Neem oil benefits

 FOR HAIR LOSS

It's important to maintain and take care of your hair so that you can prevent hair ailments such as hair loss, dry itchy scalp, premature graying, dandruff and more. Conditioning the hair with neem oil can do wonders for your hair health and prevent hair loss.

How to use neem oil for hair loss:

1. Add to shampoo: Add a few drops of neem oil to your shampoo. Let sit for 10 minutes and wash off. Use daily or every alternate day and see the difference!

2. Intensive scalp treatment: Combine 1 tsp. of neem oil to 2 tsp. of a carrier oil also beneficial for hair such as coconut oil, almond oil . Leave over-night or at least for a few hours. Apply weekly to rejuvenate your scalp and get hair as smooth as silk.

 FOR DANDRUFF

Neem oil is commonly found in many anti-dandruff shampoos.  Applying neem oil regularly can help scalp itching and dryness and being a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial, it can curb fungal and bacterial infections that can often cause or worsen dandruff. Neem oil also helps to restore the natural pH level of the scalp, important for dandruff control.

Scalp Treatment :  Massage 2-3 tsp. of warm neem oil directly onto the scalp. Wash in 30 minutes. If you have a sensitive scalp combine neem oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or moringa oil (an excellent hair conditioner!).

FOR DRY ITCHY SCALP

Itch Relief : Combine 1 tsp. neem oil with 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil, 2-3 drops of peppermint oil and 1 tbsp coconut or almond oil. Massage into the hair and scalp. Leave and wash after a few hours or leave overnight for best results.

FOR FRIZZY HAIR

Does your hair seem to get frizzy during the monsoon season or when you're out on the beach? Neem oil is great for those who live in high humidity conditions and get rough, frizzy hair as a result. Increased moisture in the air makes the hair absorb water and swell. Neem oil is great for combating frizzy hair because it has hydrophobic properties and is a natural water repellent. It forms a thin coating on the hair protecting your hair from the environment.

Frizzy Hair Conditioner :  Add a few drops of neem oil to 1 tsp. of a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massage into the scalp. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to curb the smell of neem oil such as peppermint oil, or tea tree oil (another excellent essential oil for hair and scalp health). This will give the hair a nice shine and protect it from the elements.

FOR SPLIT ENDS

Split ends often happen when hair weakens and breaks at the end of the hair shaft. There can be many reasons why split ends occur such as harsh heat styling, damaging hair products, sunlight and more. If you suffer from split ends trimming your hair regularly is recommended. To control split ends apply a few drops of neem oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil to condition and moisturize the hair and make it more manageable.  

FOR LICE

If you have head lice, there's nothing more annoying. Neem oil contains the active ingredient azadirachtin, nature's all-natural insecticide. Many commercially available lice sprays contain neem as it is incredibly powerful in treating head lice but the downside is those sprays usually contain toxic chemicals which can do more harm than good. Lice hate the smell of neem oil, so this home remedy below is an excellent natural treatment you can do at home to get rid of lice once and for all.

Head lice treatment:  Massage 6-7 tsp. of warm neem oil into the hair. Cover with a shower cap or towel and leave overnight. The next morning comb through hair with a fine nit comb, to catch the eggs. If itching continues, repeat.

FOR SKIN

Neem oil is laden with natural nutrients that are extremely beneficial for those who have eczema, psoriasis and dry, itchy skin. It's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties help to heal small cuts and wounds, alleviate acne symptoms and fight skin-related fungal infections. No wonder manufacturers take advantage of the benefits of neem oil and use it in the manufacturing of skin care products such as lotions, creams, soaps and even cosmetics!

FOR DRY SKIN

Being hydrophobic (a natural water repellent), neem oil is a highly effective skin conditioner and is excellent to use on areas of the skin that are exposed and washed frequently and tend to be more dry, such as the face, hands and feet. Neem oil creates a thin barrier on top of the skin and locks moisture in, leaving skin smooth and supple.

Neem oil is also rich in Vitamin E and Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), and research suggests that, "Because of its EFAs and vitamin E, neem oil penetrates deep within the skin to heal the minute cracks brought on by severe dryness."

Moisturizing skin conditioner:             Having a pungent odor, it is best to mix neem oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or tamanu oil(an excellent skin conditioner), and even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to please the senses. Massage onto dry areas of your skin, especially the soles of the feet and cracked heels and feel the difference!

FOR SKIN PIGMENTATION

Have pigmented skin? Neem oil is excellent at reducing skin pigmentation caused by an over-production of melanin (the pigment that gives human skin its color). Neem oil can help lighten areas of the skin by regulating the secretion of melanin, and when used regularly, it reduces skin pigmentation, making the skin fairer.

Skin spot treatment:  For small areas take a ear bud soaked in a few drops of neem oil and apply directly on the pigmented areas of the skin. Test for sensitivity on the inner side of your wrist before using on exposed areas such as the face and neck.

