Arthritis

Traditionally Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem leaf, seed, and bark, for reducing arthritic pain and inflammation and for halting the progression of the disease as well. The use of Neem for these purposes has been confirmed by modern clinical studies.
The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds in Neem. In numerous clinical studies the polysaccharides and other compounds of Neem leaf extract have produced a reduction in the inflammation caused by arthritis. One of the major components in Neem seed, which has demonstrated a significant effect against arthritis, is nimbidin. Other components that possess anti-inflammatory properties are limonoids and catechin.
There are several reasons why the compounds in Neem work so well. It appears that these compounds make a number of adjustments to various mechanisms in the body, which explains their anti-inflammatory effects. There is an inhibition in the release of mediators of acute inflammation, an antihistaminic effect, and a modification in the functioning of the immune system response. This last effect is extremely important. Neem's ability to change the way the immune system responds to arthritis, by reducing the generation of inflammation producing chemicals, may also be the reason why it halts the progress of the disease and why it may hold the promise of an actual cure. 
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects there are several leaf compounds like the above mentioned polysaccharides, catechin, and limonoids, which are clinically proven to be more potent than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in decreasing prostaglandin synthetase and the pain it causes.

Arthritis is a term covering many types of joint ailments. The ailments can be autoimmune disorders, infections, the result of wear on the joints or simply inflammation. Generally though it is the inflammation or the pain associated with it that is treated regardless of the origin. Neem can aid in treating arthritis in many ways. Neem's antibacterial properties can help kill infectious causes while its inflammation reducing properties and pain-suppressing properties can alleviate the symptoms. Neem can also help create a balance in the immune system, which directly affects progression of the disease.

Arthritis is one of the most common medical problems. There are more than 100 forms of it, and each has varying causes, symptoms and treatments.

Warning signs of arthritis include:

Any of these signs, when new, that lasts for more than two weeks requires prompt medical attention. Distinguishing arthritis from common aches and pain, along with determining the type of arthritis, is important for treatment.
Common types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis.
Caused by normal wear and tear on the joints, this chronic condition is usually not serious. However a joint may degenerate to the point where replacement surgery is needed.

Rheumatoid arthritis.
A type of inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition caused by the body's immune system attacking joint-lining tissue.

Rheumatism:
Rheumatism or Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause serious pain and inflammation. Modern medicine uses strong drugs like phenyl butazone and cortisone to relive the pain and inflammation of Rheumatism, however these drugs can cause many uncomfortable side effects. Clinical studies have conclusively demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activities of various compounds in Neem leaves are equally as effective as phenyl butazone and cortisone.
In addition to relieving pain and inflammation the active constituents in Neem leaves are clinically proven to inhibit the prostaglandin mechanism, that causes pain, more effectively than aspirin. In the same study Neem significantly reduced acute paw edema as well. The consumption of Neem Leaf capsules and the topical application of slightly warmed Neem cream can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation of this condition.

Infectious arthritis.
Infectious agents include bacteria, fungi and viruses. This type of arthritis can affect anyone. Usually, prompt diagnosis and treatment results in recovery.

Psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a specific type of arthritis that develops in approximately 23 percent of people who have psoriasis. The disease can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in its milder forms.

Gout.
Gout is most common in men older than 40 and is caused by formation of uric add crystals in a joint.

A number of studies indicate the usefulness of neem in treating arthritis. 
The long history of using neem leaf, bark and seed extracts to relieve inflamed joints is borne out by the recent scientific investigations. Treatment for arthritis is traditionally a mild neem leaf tea coupled with rubbing neem oil or warmed neem-based cream on the stiff or painful areas as needed.