can we eat neem leaves daily - #23251
I am really confused about this whole neem leaves thing. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a post online saying that eating neem leaves daily can really boost your immune system and help with digestion. While that sounds great, I'm not sure how true it is. My grandmother used to chew them when she felt sick, but she was always strict about not overdoing certain things. I've been trying to incorporate them into my smoothies, but every time I do, I get this weird taste that makes me second guess my life choices. Can we eat neem leaves daily? Like, is there a safe amount? I tried looking for info, but a bunch of different sources say different things. Some are all about the benefits, while others warn about side effects if you eat too many. I've read that they can be toxic in large amounts, but then again, I want to feel healthier, ya know? Has anyone here actually eaten neem leaves every day? What was your experience like? I can’t help feeling like I’m missing something critical here lol. Just want to know if I should keep at it, or if I should be cautious about how often we can eat neem leaves daily.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Neem leaves can be consumed daily in small amounts, but it is important to be cautious and aware of potential side effects. Traditional practices often highlight the use of neem leaves for their antimicrobial and potential immune-boosting properties, but scientific evidence in humans is somewhat limited, and potential toxicity is a concern. Chewing a few leaves might offer some minor benefits, but it’s crucial to not overdo it. High consumption of neem leaves has been associated with potential hepatotoxicity, which means they could affect your liver adversely if eaten in large quantities over a prolonged period. It’s also been noted that they can cause nausea or upset stomach if not used to them, due to their potent bitterness. Adding them to a smoothie is one approach to make them more palatable, though it might not completely mask their distinct taste. If incorporating neem leaves into your daily diet, ensure to limit it to just a few fresh leaves at a time. Always wash them thoroughly to remove any possible pesticides or dirt. Though neem has been historically used in some traditional medicine practices, anyone with pre-existing liver conditions or pregnant women should particularly avoid neem consumption without consulting a healthcare professional. It’s always a good idea to discuss new dietary changes with your doctor, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking regular medication, to avoid any unwanted interactions or effects.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.