Evidence supporting the use of: Neem
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Neem (Azadirachta indica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda and other South Asian healing systems. Its leaves, oil, and extracts have been widely used for their purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. For ear infections or earache, traditional practices have involved the topical application of neem oil or juice, with the belief that its antibacterial and antifungal activities can help manage infections and alleviate pain.
However, the scientific evidence specifically supporting neem's effectiveness for ear infections or earache in humans is limited. Laboratory studies have demonstrated neem’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi, which could theoretically be beneficial in treating the pathogens commonly implicated in otitis externa or media. Despite this, robust clinical trials or systematic studies directly evaluating neem for ear infections in humans are lacking.
In summary, neem's use for ear infections is primarily supported by traditional knowledge and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific validation. While its antimicrobial properties are promising in vitro, clinical evidence for its safety and efficacy in ear conditions is insufficient, and medical professionals typically do not recommend it for this purpose.
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Neem
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chicken Pox
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysentery
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Hair (loss or thinning)
Halitosis
Headache (general)