Neem is a large evergreen tree found in India. Neem, cultivated for centuries by the Indian people, has many practical and medicinal uses. Useful for skin diseases and is even as an organic pesticide, neem has a multitude of uses. Neem oil is commonly added to shampoos to combat common scalp ailments, from dandruff to psoriasis. Neem is a safe product and has no known side effects or reactions in adults, according to Drugs.com.
Natural Cure for Dandruff
Neem oil is a natural cure for dandruff. Many natural dandruff shampoos utilize neem oil and, when used on a regular basis, can prevent dandruff from forming. Neem shampoo is a convenient way to prevent other hair scalp ailments like itchy scalp and the symptoms of scalp psoriasis, according to discoverneem.com. A neem shampoo used regularly will allow the user to reap its full benefits, but shampoos are not quite as effective as 100 percent neem oil. "Vegetarian Times Magazine" notes all of neem's benefits but states that it is particularly effective for skin and scalp ailments and for dandruff.
Natural Cure for Head Lice and Scabies
Neem oil is a safe, all-natural oil that can be used to remove head lice according to "Vegetarian Times" magazine. A common traditional treatment for head lice is to use a gel product like RID. RID contains pyerthrins a poison that is used to kill insects. The poison works by interfering with the nerves of the lice and ultimately causing death according to Drugs.com. There are many complications and side effects caused by pyerthrins such as severe allergic reaction and during pregnancy, its use can be dangerous according to Drugs.com. "Vegetarian Times" suggests leaving the neem oil in hair overnight and then combing it with a nit comb in the morning. Neem oil does not have any adverse side effects like pyerthrins and there have been no cases of allergic reactions to neem, according to Drugs.com. Several studies have also shown neem oil to be 80 to 90 percent effective against head lice according to Drugs.com
Natural Shampoos are Safer
Traditional shampoos today may seem safe and may even live up to their advertising claims, but according to the Silent Spring Institute, it is a good idea to read the labels on the bottle. Shampoos that contain phthalates and parabens should be avoided. Phthalates are endocrine disrupting compounds linked to cancer and birth defects. According to the Silent Spring Institute, the compounds are found in hundreds of products including shampoos. Common phthalates are dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) according to the Institute. The Institute also advises looking for shampoos that are phthalate-free such as natural shampoos, which can contain neem, as a safer alternative to traditional shampoos.
Member Comments