FOR FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Neem is a powerful anti-fungal, and contains active ingredients that are highly effective to treat topical fungal infections such as ring worm, toe and nail fungus and athletes foot.  Research suggests that "extracts from neem leaves and seeds" are "sufficient to destroy" several strains of fungi.

FOR ANTI-AGING AND SUN PROTECTION

Skin exposed to harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can get inflamed and damaged. UV rays can penetrate skin layers and cause harm to the delicate collagen layer under the skin, that can cause the skin to age prematurely. But that's not all. UV exposure also causes a release of free radicals in the skin, which in worse cases can lead to skin cancer.

Even after wearing protective clothing, hats and applying sunscreen lotion to protect the skin, sun exposure can occur. When this happens neem oil's anti-inflammatory and analgesic action can help reduce redness and burning and the natural antioxidants in the oil can defend against free radicals protecting skin from further damage.

How to use neem oil for anti-aging and wrinkles:

Anti-wrinkle Oil: Combine a few drops of neem oil with moringa oil (Used for centuries as an anti-aging oil, it rejuvenates aging skin, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging facial muscles). Apply on the face for a few hours and wash off or leave overnight to get the full benefits of neem oil.

FOR TEETH AND GUMS

Neem twigs have been used in India for centuries as all-natural toothbrushes. Chewing on a neem twig (with the outer bark removed), can prevent gum disease, reduce tooth decay and also whiten your pearls. You may not have a neem tree in your backyard but having neem oil in your medicine cabinet can also work wonders for your teeth and gum health!

FOR HEALTHY GUMS

Neem oil has natural anti-bacterial properties that make it excellent for bleeding gums and to use to prevent gum inflammation like gingivitis. Before brushing, simply massage 1-2 drops of neem oil mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil for healthy, strong gums and improved oral health. Brushing with a gentle toothpaste is recommended.

FOR TEETH

There are many toothpastes and oral care products available in the market that contain neem as an active ingredient, and there's good reason why - it works! Neem oil helps in bacteria and plaque control and will keep your teeth strong and healthy.

How to use neem oil for teeth:

1. Add to Toothpaste: Add 2-3 drops of neem oil to a tiny amount of toothpaste on your brush. The neem oil will penetrate the gums and go in between the teeth reducing tooth decay. The taste of the toothpaste will also help curb the strong taste of neem oil.

2. Medicated Floss: Rub some neem oil on your floss before flossing. Again, this helps improve oral health as the antibacterial and medicinal properties of neem seep into your gums and teeth.

 FOR INSECTS AND PESTS

Commercial insecticides and pesticides are full of toxic chemicals that can often do more harm than good. If you're looking for a natural way to control insects, pests and disease, there's nothing better than neem oil.

According to ScienceDirect, neem is "a storehouse of insecticidal azadirachtin, which possess antifeedant, growth disrupting and larvicidal properties against an array of agricultural insect pests." In fact, azadirachtin is neem's most powerful active ingredient and one of nature's most potent insecticides. More importantly, neem is sustainable and environmentally-friendly unlike most synthetic alternatives.  

FOR PLANTS

Chemical pesticides and insecticides can leech into the environment and cause harm. Unlike its synthetic counterparts, neem oil is non-toxic and naturally degrades into the environment and does not cause harm to animals, birds, fish and other wildlife.

Neem oil, and particularly its active compound, azadirachtin, can kill insects at different stages, from the egg and larvae stage to full grown adult by disrupting their reproductive cycles. Neem oil works efficiently against over a hundred different insects like aphids, mites, white flies, beetles, ants, leaf miners, caterpillars and more. Also interestingly, neem oil only affects insects that suck or chew and does not harm beneficial bugs like earthworms, ladybugs, and bees. 

How to use neem oil for plants:

Neem oil insecticide spray: In a 16oz. spray bottle filled with warm distilled water first add 1/2 a tbsp. of pure Castile soap (don't use detergents; Castile soap is easily found in natural food stores or online and is needed to dissolve the oil) and 1/2 a tsp. of cold-pressed neem oil (a little goes a long way) as this has a high level of azadirachtin. Shake to dissolve. Spray once a week for best results. To further enhance your insecticide add 10 drops of citronella essential oil, an all natural insect repellent, which will also make your garden smell great!

Note: Unlike chemical sprays that can have immediate but toxic effects, neem oil will not work overnight and will take a few days to show results. Be patient and the results will show!

FOR POWDERY MILDEW

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants and especially roses. Affected plants look like they've received a dusting of flour. To control and remove powdery mildew from rose bushes and other plants, add 1/2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to the neem oil insecticide spray above. Being a natural fungicide, research shows that neem oil is highly effective against the fungus. Spray once a week.