Neem comes from the word ‘Nimba’ that signifies good health. Indians consider this tree as a sacred tree which symbolizes good health and protection. It has a pungent odor, but neem oil for skin is recommended as it is high in nutrients and offers medicinal value.
Cold-pressed neem oil is the best quality neem oil as it is extracted by crushing the seed kernel. As solvent extraction lowers down the seed quality, cold-pressed oil is preferred for neem extraction.
A study conducted in 2012 showed that using neem oil healed the post-surgical wounds. Another study in 2013 showed that neem oil was an excellent method to treat acne for prolonged use.
The average composition of neem oil is as follows. (for approx ten gms quantity)
| Oleic Acid | 25-54 % |
| Palmitic Acid | 16-33 % |
| Stearic Acid | 9-24 % |
| Linoleic Acid | 8-16 % |
| Arachidic Acid | 1-3 % |
Neem oil benefits(1) in treating wrinkles as it has regenerative properties and compounds that boost immunity. It allows the skin to fight pathogens that are under the surface of the skin. It maintains the smoothness of the skin and fights wrinkles. Using Neem oil prevents aging of the skin too.
Skincare is another addition of neem oil benefits. It stimulates the collagen, which delays the aging process. Neem oil also makes the skin look soft and supple.
Neem oil helps treat acne and prevents the recurrence of acne. It is rich in fatty acids that prevent the scars caused by acne. It is also a non-comedogenic agent that removes the skin impurities that tightens the pores.
Neem oil benefits us by treating skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema. It is considered an age-old remedy to reduce symptoms of eczema like dry and itchy skin. It soothes skin but doesn’t eradicate the root cause of eczema. Eczema can be acquired or genetic. Using neem oil every day can improve the skin condition caused by eczema(2) and rashes.
[Read: Neem Oil for Eczema]
It benefits our health by treating a lice problem. Lice can cause constant itchiness and embarrassment. Using neem oil is effective in treating head lice by killing it. But, here’s a fair warning- it doesn’t bring along a great smell!
Using Neem oil for hair loss is an age-old remedy. Neem oil benefits in healthy hair growth by strengthening its roots and accelerating its growth. It helps resolve hair thinning problems caused by stress, pollution, or other factors.
Neem oil helps treat chronic skin diseases like Ringworm, warts, moles, cold sores, and herpes. Using a good quality neem oil is enriched with antifungal properties and the affected areas of the skin soothe the irritation. It also kills bacteria, which are the leading causes of these conditions.
[Read: Neem Oil for Acne]
Neem oil helps maintain proper dental health and reduces the risk of gingivitis and pyorrhea. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, and neem oil effectively works to treat it. It can treat bleeding gums, toothaches, foul breath. The antiseptic properties of neem help to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Neem oil promotes a healthy scalp, which invariably leads to a healthy scalp. The medicinal and remedial properties of neem oil treat the scalp and enhance the beauty of hair. It moisturizes the hair and keeps it healthy.
Neem oil is beneficial in treating scabies and other skin parasites. It kills the live nymphs present on the skin surface and treats it from the root.
Doing this regularly will help eliminate mites and reduce theinflammation and itching caused by scabies.
[Read: 6 Best Rose-Infused Beauty Products for Glowing Skin]
How To Use
Neem oil is safe to be used topically in skin thrice-weekly but shouldn’t be kept overnight.
[Read: Use Neem Oil for Scabies]
A lot of studies are being performed to understand and explore the usage of neem oil benefits. The properties of neem oil make it the most opted oil for medicinal purposes by holistic practitioners. The list of benefits is endless, moreover, it a sought-after remedy to all hair and skin problems.
If you use neem oil for a face pack, it is advisable to wash in 15 minutes as leaving it overnight can cause skin irritation.
Although it is not known to have any side effects, it is best to take doctor’s advice before using it on babies. Use neem oil with a carrier oil for bathing or as a repellant only on the advice of a doctor.