AMAZING BENEFITS OF NEEM LEAVES – A HERB THAT HEALS

WHAT IS NEEM LEAF?

Neem Tree, also known as ‘Azadirachta indica’ is a tree native to India and is supposed to denote ‘good health’ in Ayurveda. Neem leaves are a centuries-old beauty remedy and a truly magical ingredient for skin and hair care. Not only its leaves, but the tree’s seeds, roots and bark also contain important compounds that have many medicinal and beauty properties. Neem is stuffed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiseptic, antimalarial, and anti-viral properties, which makes it a remedy for almost all your health concerns.

Neem is an excellent herb which also consists great sources of fatty acids, vitamins, natural triglycerides, minerals together with healing properties that are needed for healthy skin and hair. It contains active constituents like nimbidin, nimbolide and azadirachtin that possess some amazing medicinal properties that can help you get rid of every skin and hair woe you could possibly be dealing with. Plus, it is suitable for all skin types, be it oily, normal, dry, combination or sensitive.

Neem leaves can be used in the form of oil, paste, powder and juice for great skin and healthy hair.  Read more to find out how this amazing plant can help you boost overall skin health.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NEEM FOR SKIN?

The beauty benefits of Neem leaves are plentiful that many of us might not know about. Neem is rich in essential nutrients, minerals, Vitamin E and medicinal properties and is such an excellent anti-bacterial ingredient for skin and hair care.  The important benefit is, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe your skin. Just soak a few Neem leaves in water overnight and bathe with this water in the morning and if you do this every morning, it will act as a good antibacterial cleanser.

Treats acne

Home remedy using Neem leaves is safe for oily and acne-prone skin. The antibacterial properties of Neem fight acne-causing bacteria, which helps in the treatment and prevention of acne. Also, Neem leaves are extremely useful in controlling oil production in the skin. Since they exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, they help keep skin free from pimple-causing bacteria and relieve skin itchiness and redness and also prevents further occurrence of pimples and skin blemishes.  Neem infused oil (please see  INFUSED METHOD below) is cooling, drying and non-comedogenic that you can use to wipe out excess oil from the face and keep it clean and oil-free. You can even use it as a spot treatment to fight acne. To achieve clear skin, apply Neem infused oil on your face every night before going to bed for clear and smooth skin.

Treats eczema

Neem contains high levels of antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory substances that are a natural treatment for eczema, acne, psoriasis, and redness.  Loaded with nutrients and rich lipids, it is remarkably effective in helping to treat dry, inflamed and irritated skin. This also helps to lessen the sensation of itchiness and discomfort and the anti-inflammatory compounds of nimbidin help to reduce swelling associated with the inflammation.  Accordingly, Neem leaf powder pastes or Neem oil can be applied to the infected area.  Alternatively, Neem leaves can also be added to bathing water for treatment of eczema. 

Pacifies irritated skin

If you have sensitive skin and get skin irritations easily, Neem leaves are just right for you.  Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties, high content of fatty acids and glycerides help soothe irritated and itchy skin and also heal skin conditions like red, dry and flaky skin. You can use Neem infused oil every day before bed or make a paste of Neem powder with honey gel base and apply it on your face twice a week for 15 minutes to relieve skin of any irritation.  Neem’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin and the beautiful part is that Neem features a soothing effect on dehydrated or dry skin.

Fights signs of aging

Neem is best known for its anti-aging, moisturizing triglycerides and Vitamin E properties. Neem protects skin from harmful UV radiation, pollution and other environmental factors. The vitamins and fatty acids in Neem reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fines lines and dark spots. This makes your skin look firm, toned and rejuvenated. Regular use of Neem leaf paste can slow down aging and rejuvenate your skin. Mix 2 teaspoons of Neem leaf powder, ½ teaspoon of milk and 1 teaspoon of honey as face mask and use it twice a week to achieve and maintain youthful and radiant skin. This face pack is perfect as an anti-aging treatment as it will also help to remove dead skin cells, nourish skin to make it glowy and shiny!

