Benefits of Neem for hair, skin and health
India 5 November 2016: Also known as Indian Lilac, Neem is the most valuable herb that provides uncountable benefits to our health as well as the body. In India neem is also known by various names in different languages as Veppilai in Tamil, Vepai in Telugu, Aaru Veppila/Veppila in Malayalam, Limba in Gujarati, Bevu/Olle Bevu in Kannada, Nim in Hindi, Nim/Nimba Pata in Bengali and Kadulimb in Marathi. Almost all parts of leaves can be used to treat various health conditions which include its seeds, leaves, barks, as well as flowers. Neem leaves have beneficial compounds like nimbin, nimbinen, nimbolide, nimandial, ninbinene that have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem leaves contain Gedunin and nimbidol which are powerful antifungal agents that destroy viruses and fungi which cause malaria, athlete foot, ringworm and nail fungus. It has also been an integral part of Ayurveda for more than 1000 years. From treating Leprosy, eye disorders to skin ulcers, Neem leaf can treat hundred of severe Health problems. Neem is also largely used as an insecticide.
Benefits of Neem for Skin
1. Prevents aging
Neem is one of the most effective remedies to delay signs of aging. Its regenerative properties and immune stimulating compound fight the pathogen below the skin surface, which help the skin to remain supple and prevents aging.
2. Treat acne
Neem is overloaded with antibacterial and medicinal properties that clear acne and prevents breakouts. It is also highly effective to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads. To treat body acne Boil a handful of neem leaves in a liter of water till the leaves turn soft and discolored and the water turns green. Now strain this liquid and store it in a bottle. Everytime you go for a bath add some of this liquid in your bathing water to get rid of body acne, infection and body odour. For facial acne you can make a homemade neem face pack by grinding a few neem leaves with some water and apply it on your face. Use this face mask twice a week for best results to get rid of pimple and acne problems.
3. Cure skin dryness and Moisturizes the skin
To prevent skin dryness, it is really important to moisturize the skin without making it oily and using Neem face pack is definitely the best way to do that.
4. Helps to treat skin infections
The benefit of using Neem is that it prevents skin infection and manage bacteria so that they do not overgrow. Since it is a good antibacterial cleanser, it can be used to treat several skin infections.
5. Makes your skin scars free and glowing
Not many people know this, but Neem is the best remedy to get a radiant and glowing skin. Neem can also help you get rid of many skin problems like skin dullness, aging, pigmentation, and blackheads that will make your skin look flawless and youthful.
6. Controls excess oil
Neem has amazing properties which work to control the overproduction of sebum in the skin. Neem is known to not only control excess oil but also prevents acne breakouts.
7. Lightens skin pigmentation
Neem is known to have properties that work to lighten skin pigmentation and get rid of blemishes from the skin.
8. Get rid of blackheads
Neem is very useful in getting rid of blackheads and other skin impurities and gives you clear glowing skin.
9. Treats Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a painful skin disease which is mostly associated with dry and scaly skin, psoriasis makes your skin look like it’s burnt. Neem oil works amazingly to stop the irritation caused by it. It also works as a good moisturizer for the skin, which helps to reduce the dryness and scaling. The neem oil has antibacterial properties which prevent the infection from increasing.
10. Get rid of Eczema
Eczema is another skin problem which causes your skin to become dry and itchy. The best way to get instant relief from the irritation caused by eczema is to use neem. Neem also works to clear the rash caused by eczema.
11. Removes Dark Circles
Are dark circles making you look dull, then neem is the remedy you need to try. Neem works amazingly in reducing pigmentation and moisturizes the skin under the eyes.
12. Skin Toning
Neem leaves work as an amazing natural skin toner. You just boil some neem leaves in water and then using a cotton ball, wipe your face with this neem water at night before bedtime. Doing this daily will clear acne, scars, pigmentation and black heads. You can also use this neem water to rinse your hair to treat dandruff and excessive hair fall. To make a neem face pack you can boil a few neem leaves with some orange peels in a little water. Now to this add little yoghurt, honey and milk and grind it together to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your face and rinse it once the paste dries.
Benefits of Neem for Hair
1. Prevents Hair Fall
Neem is the best medicine to treat excessive hair fall and baldness as it makes the hair stronger and helps your hair to regrow.
