Which neem capsule is best for me?

When we first started selling neem in 1992, it came in two forms – leaf and oil. You could make a tea with the leaf or mix oil with your lotion, but that was about the end of your choices.

Today, the options for neem capsules and supplements are almost overwhelming and somewhat complicated since you’re dealing with a herb known as “The Village Pharmacy” and “Tree of 40 Cures.” The problem is that neem contains about 200 separate compounds and the science isn’t exactly clear on which ingredient is most effective in which situation.

That’s why our first recommendation for internal use is the 6-Way Neem Capsules. They combine the most important parts of the tree with both high-tech supercritical extraction and old-fashioned raw materials. It’s not our least-expensive option – about $15 per month at the recommended dosage – but it was created specifically to cover all the bases.

First, it contains both neem leaf and neem bark. Most neem capsules are made exclusively from neem leaf. Part of that is tradition, which results in many of the more recent clinical tests on neem following through on that centuries-old custom. It’s also much easier to harvest and dry neem leaf than the bark – although it can be done sustainably without harming the tree.

There are, however, some significant advantages to neem bark, depending upon your personal health goals. In one of the few human studies conducted with neem, researchers found that a water-based extract of neem bark reduced gastric acid by 77% with no adverse effects on other organs or blood levels. *

Another in-depth study by a team of American researchers indicates that neem bark may help control herpes simplex virus type-1 infection by inhibiting entry of the virus into the natural target cells even at very low doses. *

Finally, some researchers also believe that neem bark is a better immune system booster and a more effective pain-reliever. We concur with those conclusions based on anecdotal reports from our customers. *

Secondly, it contains both supercritical and hydrophilic (water) extracts of neem leaf and bark. Supercritical extracts are made using natural carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to create a powerful (about 50:1) extract with no solvent residues.

On the other hand, water has been known as the “universal solvent” for centuries because more substances dissolve in it than any other chemical. Most of the clinical studies on neem have been conducted using a water-based extract so it’s clearly an effective option.

Finally, the 6-Way Neem Capsules contain the raw neem leaf and bark, again recognizing that it would be nearly impossible to extract every compound in its most effective form but Mother Nature has done an outstanding job over the centuries.

Other choices available through Neem Tree Farms include:

• Certified-organic vegetarian capsules made with certified fair-trade neem and
• Supercritical neem leaf capsules, a tiny gel cap that may be the best choice for older people or those who can’t handle a typical capsule
• Neem leaf capsules, the best value in neem capsules on the market.

As always, we’re very interested in your personal experiences so please let us know what you think! Email vicki@neemtreefarms.com or give me a call at 877-500-6336, ext. 2.

Neem is a cornerstone of one of the world’s oldest medical systems with references dating back to 2500 BC and it has been used by millions of people.  When taken as directed by adults who are not pregnant or trying to conceive a child, it is remarkably free of side effects. It is also a powerful immune system booster and should not be used by people with auto-immune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. It is not recommended for internal use in children who weigh less than 100 pounds because it contains aspirin-like compounds that may cause Reyes Syndrome. *

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.