Tackles blackheads and whiteheads

The antibacterial properties of Neem will control acne breakouts and clear excess oil from the skin pores, at the same time helping to pull back large pores and works as an exfoliating agent to remove impurities and tighten pores.  When used regularly, whiteheads and blackheads will be removed naturally.  For a DIY toner and blackhead remover, boil a handful of fresh Neem leaves in water. Allow to cool before swiping the infused water on your face with a cotton pad. This works as an effective DIY toner and helps removing blackheads and whiteheads while also treating congested pores.

Moisturizes skin

The main benefit of Neem is that it moisturizes and nourishes dry skin. Neem’s essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, help combat dryness, restore lost moisture and reduce flakiness, hence, skin becomes soft and supple. The natural moisturizing properties of Neem help in nourishing the skin cells and restoring the skin pH balance. Neem works as an amazing anti-aging toner for youthful-looking skin.  The Vitamin E in Neem also repairs damaged skin and limits the effect of environment changes that can lead to skin deterioration. Use Neem oil every night before bed for smooth, hydrated and glowing skin. 

Treats fungal infection

Neem is also beneficial in fighting against fungal infection. Neem is great to treat various skin infections due to its potent therapeutic activity. Its antifungal properties consist of nimbidol and gedunin compounds that helps in killing fungus. Make a fine paste of Neem leaf powder and add some lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric. Apply this paste on the skin and let it remain for around 20 to 30 minutes. Then wash off the paste with water and pat dry the area. Do this twice a day to combat fungal infections.

WHY NEEM IS GOOD FOR ECZEMA AND SKIN ITCHING?

Neem is filled with rich source of antioxidants that is used for treating and preventing various conditions including eczema. When applied topically to the skin, Neem oil may help reduce the symptoms of eczema.  Bioactive compounds present in the oil possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Neem oil contains active components such as azadirachtin and nimbolide, that help in the destruction of harmful free radicals which is the main cause of the development of many inflammatory skin conditions. Neem oil also helps regulate enzyme activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, which can also help decrease inflammation  throughout the body, therefore can further help promote wound healing to improve the appearance of skin affected by eczema.

Incidentally, research also supports that Neem oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties to help prevent infection.  To apply Neem oil to your eczema patches, use a cotton ball to soak up some of the infused Neem oil (please see  INFUSED METHOD below) and dab it onto your skin daily.  Neem oil can prevent loss of moisture from the skin and helps to make it supple. Dryness and scaling are most often associated with this skin ailment and Neem oil not only eliminates the redness and itchiness, but also moisturizes. The fatty acids in Neem serve as an emollient which is vastly recommended for eczema.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NEEM FOR HAIR?

Neem has a wide range of benefits and is rich in fatty acids, Vitamin E, antioxidants and calcium. You can apply diluted Neem oil and leave it for 30 minutes before washing it with a normal shampoo. You can also apply diluted Neem oil on your scalp twice a week for 1-2 hours. Try not to leave it overnight as it can lead to irritation and itching.

Relieves itchy scalp and dandruff

If you are struggling with dandruff and nothing seems to work, trust Neem leaves for a dandruff-free and healthy scalp. They possess antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help with scalp infections and remove dandruff effectively. Neem’s antifungal properties prevent yeast build up on scalp, which results in dandruff.  Nimbidi, an active compound in Neem oil helps suppress scalp irritation and infection caused due to dandruff. Together with all other active ingredients, Neem oil helps reduce dryness, flakiness, itchiness and leave your scalp moisturized and healthy.  Nowadays, many anti-dandruff shampoos use Neem oil as a main ingredient because of its medicinal properties. Neem hair oil not only improves your scalp health but also maintains the pH level of the scalp.

