About Neem, The Wonder Tree
In India, we recognize Neem for its bitter tang and blood purifying properties. In Ayurveda, Neem has been cited for its sundry health benefits and curative properties. It contains bioactive compounds like Nimbidin, Nimbin and Azadiractin that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The Neem tree has been acknowledged as the “Wonder Tree” because each part of the tree -from its leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, to its fruit, exudes beneficial properties that can be used for different skin care purposes.
Benefits of Neem As Per Ayurveda
Several properties and health benefits of neem are revealed in the Ayurvedic text Bhava Prakash Nighantu:
Nimba sito laghu grahi katu tikto agni vatakrt |
ahrdya srama trt kasa jvara aruchi krmipranut ||
vranapitta kaphacchardi kushtha hrilasa mehnut |
“Neem is Sheet (cooling), Laghu (very light), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Agnikrut (digestion improving), Vata Krut (Vata increasing), Krumihar (antimicrobial), Vranahara (healing), Pitta Kaphahara (Pitta and Kapha balancing), Kustahara (good for skin).”
Also Read – Skincare Regime as per your Ayurvedic Doshas
Health, Hygiene & Cosmetic Benefits of Neem Leaves
- Dried Neem leaves can be wrapped in a muslin cloth to place in cupboards – to preserve old clothes, or in containers around the house for their strong fresh scent, to deter pests.
- Neem twigs have for long been used for dental cleaning owing to their antimicrobial properties.
- Neem delays early signs of aging of the skin because of its regenerative properties of cellular growth.
- It reduces skin pigmentation and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Neem works as a moisturizer to soften and refresh the skin.
Also Read – Monsoon Skincare Essentials – Neem a Wonder Herb
How to Use Neem on Various Skin Types To Get Glowing Skin
Neem for Oily Skin
- In skincare, Neem is one of the summer must haves on account of its moisture absorbing, cleansing, and healing properties.
- The best skin care products to invest in this season are Ubtans or 100% natural face cleansers with Neem as one of their key ingredients, as only are they the best products for oily skin, their cooling and light properties make them idea for various skin types and issues ranging from sunburn to removing skin tan.
Neem for Acne Treatment
- Paste: The paste of Neem leaves can be applied overnight to treat acne or soothe sunburn.
- Neem Water: soaked few neem leaves overnight and it can be used to wash the face or bathe to avoid infections.
Neem for Blood Purification
- In the morning, chewing 4-5 Neem leaves (yes it’s bitter but its effects only sweet!) on an empty stomach will help in blood purification – essential for glowing skin.
Neem for Anti-Aging
- Mix a few drops of Neem Oil with Coconut Oil and use this mixture to massage the face. Neem is enriched with Omega-6 fatty acids that plump the skin and blurr fine lines.
Neem for Dark Spots and Scars
- As Neem helps to purify the blood, it automatically helps to clarify the skin from dark spots caused by the sun, pigmentation and blemishes. Chewing Neem leaves every morning, bathing with its water or using Neem as a spot treatment for acne, all these help reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars.
NOTE: People with dry (Vata) skin should use Neem judiciously, as it is drying (Vata aggravating) in nature.
So, make neem an essential component in summer for all your skincare needs by Forest Essentials and unveil glowing skin!
Dr. Taruna Yadav
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.).
Diploma in Stress Management.
For Forest Essentials.