Benefits of Neem Oil for Skin & Hair

Azadirachta Indica, commonly referred to as neem, nimtree, or Indian lilac, may be a tree within the Meliaceae Meliaceae.

It is one of two species within the Azadirachta and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem trees also grow in islands located within the southern part of Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the sources of neem oil.

One of the most essential herbs used in India for several purposes from skin treatment & cosmetics, body & hair treatment, stomach cleansing, and what not while the bark has been used as a toothpaste & toothbrush combination for ages by many people because of its medicinal values. From Granny’s Kadha to Ayurveda, along with other herbs found in India like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Curry Patta, etc. it is one of the important parts of the ecosystem.

Now, before telling it benefits, there is a small health disclaimer that needs to mention which is Neem oil can cause some forms of toxic encephalopathy and ophthalmopathy if consumed in large quantities.

Now let’s talk about the medicinal and beneficial advantages of one of the most searched skincare ingredients available around in the World.

1. Dandruff: You might not have realized it before now, but neem oil is already found in many dandruff shampoos on store shelves. The oil is a natural anti-fungal, and dandruff is commonly caused by the yeast-like fungus Malassezia.

How to Use: Add a few drops of Neem Oil into a handful of shampoo and massage it thoroughly.

2. Hair Growth & Health: If you’re trying to keep your strands strong and long, neem oil can help. It’s known for not only curing dryness and itchiness but also for providing moisture so your hair stays healthy.

How to Use: Instead of using directly on the scalp make a DIY hair pack. Create a paste by mixing 10 teaspoons of water with 1 teaspoon each of neem oil, Triphala powder, sandalwood powder, and licorice powder. Apply it to your scalp and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse it out with warm lemon water.

3. Dry Skin Treatment: Neem oil is filled with ingredients that benefit the skin, like vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which make it a great natural method to fight off dryness. Past research has found it can penetrate deeply into the skin, healing the cracks that occur from severe dryness and making sure all your moisture stays locked in.

How to use it: Just like you would put neem oil into your shampoo to fight off dandruff, you can add a few drops into a handful of lotion before rubbing it into your skin to help with dryness.

4. Acne & Pimples: Because of neem oil’s antibacterial properties, it makes for great acne treatment. Not only can it help spot treat at the moment, but it’s also been shown to be successful at fighting it off in the long term.

How to use: Take a cotton swab and directly apply on your face overnight. It’ll help with them as well as give a cooling effect.

5. Scar & Dark Spots Treatment: The vitamin E in neem oil is also great at helping heal your skin—especially when it comes to scars Research suggests neem oil helps reduce the appearance of scars. It’s also been shown to help heal wounds and fade dark spots from acne. Its skin-healing properties are impressive.

How to use: Dab neem oil right onto your scars, just like you would with your zits, to help promote healing in the area.

6. Foot Fungus: If you struggle with an athlete’s foot, neem oil could be the solution that finally saves you from the pesky fungus. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, which makes it a perfect choice for those prone to athlete’s foot. It helps kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

How to use: Combine neem oil with Karanja oil, which “provides additional conditioning to soften and smooth the feet.” You can massage it right into your feet.

It is considered as the magic herb for a reason. Neem may be a Hindi noun derived from Sanskrit Nimba. It has it’s medicinal, and other consumption-based usages and even construction-based usage are mentioned in Vedas and other old Ayurveda books. Just use it is carefully in the right amount and it’ll work wonders.

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