Intensify hair growth

Neem is known for its regenerative and medicinal properties as an effective herb to treat hair loss. And one of the outstanding benefits of Neem includes strengthening hair follicles to encourage hair growth. The result therefore is luscious, strong and healthy hair. Regular application of Neem oil and Neem hair mask gives you long and voluminous hair without any sign of thinning, breakage and hair loss. Scalp massage daily with Neem oil can increase blood circulation in the scalp and help in enhancing the speed of hair growth. You may also use a hair mask made from Neem leaf powder and coconut oil and apply onto your hair from root to tip once a week.  Massage to stimulate or improve blood circulation in your scalp. Wash your hair and repeat this once a week. Though is an age-old remedy for hair fall but is still recognized as effective until today.

Averts premature greying of hair  

 If you are spotting greys suddenly and prematurely, Neem powder or Neem oil may help. The high level of antioxidants in Neem can curb the action of free radicals to prevent premature greying of hair due to hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiency, sun damage and stress. Neem stops premature greying of hair by providing proper nutrition to them.  You may try mixing some Neem powder in half a cup of yogurt or honey and apply this mixture onto your hair. Wash it off after 20 minutes and follow up with a mild shampoo.  Regular application of Neem oil to hair also helps treat premature greying. However, note that applying Neem oil is only useful in delaying or preventing greying. It will not help much if the hair has already turned grey due to aging.

Conditions under nourished hair

Neem oil contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and stearic acids which nourish the scalp and hair. These fatty acids present in Neem oil revitalize and restore dry and under-nourished hair thereby keeping it smooth and healthy. Another benefit of applying Neem oil in your hair is that it acts as a natural conditioner. Aside from fatty acids, Neem oil is also rich in Vitamin E which conditions the keratin in our hair strands, making sure they are smooth and shining. In fact, massaging warm Neem oil on scalp helps transfer all the nutrients directly onto the scalp.  Regular usage of Neem oil will ensure a lustrous and healthy hair.

Hydrates dry ends

Neem leaves benefit your hair a great deal by hydrating your dry strands, frizzy cuticles and lifeless hair. Dry, rough and frizzy ends contribute to stunted hair growth and make your hair looks messy and shabby. Neem conditions your hair from root to tip and makes it healthy-looking and visibly soft. You may try this remedy if required.  Take some lukewarm water in a bowl according to the length of your hair and add one to two tablespoons of Neem leaf powder into it. Mix evenly and apply it on the tips of your hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Do it once a week until you see significant results.

DOES NEEM LEAF KILL LICE?

A lice problem could be humiliating due to continued itching even in public areas.  Sometimes harsh chemical remedies could actually damage your hair without helping to get rid of the lice. Why not try some home remedies that had no side effects and at the same time making your hair healthier?  Neem oil has had a long reputation for killing a wide range of insects, including head lice. According to studies, Neem oil is known to be effective in treating head lice and destroying lice eggs without any side effects as it contains azadirachtin, a powerful natural insecticide, which stops the growth and reproduction of lice and eventually kills them. In addition, the pungent smell of Neem repels lice therefore, it is also used as a preventive treatment and a great ingredient to be used in home remedies for head lies. That is why many herbal and medicinal oils for lice have Neem as an active ingredient.  

To get rid of lice, apply Neem oil on your scalp and leave it overnight. The next day, comb your hair with a thin comb to remove dead lice from your hair. Another way of using it would be heating Neem oil and apply it on the scalp. Leave it for an hour and then rinse off. Use this remedy once a week. Regular use of Neem oil for a few weeks can help eliminate lice entirely from your scalp.  There are some other home remedies that you may try :

Neem leaf rinse: Put a handful of Neem leaves in 3 cups of water and boil until the liquid turns green. Remove it from the stove, strain, and let cool. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual and follow it with a Neem rinse using the strained liquid. Repeat the rinse 3 times.

Neem paste: Make a paste by adding 2 tablespoons of Neem leaf powder with coconut oil. Apply the paste to the scalp and leave for 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual. Repeat the process 3 times a week for 2 weeks.