2. Treat Dandruff
Neem is a great scalp cleanser due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It keeps the skin hydrated, eliminates dandruff and is highly effective to treat male-pattern baldness.
3. Treat Scalp related issues
If you are suffering from any kind of scalp infection, then Neem is surely the best remedy to get rid of it. The benefit of using neem hair pack on the scalp is that it retains the moisture in the hair and prevent dryness.
4. Promote Hair Growth
Neem contains regenerative properties that reduce hair fall and also improve the blood circulation level in the scalp that helps hair to regrow.
5. Maintains the health of the Scalp
Neem helps in keeping the scalp problems away and also works to retain the moisture in the hair and preventing them from becoming dry and dull.
Health Benefits of Neem
1. Treat Ulcers
Ulcers are one such problem that often troubles us and occurs due to the disturbed pH level of the stomach and intestine. So if you are looking for a fast and effective to treat ulcers, then Neem is all you need as it balances the pH level and its analgesic properties reduce the pain.
2. Helps to treat Asthma
Neem works amazing to help you treat many respiratory disorders like asthma, wheezing, cough and breathing problems.
3. Aids digestion
Being a rich source of Fiber, Neem can really help you to aid digestion. It also contains many essential nutrients, proteins, fats, amino acids, fats and calcium that improve the functioning of the digestive system.
4. Treat Diabetes
Neem acts as an insulin that maintains the blood sugar level and helps to balance sugar metabolism. It is also one of the best natural remedies to get long lasting relief from diabetes.
5. Maintains Dental Health
Neem has been in use since ancient times as an oral remedy as it prevents gum diseases and also cures the bleeding of gum and bad breath. You can also use it to treat a toothache and can get shiny teeth by brushing them with twigs. Using Neem twigs also treats cavities, plaque as well as foul smell.
6. Balance Hormone level
Due to its cleansing and medicinal properties, Neem works best to maintain the hormonal levels in the body. It also improves the blood circulation level and cleanses both the blood and body. When neem leaves are taken daily it helps in improving blood circulation as well as preventing hormonal imbalances which are the main cause for some skin and hair problems
7. Treat malaria
Neem is a natural antipyretic agent. Gedunin a compound present in neem is very effective for treating malaria. Malaria is known to affect the functioning of the liver. Consumption of neem leaves works to keep your liver safe from the effects of malaria and also improve the health of your liver. Burning crushed neem leaves is also an excellent way to keep mosquitoes at bay.
8. Can cure Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is one of the health problems that many women are going through these days. But it can be controlled with the immune boosting properties of Neem capsules. These Immune boosting properties of neem protect the body from the damage caused by the free radicals.
9. Heal wounds and Rashes
Rich in antibacterial and therapeutic properties, Neem is a herb that heals almost all wounds and rashes. It also contains many antiviral and antifungal properties that help to treat all infections and health conditions.
10. Treat Joint pain, Muscle pains and Arthritis
Neem oil is highly beneficial to treat joint pain and muscle pains. The antiinflammatory properties present in neem leaves, seed or barks are known to naturally cure arthritis and reduce pain and swelling in joints. Massaging the affected joints with neem oil also helps in relieving muscle aches and joint pain and helps to reduce rheumatism, osteoarthritis and lower back pain. Neem oil is also a proven remedy to treat arthritis.
11. Antiviral and Antibacterial properties
For ages in ayurveda neem leaves have been used to treat viral diseases. Neem is loaded with antiviral and antibacterial properties which works amazingly to treat many diseases caused by bacterias. Neem leaves extract is known to absorb and eliminate viruses. Applying a paste prepared from neem leaves on the affected area works to get relief from it.Even some fatal diseases like chicken pox and small pox have been treated by applying neem tree paste. In cases of herpes applying neem extract is very beneficial as it is toxic to the virus and accelerates the healing. As neem leaves have antiviral and antibacterial properties it is also used as an addition to bathing water by people having skin diseases like eczema, cold sores and warts. Neem leaves are known to soothe the inflammation and irritation caused by these diseases. Neem leaves also helps to restore the healthy functioning of the intestine by removing the intestinal parasites.
