Let's look at the health benefits
Neem is a tree indigenous to India and is very popular in Ayurvedic medicine due to its antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bark and leaves of the tree are known to be used medically, and less often, the flowers, fruit and roots are used as well. The leaves are generally available year-round as the tree is an evergreen.
It can be found in various sections of the health food shop due to its benefits in the following areas:
Helps with dry, irritated skin particularly eczema and psoriasis on the body and in the scalp.
Excellent for dealing with dandruff
It is a good mosquito repellent
Good for calming the skin after insect bites or sun burn.
A good option for acne breakouts
Useful for fungal nail infections
How is it available to be used for a particular ailment?
Oil
A Vogel is a well known and respected brand which has a range of neem products including oil. The oil has been cold pressed from the fruit and seeds of the neem tree. It can be applied to skin and hair up to four times daily to help with any irritation or inflammation. It is particularly worth trying for psoriasis which can cause raised, scaly patches on the skin and are often itchy and painful.
As the oil is quite strong smelling, it is recommended to add a drop of it to moisturiser to help with facial skin conditions like acne or irritated skin.
If you have been trying to work on a fungal toe infection, it could be worth considering neem oil as a topical support along with other natural solutions. Neem is available in capsule form (Theraneem is the brand name) and can be taken as an alternative to the oil to help with fungal overgrowth in the body.
Cream
Neem cream is also very soothing and gets to work on red, sensitive areas particularly after sun burn or insect bites. If you are planning to travel to a country with high temperatures, it can be a huge help for sweat rash. This can occur when sweat is trapped in the skin and cause blisters or inflamed lumps which may become very itchy.
Shampoo
Neem shampoo is suitable for all the family and soothing for dry, irritated scalps. It is safe to use in children and won’t interfere with dyes or other hair treatments.
Neem is starting to get more recognition in this part of the world for its health benefits and there are more supplement and beauty products available which include it as part of their ingredients.
Check out the range of neem products available online or in store at Natural Health Store, Wexford and Kilkenny.
Blog written be our Wexford store Nutritional Therapist Davina Dowling