The neem tree or Azadirachta indica is an evergreen that has been used therapeutically for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Native to South Asia, every inch of this tree is used for medicinal purposes. The fruit, leaves, seeds, gum, oil, and bark all contain very similar therapeutic components in varying amounts. This tree is an antiseptic, antiviral, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-fungal. 

“All parts of neem tree are commonly used in traditional Indian medicine for household remedy against various human diseases,” according to PubMed. Nothing can become a waste when using this tree. From treating sexually transmitted diseases to treating acne, the neem tree seems to beat out all others for aiding humankind medicinally. It is the beneficial component of Azadirachtin compound that gives neem all its medicinal greatness along with the ability to repel insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and ants. There is a direct link between the neem tree and ancient medicines and is an amazing oil that is vital ingredient in Ayurveda.

What’s the 411 on Neem oil?

Yes, every facet of the neem tree is essential and remarkable for medicinal purposes but what is so great about the oil?  First off, the oil is derived from crushing the seeds through a cold pressing processing as heat may distort or diminish the potency of the therapeutic properties in the oil. The pungent odor has not stopped this oil from becoming more popular in Western medicine and the beauty industry. For one reason, the pros far outweigh the cons on this oil. 

  • Supports your immune system
  • Heals and supports skin
  • Can be used as a toothpaste or mouthwash
  • Insect repellent
  • Digestive issue solver
  • Benefits skin, scalp, and hair

Neem oil and hair

Those nutrients do our bodies good and that also goes for our tresses. It fights fungal infections including ringworms, which many children experience on the scalp. By using this oil regularly, you will notice a healthier scalp and hair strands. Great for scalp massages but since it is an offensive odor that is strong as well as pungent, you may want to use overnight then wash in the morning to rid the smell. Diluting it with another sweet smelling carrier oil may also aid in dissipating the offensive smell.

Neem oil is a great reliever of dandruff, psoriasis, and dry scalp ailments. It actually improves the scalp’s health and maintains the scalp’s pH level, which is why we often see it added to shampoos. It can be used to remove head lice without the use of harsh chemicals that other head lice remedies contain. Simply add neem oil to hair and leave in overnight. Comb out with a nit comb the following morning to remove lice. With all the precious fatty acids your strands will get a masterful conditioning from the linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids that will nourish and condition your tresses and scalp. Restore dry, under-nourished hair back to a smoother texture.

Read more: Oleic & Linoleic Acid: The Reason You Love Oils So Much

Products with neem oil

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Sabrina Perkins

Sabrina, founder of seriouslynatural.org and contributor to several online publications, is a freelance writer who engages her audiences on the relevance of natural hair, beauty, and style.

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