Neem oil: Apply 6-8 drops of homemade Neem oil (please see INFUSED METHOD below) and massage well into your scalp, and let it sit for an hour. Rinse it off with shampoo and water. Repeat this process at least twice a week for a month.

When lice attack, trust the power of anti-bacterial and antiseptic Neem- the ideal home remedy to get rid of lice naturally!

DOES NEEM PROMOTE WOUND HEALING?

Neem is commonly used to heal wounds because of its antiseptic properties that give almost magical healing abilities. It contains an excellent amount of amino acid, vitamin and mineral that is very important in speeding up the healing process. Applying it to injured skin or minor cuts and abrasions accelerates the healing process and improves the immunity of the wound. Neem heals wounds without leaving scars and also prevents septic infections. If you have wounds or scar, apply a little amount of Neem oil onto the affected area daily. Neem Oil contains the necessary fatty acids, which also promote wound healing and make your skin healthy.

SIMPLE STEP TO MAKE NEEM OIL USING NEEM POWDER

INFUSED METHOD

Neem oil is a topical oil made from Neem leaves or Neem leaf powder. We can make Neem oil at home using the cold-pressed method which is very simple and easy. Doing this at home allows all the ingredients to be preserved for the benefit of your skin. First of all, you need to sieve the Neem leaf powder before using. Scoop out one tablespoon of the powder into a glass bottle.  Add 4 tablespoons of grapeseed or jojoba carrier oil into the powder and mix evenly and thoroughly. Next, close the bottle tightly with the cover and let it sit in a dark place for 2-3 days or even 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, you may open up the cover and strain the oil using a muslin bag filter or a clean cloth filter. After straining, you can store the oil in another clean amber glass bottle and the oil is now ready for use. Please remember that Neem oil should be stored in a dark place.

Neem leaf powder contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties and these compounds are effective in treating hair and skin conditions. Incorporating Neem leaf powder into carrier oil can benefit the skin in many ways. Carrier Oils generally contain components such as fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients and when pairing with Neem powder may help fight skin infections, promote wound healing, and combat signs of skin aging efficiently and effectively.

HOW TO TREAT FUNGAL INFECTION USING NEEM POWDER?

Fungal infection has become quite common and unrecognized and with time, clinical remedies are turning out to be ineffective. Such reactions compel patients to resort to natural fixes which are safer and quite successful.  One thing for sure, Neem leaves have effective antifungal properties and are extremely good for the skin and has been considered to be a highly effective fungal infection cure. Its anti-fungal and natural detoxifier properties can remove major pathogens and dermophytes (fungus) from the skin. Washing the infected area with Neem water helps in treating fungal infections. And to make Neem water, simply boil Neem leaves in water for 2 to 3 minutes. For greater impact, Neem water can also be used while bathing.

Neem leaf powder has been found effective in treating fungal infection, as it has strong antifungal properties. You may try to mix Neem leaf powder with water. Add a few drops of olive or jojoba oil if your skin is dry. Apply this paste to the affected areas and rinse after 10-15 minutes with lukewarm water. Follow this process daily for few days to get noticeable results.

WHAT PRODUCTS CAN BE MADE FROM NEEM POWDER?

You will commonly find Neem being used in products such as soap, bath powders, shampoos, conditioners, skin lotion, face packs, toothpaste, Neem Infused Body Oil, cream, detox scalp spray, etc.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Neem oil extracted from the seeds, bark and leaves contains azadirachtin, an active compound which interferes with the normal life cycle of insects and can be used as a pesticide, herbicide, pest fumigant and fertilizer.

Over here, we would like to share with you a DIY Neem Cream recipe, a natural and effective treatment for calming and soothing your skin.

Let's make your own Neem Night Cream at home!

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USING NEEM?

Neem products are generally safe to apply to the skin. However, it is very potent, so it may be a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin before applying it more extensively. All you need to do is to dip a finger into any of your Neem products and rub it on a small patch on your arm. If you react within 24 hours either by itching or swelling, discontinue its use but if no reaction occurs, you can then apply wherever you want.