What are the key benefits of neem oil? What are the side effects of neem oil? Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It’s called an Indian lilac or margosa; not to be confused with another type of plant also known as “neem.” Neem oil has a strong smell but don’t let that throw you off, as it can be a great natural remedy.
Neem has been used in the treatment of skin conditions and many other types of ailments. Neem oil is known to help prevent hair loss and dandruff and also treat head lice effectively without the use of harmful pesticides.
Its antibacterial properties help fight infection and heal sores. It can help reduce swelling, redness, and irritation caused by acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The oil’s antifungal properties help soothe ringworms, candida, and athlete’s foot.
Here are 10 benefits of neem oil that you should know about.
Amazing benefits of Neem oil – Top 10 Uses of Neem Oil:
1. Treats Hair Loss
Neem oil has been used since ancient times in India for hair care and is known to help stimulate hair growth when massaged into the scalp. It also helps prevent hair loss by strengthening the follicles. A combination of equal amounts of neem oil with castor oil can work as a great natural remedy for hair loss.
Read also: Top 10 Tips to Reduce Hair Fall and Regrow Hair Naturally.
2. Fights Acne and Other Skin Conditions
There are alot of benefits of neem oil for skin care. Neem is rich in fatty acids, such as ricinoleic acid, which helps reduce irritation and redness caused by acne. Neem oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the skin and reduce swelling. Its antioxidants fight free radicals to help prevent aging.
Also read: 10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne.
3. Fights Bacteria and Viruses
Neem oil contains keto-aldehyde, which has antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria like staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus Vulgaris. Neem also exhibits antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the virus that causes AIDS.
Also read; Health Benefits of Mustard Oil, Uses and Nutrition.
4. Reduces Swelling and Pain in Muscles and Joints
Neem oil has been used for centuries to treat aches and pains, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swelling in muscles and joints caused by arthritis or injuries because of its ability to fight free radicals which cause inflammation and pain.
5. Soothes Nervous Conditions
Neem is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system and help fight stress, anxiety, and depression. It has been traditionally used in India for healing emotional imbalances that can lead to nervous conditions like epilepsy, hysteria, and numbness of limbs.
6. Fights Fungus and Yeast
Neem has antifungal properties that help fight the fungus Candida, which causes oral and vaginal yeast infections. Its antiviral activity can also help treat herpes and genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Neem oil can be taken orally to ward off parasites in the digestive tract.
7. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Neem has been used in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels because it contains corosolic acid, which is known to reduce glucose absorption and improve insulin secretion. It can also help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
8. Fights Insect Bites
Beside many other benefits of neem oil it has natural insect-repelling properties that can help keep mosquitoes and other insects away. It can be applied topically to relieve itching, burning, and swelling caused by insect bites.
9. Combats Stress
Neem oil contains the chemical limonene which helps reduce stress levels in people with anxiety disorders when taken orally in doses of 500-1000 mg daily. It has a calming effect that helps reduce stress levels.
10. Tones and Tightens Sagging Skin
Neem has been used in the treatment of problems with sagging skin because its antioxidants help fight free radicals to tighten saggy skin and also stimulate collagen production for firmer skin.
Neem is known to balance sebum oil production, which is why it helps treat acne and other skin conditions. For best results, mix equal amounts of neem oil with coconut oil and apply it to the face as a moisturizing mask once or twice a week.
Neem (Azadirachta indica; Family: Meliaceae) is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine native to India and thought to have been practiced for over 5000 years.
Beside too many benefits of neem oil for skin care. Neem oil has been used since ancient times as a remedy for many ailments, including hair loss.