Do you know the health benefits of neem and its use in skin and hair care?
Are you looking for an effective home remedy to treat dark circles, acne or black heads?
Have you tried a neem hair mask or face mask?
If not, this post will help you in understanding the health benefits of neem tree and how to put the advantages of neem leaves for skin care and hair care.
Neem herbal benefits – What is neem good for?
Neem also known as Indian Lilac, has been an integral part of Ayurveda for its immense medicinal properties.
Neem acts as an anti fungal and an anti bacterial agent. Neem has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-parasitic properties. Neem leaves are rich in Vitamin E that is very essential for healthy skin and lustrous hair.
One advantage of neem is that it is available throughout the year and if it is readily available around you, you can make the most of it.
Including neem as part of your everyday skin regime can do wonders. There are numerous options available to include neem in your skin and hair care. Neem based lotions or soaps are available in market. You can also opt for neem oil or neem powder which are available in Ayurvedic stores or you can make decoctions with fresh neem leaves.
8 Benefits of neem for skin:
Of all the medicinal benefits of neem tree, neem’s herbal benefit is the most effective in skin care.
Some areas where neem can be used in skin care are given below.
#1. Dark circles
One of the benefits of neem leaf powder is that it helps in reducing pigmentation and hence can be used to lighten dark circles around the eyes.
Make a paste of neem powder with rose water and apply it around the eyes. Leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes and wash it with water. Do this on a regular basis for best results.
#2. Clears acne
Boil around 20 to 25 neem leaves in water and strain off the liquid. Store this decoction in a bottle and use this regularly as a cleaner. This helps in clearing acne and other skin issues like pimples, pigmentation etc.
#3. Black head treatment
Neem has been found extremely useful in black head treatment.
Dilute 2 to 3 drops of neem oil with water and rub it over the blackheads. Regular use of neem oil can help in preventing black head recurrence.
#4. Use neem to treat skin infection
For ages, neem has found its place in treating skin infection. In olden days, anybody with skin infection used to lie on a bed where neem leaves were spread out. There are vivid images of neem being used during measles and chicken pox during childhood.
For any kind of skin related infections like ring worms or rashes, you can depend on the advantages of neem leaves.
You can rub neem leaves directly or make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric and rose water and apply it to the affected areas. Use regularly till the infection is cured.
#5. For glowing skin
Neem reduces the extra oil discharge from the face and increases the glow. Before going to bed, each night, apply the decoction with a cotton bud and wipe out the dirt. If you practice this on a day to day basis, you would be glowing in no time 🙂
#6. Treat dryness
Neem imparts the right amount of moisture to the skin thus helps in treating dryness of the skin. If you have dry skin, you can apply neem oil or use a neem based soap or lotion to treat dry skin.
#7. Anti-ageing
Because of all the above properties, neem helps in reducing the effects of skin aging. The signs of skin ageing are delayed.
#8. Treatment of psoriasis and ezcema
Psoriasis is a skin condition which leaves skin red, itchy and scaly. Neem has been found of immense help in the treatment of this condition. Neem is also used in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
Amazing benefits of neem for hair:
Herbal benefits of neem is not restricted to skin care. One of the benefits of neem oil is that it can be used for hair care.
Neem oil is effective for scalp related issues like dryness, itchiness and dandruff. You can use neem leaves powder in a hair mask or use the neem oil to massage the scalps.
Hair masks made with neem and henna are really effective.
Given below are the DIY face and hair packs using neem leaves.
- DIY simple neem face mask at home
Add neem leaves (dried and powdered) to besan with turmeric and rose water and make it into a paste. Use this as a face mask for effective treatment of skin related problems. You can use the neem decoction or neem powder as an alternative.
- DIY simple hair mask with neem powder
Add neem leaves powder to henna powder. Make a paste of this using water. Apply it as a hair mask and leave it for sometime. This will act as a conditioner and leave the hair smooth and silky.
Give it a try at home and check for the results for yourself.
Do you know the other health benefits of neem? Have you used neem for skin and hair care?
What are some simple ways that you have included neem in your health care regime?
Do share your experience of using neem as part of your hair, skin and overall health.
Very useful tips