6 Amazing Benefits Of Using Neem Oil For Skin And Hair

Originating from the mahogany family of plants, the neem tree is known for its resilience, thriving in arid climates across Asia, Africa, and Central America. Despite harsh conditions, it grows rapidly, offering shade and sustenance to communities in these regions.

The oil extracted from neem's seeds is celebrated as a versatile natural remedy for a plethora of health and beauty concerns. Its potency lies in azadirachtin, a remarkable compound recognized for its insecticidal properties, making neem oil a popular choice for organic pest control in agriculture.

Beyond azadirachtin, neem oil boasts an array of beneficial compounds including nimbidin, nimbin, nimbinin, nimbidol, and tannin. These, coupled with its rich content of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients, contribute to its multifaceted healing properties.

Neem oil's antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities make it a valuable asset in skincare, combating acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Its antiarthritic properties offer relief to those suffering from joint pain, while its hepatoprotective effects support liver health.

Furthermore, ongoing research suggests that neem oil may possess antimalarial, antitumor, and immune-boosting properties, highlighting its potential as a holistic wellness aid.

In essence, neem oil stands as a testament to nature's pharmacy, offering a bounty of benefits for both human health and environmental sustainability.

# Inhibits Growth of Scabies Causing Parasites

The topical application of neem oil can be an adjunctive therapy to overcome a scabies infestation. Neem oil targets the hormonal cycle of the parasites and prevents them from reproducing.

Instead of killing the mites directly, neem oil limits their growth by rendering their eggs sterile and inhibiting their ability to feed. Repeated use leads to complete annihilation of the parasitic population over time. Thus, for neem oil to work against scabies, you will have to use it regularly.

Neem oil also provides symptomatic relief from the swelling, itching, and inflammation associated with this kind of parasitic infestation.

- Put some unadulterated neem oil onto a clean cloth or gauze pad.

- Apply the oil directly to any minor or localized area of skin that shows signs of scabies.

- Let the oil sit on the skin for fifteen to twenty minutes for it to have the desired effect.

- Repeat the oil application two times a day until the infestation resolves.

# Kills Head Lice

Head lice infestation may not be a serious medical concern, but it reflects poorly on your hygiene and can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort.

The lice sustain themselves by feeding on human blood several times a day, which causes your scalp to get excessively itchy. The constant urge to scratch that uncontrollable itch can be a nightmare to live with.

Neem oil is one of the strongest natural insecticides there is due to the presence of azadirachtin in it. This chemical compound keeps the lice from reproducing. By arresting the growth of lice, regular application of neem oil can help wipe out the infestation over time.

- Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil.

- Massage this oil concoction onto the scalp and hair, and leave it on for a minimum period of 1 hour. Letting it stay overnight yields better results.

- Thereafter, rinse the oil from your hair and scalp by shampooing as usual.

- Even though the lice infestation will most likely be resolved within a week or so, you must continue treating your head with neem oil this way to ensure that all the nits that are hatching are decimated as well.

# Reduces Hair Fall

Neem oil is a wholesome hair tonic that can improve the quality of your tresses to a great degree if used regularly.

It has been credited with significant hair-strengthening properties that can avert hair loss, which was demonstrated by a 2013 study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.

A considerable decrease in the extent of hair loss was observed among those who used neem oil regularly as opposed to those who did not.

- Dilute 3 drops of neem oil by mixing it with 2 teaspoons of a bland carrier oil such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. You can also add 3 drops of tea tree oil, lavender oil, or any other essential oil of your liking.

- Give yourself a nice head massage with this oil mix on a daily basis to rejuvenate your brittle, lifeless hair, and to make your scalp healthy.

# Treats Acne

Neem oil packs quite a lot of potential as a natural skin care agent, due to its inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly true in the case of acne breakouts, which usually have a bacterial foundation.

The essential fatty acids, including oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid, that constitute neem oil work together to eradicate the acne-causing bacteria.

At the same time, the salicylic acid present in the oil helps to alleviate the skin redness and inflammation associated with this condition. By improving the skin elasticity, neem oil enables the skin to bounce back to a healthy appearance after a breakout.

- Mix 6 drops of neem oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil of your choosing, such as hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, prickly pear seed oil, safflower oil, or black cumin seed oil.

- Use this oil mix to moisturize your acne-ridden skin by applying it to your face.

- Let the oil sit on your skin for some time so that it gets adequately absorbed.

- Then, rinse your face gently and pat it dry.

- Include this remedy in your daily skin care routine.

# Fights Premature Skin Aging

Enriched with essential fatty acids (EFAs), triglycerides, vitamin E, and calcium, neem oil is regarded as one of the best skin-protective, skin-healing, and anti-aging oils there is.

As we get older, our skin tends to lose out on its elasticity due to diminished collagen synthesis. This is compounded by the continuous onslaught of free radicals that accelerates the premature appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of skin aging.

- Pour 15 g of pure neem oil, 225 g of organic jojoba oil, and 4-5 drops of pure lavender essential oil in a small cosmetic container or bottle.

- Shake the container well so that all the ingredients are blended together.

- Apply this oil mix to your skin to moisturize it from within.

# Heals Cuts and Bruises

Neem oil is known to accelerate skin healing of a wide range of wounds, including cuts, bruises, lacerations, and burns. When the surface layer of the skin gets compromised, applying this antimicrobial oil provides a protective cover against bacteria and other microorganisms that can infect the wound or lesion.

This natural skin balm is enriched with benzoic acid, salicylic acid, and sulfur, all of which exhibit significant disinfectant properties. Neem oil also helps to relieve pain and fever, mainly due to its salicylic acid content.

- Mix neem oil with Vaseline or a carrier oil in a ratio of 1:5.

- Apply the remedial preparation to the affected skin.