Benefits of neem: for health, skin and hair

Neem tree is described as a Sarva Roga Nivarini which means a tree that keeps all diseases at bay or as a reliever of diseases in Charaka Samhita, which is an early text on Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine). Neem has many health benefits for all ages, you can use every part of neem tree for the human well being.Some of the important health benefits of neem are mentioned below which can help you to cure many health as well as hair and skin related problems.

For Health

Neem bark is bitter and cool in nature which can be used in treatment of tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation and many other diseases. Neem heals wounds quickly and effectively which can cure vomiting, skin diseases, excessive thirst, and diabetes. Neem leaves are found very beneficial for eye disorders and in treatment of insect poisons. Neem also helps in treating diabetes and it can also reduce insulin requirements by up to 50 percent, without altering blood glucose levels.

Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients necessary for dental hygiene, many types of toothpaste and tooth powder contains Neem ingredients which treat many oral infections, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums. Neem also helps in treatment of many viral diseases such as small-pox, chicken-pox, you can also rub the paste of neem leaves directly on the infected skin to get some instant relief. Neem leaf extract increases the state of oxidation in red blood cells, which prevents normal development of the malaria virus so help in cure of Malaria also. Neem is very powerful against irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and hyper-acidity. The bark and leaf powder from Neem can treat bronchitis.

For Hair

Neem leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it is very effective in treating dandruff. Boil two handfuls of neem leaves with five cups of hot water for 15 to 20 minutes and let it stand overnight. In morning strain the liquid and rinse the hair with this neem water to get relief from itchy and dry scalp and free from infections. You also get rid from dandruff.You can also make neem leaves paste and apply on the scalp to get rid from dandruff in just 2-3 weeks. Soak neem leaves for one hour and grind them in blender to make paste. Apply this paste on your scalp for half an hour and rinsing it off with water. Neem also strengthens hair and promotes hair growth.

For Skin

Neem can be used in treatment of many skin disorders because of its detoxifying properties. It is a good home remedy to treat acne which is cause by acne-causing bacteria such as propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and staphylococcus epidermidis, neem stops the growth of these types of bacteria and helps you to get rid from acne problems. Use neem oil or neem leaves paste to get relieve from dry skin, redness and irritation of skin. Neem also promotes healthy and glowing skin and cures many skin problems such as acne, boils and ulcers.

Neem prevents the recurrence of pimples and blemishes and also beneficial for skin disorders like eczema and minor skin infections. Antioxidants present in neem leaves paste or oil protects the skin from environmental damage and aging.

Neem oil contains fatty acid and vitamin E that gets absorbed easily into the skin, it helps rejuvenate skin cells and restore elasticity. It helps maintain a glowing skin and balance skin tone. Neem oil also helps to prevent and treat scars from acne.You can prepare Neem face packs or masks at home which tighten pore and remove impurities and give you clean and glowing skin from deep inside.

Here are some common ways to use neem and its parts to get maximum benefit of this wonderful tree. You can use each part of neem tree: leaves, bark, fruit and flowers.

• Neem can be act as excellent mosquito repellent mix neem oil with Vaseline in the ratio of 1:5 and rub all over your body to get rid from mosquitoes as well as for skin disorders, minor cuts, burns, wounds etc. Add crushed neem seeds and neem oil to all possible areas where mosquitoes can breed to ensure complete inhibition of egg laying for seven days.

• Boil neem leaves with water for approx. 10 mins and wash your face and eyes to get rid from skin related problems or in case of conjunctivitis, itching etc.

• If you have a problem of athletes’ foot or any other foot problem then boil some neem leaves in water to make and soak your feet to get instant relief from these problems.

• Massage your hair with neem oil mixed with coconut or olive oil and leave it for 1 hour. Shampoo your hair after one hour. Repeat this process once in a week at least for 3 weeks to get relief from dandruff and head lice.

• Suffering from sore throat, gargle with neem leaf water mixed with honey to get relief from sore throat.

• Use pure neem oil as nasal drops. Just put two drops of neem oil morning and evening to get rid from sinusitis.

• To protect your plants from some common plant diseases mix 30 ml of neem oil with 1 liter of water, add 1 ml of teepol (liquid detergent) and spray this liquid mix immediately on plants. Always make fresh liquid for each spray.

• Add dried neem leaves in food grains like rice, wheat, lentils etc. to get rid from common insects, just replace the leaves after every 2 – 3 months.

• Chew 2 – 3 neem leaves regularly, this will purify the blood and you will get rid from hyperacidity and diabetes.

Read on to know Homemade Neem Face Packs and Masks