Benefits and Uses of Neem Oil
Our hair and skin are constantly under siege from destructive elements, both natural and artificial.
It’s understandable, therefore, that we’re always looking for new ways to protect them.
One helpful natural substance that too few people know about, at least in the West, is Neem oil.
However, as people have grown more aware of Neem oil benefits and its many cosmetic and medicinal properties, its popularity has begun to increase.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what neem oil is, its history, and some of the numerous ways it can be used to improve your skin and hair, as well as giving some tips on the proper way to store and handle it.
NEEM OIL ORGANIC -16oz/473ml-by Amson Naturals-100% Pure & Natural, Cold Pressed -For Face Body Hair – Skin Care, Hair Care
What is Neem Oil and Where Does It Come From?
Neem goes by many different names: Bead Tree, Margosa Tree, Holy Tree, Indian Lilac, Persian Lilac, Pride of China, Nimba and Arishta are just a few examples of alternative terms for it.
And this versatile oil has as many uses as it has names.
Neem oil comes from the neem tree, or Azadirachta indica, an evergreen native to tropical and semi-tropical parts India, Pakistan (where it is the official tree of the Sindh province) and Bangladesh. It is also common in southern Iran.
Neem trees, closely related to the Chinaberry, are tall (occasionally over 100 feet) and have wide, spreading branches with fragrant white flowers. The fruit of the neem tree, a fairly common part of the South and Southeast Asian diets, is small, consisting of yellowish-white flesh surrounding a hard pit.
This fruit bears some physical resemblance to lemons and limes. The neem’s flowers play a ceremonial role in some Hindu religious ceremonies, as does neem fruit juice.
However, the most important use of the neem tree worldwide is as a source of oil, which is extracted by pressing the seed contained within the pit of the fruit.
Neem has been prized for its medicinal value from time immemorial in India.
More recently, other countries have come to understand the benefits of neem, as well, and its use has rapidly spread across the globe.
Humans have discovered countless uses for neem, including the treatment of hemorrhoids, worms, diabetes, leprosy, malaria, gum disease, asthma and head lice. Neem is also used in traditional methods of treating wounds.
Neem’s versatility can be seen in the fact that people have utilized it both to increase low sperm count and as a method of birth control, depending on how what part of the plant is used and how it is applied. In addition to its medical properties, neem can be used to kill pests without endangering humans.
How Neem Oil Can Improve Your Skin
Neem oil renders your skin younger and healthier-looking because it contains high levels of antioxidants that protect skin against the environment and reduce the signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals.
It also contains vitamin E and important fatty acids, which can rejuvenate dry or damaged skin. Neem oil is superior to petroleum-based moisturizers because it restores lost elasticity, too.
Treating your skin with neem oil or a neem cream is also a way to successfully fight acne. Neem is particularly effective at killing the bacterial infections that lead to breakouts. It also reduces inflammation and irritation, as well as treating acne scars and preventing the appearance of new ones.
Neem oil can also benefit those who suffer from eczema. Because eczema is a genetic condition, using neem won’t cure it, but it can noticeably reduce its symptoms. The vitamin E and fatty acids mentioned above work to restore your skin’s natural protective barrier and reduce redness, swelling inflammations.
Finally, gedunin and nimbidol, two compounds that are present in neem, are extremely effective fungicides. This makes neem oil an excellent remedy for athlete’s foot and nail fungus. It will safely fight these painful and embarrassing maladies without posing any threat to your skin.
If you suffer from any of these conditions, then, neem soap or neem cream can help you get rid of them, or at least reduce their effects.
How Neem Oil Can Improve Your Hair and Scalp
If you suffer from unsightly dandruff, using a neem shampoo, or simply applying neem oil to the scalp, may be the solution to your problems.
Neem oil’s natural fungicidal properties and its moisturizing agents can, if properly applied, eliminate the causes of dandruff.
Just a regular once-a-week application of neem oil to the scalp may suffice to eliminate flakes and give you the confidence to start wearing black again.
The benefits of neem oil don’t stop with dandruff, however. It also benefits hair growth and improves shine while reducing frizziness. Regular use of neem-based hair products can therefore leave your hair fuller and thicker, as well as healthier.
