steaming, NIM-76 is a potent spermicide. In a 1990 study by The Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences in India, the neem compound NIM-76 was found to act as a spermicide on rat and human sperm under laboratory conditions.
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References
- Purified neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extracts (Praneem) abrogate pregnancy in primates; Mukherjee S, Lohiya NK, Pal R, Sharma MG, Talwar GP.; 1996
- Volatile fraction of neem oil as a spermicide; Riar S, Devakumar C, Ilavazhagan G, Bardhan J, Kain AK, Thomas P, Singh R, Singh B.; 1990
- Contraception potential of neem oil: effect on pregnancy success in the mouse.; Juneja SC, Williams RS, Farooq A, Chegini N.; 1996
