Sadhguru recommends these therapeutic supplements as they ‘are rich in antioxidants’

Incorporating neem and turmeric balls into your routine may align with holistic wellness practices, but consulting experts and relying on a balanced diet and lifestyle remain essential for overall health

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Dec 7, 2023 12:03 PM IST

Sadhguru on a healthy diet (Source: Express Archives)

Most often, traditional Indian spices are recommended for their potential health benefits. From improving digestion to keeping one’s immunity up, spices like turmeric are recommended. Yogic Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev too swears by it as well as neem for healthful living.

“These small balls of turmeric and neem, freshly ground, are rich in antioxidants. Very rich in vitamin B. Also, turmeric decoction is very good for taking away inflammatory markers. They are great cleansers of the gut,” said Sadhguru in his podcast A Yogi’s Breakfast: Breakfast ideas for protein and heart health on YouTube.

As such, we decided to ask experts about their benefits for health.

Neem is known for its antimicrobial properties, promoting skin health, and supporting the immune system. Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, explained Acharya Amit Singh, naturopath and yog Guru at Yog Sadhna, Delhi.

Make powder of neem leaves (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

“Combining neem and turmeric may offer a synergistic effect, potentially enhancing their individual benefits. Neem’s bitter taste might be balanced by turmeric’s earthy flavour. Both ingredients have deep roots in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine,” said Sadhguru.

Also Read | Sadhguru recommends high-water content foods in the diet; experts elucidate

Neem is renowned for its skin-friendly properties, addressing issues like acne and promoting a healthy complexion. “Externally neem can be used in the form of direct application, in oil forms, and in creams and soaps. Turmeric complements this with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, benefiting skin health,” said Dr Anjali Sharma, naturopathy, acupuncture, and yoga physician, Shuddhi Naturopathy Clinic.

Dr Sharma said that while neem and turmeric are known for their various health benefits, and combining them into balls or capsules may offer several advantages, they need to be taken with precaution. “Using the right dose especially neem has to be taken for a very short term in a specific dose. Also, it should not be taken during pregnancy. It has beneficial effects only when taken at a limit, else overdose has adverse effects,” said Dr Sharma.

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It’s crucial to approach such practices with an understanding that individual responses vary, and scientific evidence supporting the specific combination of neem and turmeric in ball form is limited. “While these ingredients have known health benefits, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable, especially if one has existing medical conditions or is on medication,” added Singh.