Neem oil is an excellent moisturizer because it is rich with emollients and fatty acids and high in vitamin E. It is thus useful for soothing cracked, dry or otherwise damaged and stressed skin. Neem oil is beneficial for both dry and oily skin. In the Ayurvedic (holistic medicine) tradition of India, neem leaf is used to treat various skin disorders.
Neem as Soap
Neem soap can relieve the itching and redness that are associated with irritated skin. It can also lighten your pigmentation and any scars you have. Neem soap can also help treat skin infections, fungus and parasites.
Neem for Skin Diseases
According to Drs. Vasant Lad and David Frawley in "The Yoga of Herbs," neem leaf in medicated oil is one of the best healing and disinfecting agents for skin diseases. Neem leaf can be used to treat skin diseases including ringworm, urticaria and eczema. These doctors also point out the fact that neem can cool the fevers and clear the toxins associated with most inflammatory skin diseases. In "Ayurvedic Cures for Common Diseases," Dr. Bhagwan Dash reports that neem is extremely effective in treating scabies. He recommends washing the parts of your body that have been affected by scabies daily with water that is boiled with neem leaves. You should also use soap prepared with neem oil for scabies. You can also chew on neem leaves to take them internally. Tender neem leaves that are not very bitter are made into pills that are the size of peas to treat a scabies patient through twice daily usage. Neem can also be mixed with other Indian oils like mustard oil and ox bile to cure obstinate skin diseases such as alopecia, keloids, leprosy, piles, ringworm and alopecia.
Neem for Cuts and Abrasions
Neem's antiseptic and healing properties help it serve as a form of first aid for minor cuts. Neem can help increase blood flow to and quickly create collagen fibers that can close your wounds.
Neem for Burns
Neem has an aspirin-like substance in it that can help decrease the pain associated with burns and sunburns. Neem can also kill the bacteria on your skin from burns and stimulate your local immune system to help aid quick healing and promote less scarring from your burns.
References
- NeemForIndia.com: Neem Oil for Skin Care
- Frawley, David & Vasant, Lad; "The Yoga of Herbs; An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine"; 1986
- Dash, Bhagwan; "Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayurvedic Cures for Common Diseases"; 1997
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