12. Natural Contraceptive
Since ancient times neem has been used as an natural contraception method. People have used it for birth control and abortions.
13. Treats Nail Problems
Are common nail problems like splintering and peeling of nails worrying you? Then start using neem oil to stop them. Neem oil works to strengthen your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle. Nail infection can also be one of the reasons for these problems. The antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of neem works well to stop the infections and makes your nails healthy
14. Treat Leprosy
Since ancient days neem has been used to cure a dreaded disease like leprosy. As per research neem leaves and sap have been found to be very effective in curing leprosy.
15. Purifies the Blood
Neem is known to be a natural blood purifying agent which removes all the toxins from the blood. The blood purifying properties of neem protects you from many skin problems and cancers by fighting free radicals.
16. Improves Vision
Neem flowers are said to be very beneficial for improving eyesight . You can also make an amazing eyewash using neem leaves. Boil some fresh neem leaves in water for 10 minutes and let it cool. You can use this water as an eyewash to clear your eyes of infections like conjunctivitis. It also helps to reduce eye irritation.
17. Used in Aromatherapy
Neem flowers oil is used in aromatherapy as it has a calming and restorative effect on the body. Today many creams, massage oils and astringent available in the market contain neem flower oil.
18. Protects the Liver
excessive or regular alcohol consumption often makes the liver to become weak. Neem juice works amazing to improve the functioning of the liver. Neem juice works amazingly to improve the liver conditions.
19. Used as a Natural Pesticide
Neem oil is used in many of the pesticides and insecticides as a major ingredient. Neem is said to have a natural pesticidal properties which works very effective in keeping pests away.
20. Treats Earache
In ayurvedic medicine neem seed extracts are used to make ointments and drops to treat earache and eye problems. Neem seed extracts antibacterial properties are known to fight the bacteria which cause ear infections.
21. Cardiac care
Neem leaves are an effective natural blood cleansers, which helps in detoxifying the blood. Drinking boiled water which is infused with neem leaves helps in controlling high blood sugar. Neem leaves also help in improving blood circulation and manages the heart beat rate. It is also known to relax uneven heart beats and controls high blood pressure.
22. Fungal Diseases
Neem is loaded with antifungal properties which makes it effective against fungal diseases. Neem leaves are also known to reduce the symptoms of fungal infections and oral thrush. It even fights against fungus that infects hair, skin and nails. Ringworm that occurs in hands and feet can also be cured using neem leaves. Daily eating a handful of neem leaves also fights against cancerous cells.
23. Treat Cancer
Polysaccharides and liomnoids are compounds found in the Neem bark leaves which are known to be beneficial for reducing cancer and tumor cells.
24. Cures Poison
Neem leaves extract contain anti-clotting agents which makes it super effective in treating poisons and insects bites. The antiulcer properties present in neem leaves are also very effective in treating ulcers.
25. Burn Injuries
Neem water works to heal a burn injury faster. When neem water is applied on the burnt area it helps to recover the skin faster and also protects it against allergy and infection on the infected area.
26. Treat sore throat and tired foot:
Using neem water for gargling helps to provide quick relief from sore throat and also soaking the feet in warm neem water helps to get relief from foot ache.
Other uses:
1. If you frizzy hair applying a paste made from neem leaves boiled in water and honey on your hair, helps to tame the frizz.
2. Neem leaves can be eaten on a regular basis and are completely safe. Neem leaves also help in relieving the symptoms of viral infections like common cold, herpes, influenza and chicken pox. Eating plain neem leaves also is beneficial in reducing fever caused by viral infections.
3. Neem leaves and seed extracts contain anti inflammatory, pain relieving and fever reducing properties which help in healing cuts, wounds, ear aches, sprains and headaches.
Conclusion
Due to its easy availability and multiple health benefits, anyone can use neem to gain its tremendous health benefits. Use it as a face mask, oil or in juice form- the choice is all yours. It can also be used as a body soap due to its antiseptic properties. Other uses of neem include flood prevention, to control soil erosion, improves the fertility of the soil and is highly effective in pests and insects control too. The plantation of Neem trees is a great way to get rid of pollution too. So plant more and more neem trees to enjoy its magical health benefits.