How to Store and Handle Neem Oil
Like other materials, you’ll need to store neem oil properly if you want to ensure that it retains its effectiveness. Keep neem in a cool, dry location that isn’t exposed to sunlight. Do not refrigerate it.
One other thing to keep in mind, if you choose to take advantage of neem’s many benefits, is that it has a powerful and not particularly pleasant smell. Therefore, it’s best to mix it with other products in order to mask the odor.
Carrier oils (for instance, almond oil) are good choices for this task. Also, if applying neem directly with your hands, be sure to wash them thoroughly after you’re done.
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Hi!
Really amazing article! I’ve never heard about Neem Oil before and I had now idea it can help to heal and prevent acne which is one of my biggest problems for many years.
The first acne zit on my back appeared maybe 7 years ago and now with age it’s better than it was but still it gets very bad at times.
For sure I will get this to try!
Thank you,
Jolita
I’m glad you found this article helpful. Neem has been used in India for many years. They call it the “Curer of all” It really is an amazing oil
Wow — I had never heard of Neem oil before reading this, but it sounds like a really incredible product. I wonder why there hasn’t been more in the media about it before now, especially about its rejuvenating effects! I do have a question for you: my daughter suffers from several of the different conditions that you described it could help with — dry skin, dry/coarse hair, and acne. Is there one product that can be used for all of these, or would I need to get different ones for each? Thanks again for the information!
Hi Deedee, yes Neem Oil is really beneficial for many things. My grandson suffered from eczema on his scalp and we used Neem Cream – would rub it in at night and soon it was gone, but a Neem Shampoo can probably be used for all the conditions you mention. Here is a link to a site that has some wonderful Neem Products.
I have to say I really like the look of your site! It’s very clean, easy to read and filled with good information. Well done! I’ve never heard of Neem oil, but I think you’re onto something. It’s incredible how much damage our skin and hair takes from the weather, sun, and other variables. Have a natural solution to combat this problem is great!
Thanks for your comments Mike, I’m glad you like the site. I have suffered from skin conditions all my life, the information I have on the site is also based on personal knowledge. Our skin is the largest organ our body has, keeping it healthy is important.
Neem oil is fascinating, have not heard of this until your post and I can say official I am intrigued.
Especially for the practical uses it has for immune system boosting, disease prevention and the great effects it has on skin and its health benefits in numerous other areas.
It’s just crazy how many plants and herbs out there we had no idea or clue about can be used for so many health benefits.
While we’re being bombarded with chemicals, salt and sugar. Here in nature we have all the things to make our lives better.
Thanks for this information.
I believe everything we need grows on this earth. I find it fascinating as well and am always learning more. Thanks for stopping by the site.
Neem oil sounds like a wonder oil. My daughter has acne which we have a hard time dealing. Right now she is using retin A, but I would rather she something more natural. We tried tea tree oil, but she had a reaction to it. I am going to look into neem oil to see if it will help.
Neem might be a great natural alternative for your daughter. Tea tree is good, but sometimes to drying to the skin, whereas the neem will not dry her skin. I hope this works well for her.
Very interesting I did not know that neem can be used as a pest control product as it is safe for humans.
Another interesting point you made here is that neem oil or cream is very helpful in the fight for foot and nail fungus, that is a very interesting bit of information.
Very helpful and informative article on the power of neem oil and creams.
Neem has been known as the curer of all for a great reason. So many ways it can be used and beneficial. Rub a bit on your skin when out on a summer night and the mosquito’s will stay away.
Hi Teresa,
Your article is really informative.
I have never used neem oil before, heard that neem sticks/branches could have been used for brushing your teeth and for making them really strong.
Maybe I should even look at neem oil for acne in addition to hemp seed oil you have also written about 🙂
I wish you all the best 🙂
Vik
Yes the neem sticks and branches have been used for brushing teeth. They used to use them in India, I’m sure some people still do. The only thing I don’t like about Neem oil is the scent. It really does have a terrible scent, but the benefits are so great I can put up with it.