Neem Tree and Its Possible Skin Benefits

Neem tree, also called Mwarubaini in my Swahili dialect and (Azadirachta indica) has formed part of my natural-health journey for a long time. I have personally used neem in many forms, including neem-tree juice and neem tree tea. At some point I add honey to the green neem tea, whereas on other occasions I use a little lemon or sugar to make its naturally bitter taste easier to drink or enjoy. For me, neem has turned out to be more than just a natural or traditional plant—it is a plant I have personally tried and tested as part of my skin and scalp-care routine.

Neem holds a set of naturally occurring properties , that include limonoids, flavonoids and other plant extracts that have been studied for antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. From a traditional perspective, different sections of the neem tree—as well as its green leaves, dry bark, expansive roots, seeds and flowers—have been used in natural/herbal preparations.

Neem ingredients and extracts can be extracted from different parts of the neem tree. For example, leaves may be grounded or soaked in water to prepare green neem tea or neem juice, whereas the bark and roots can be dried, ground or processed to come up with natural yet powdery extracts. These preparations can differ significantly in concentration , but, a homemade neem tea must not automatically be taken as equal to a strong topical extract.

My personal Experience with Neem and Skin

One of the things I noted personally after a consistent use of neem tea was a change in the look and feel of my skin’s texture. My skin looked brighter, smoother and, to me, strikingly softer. It gave my skin what I would call a cleaner and more relaxed appearance more or less the way the natural aloe vera gel remedy did to my skin. This is a story of another day.

I also took my time to experiment with neem-based skin care products and extracts as part of my scalp-care routine. My primary objective was to ensure that my scalp remained clean and further have healthy, soft and shining hair. Neem has naturally and for some time now been tried out in hair and scalp preparations considering its antimicrobial and antifungal compounds, however, a lot of studies are required before making strong claims about neem’s effectiveness on scalp and hair conditions.

Possible Benefits of Neem on skin

AS PEGGED ON THE WAY neem tree is prepared  and applied, neem tree may have a set of benefits.

Studies continue to delve deep into neem’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,  anti-fungal and ani-oxidating properties.

Traditionally, neem tree extracts have also been used for skin care, skin irritations, including scalp and hair care too.

Moreover,  it is important to note that ‘natural’ does not necessarily imply that neem tree does not have possible risks. You should know that neem tree products and extracts has different levels of concentration.

Important Safety and Allergy Disclosure of neem

Neem tree solution, when applied on the skin may cause skin irritations or skin allergies especially on people allergic to natural plant extracts. As well, a high concentration of neem tree solution or liquid may cause skin irritations as compared to diluted solutions. In this case, some people with skin allergies may present more skin allergic reactions when exposed to concentrated neem solutions, oils or creams as compared to diluted solutions.

It is therefore advisable to apply a patch test on a small area of your skin before choosing to use neem tree solutions or creams/oil entirely on your body. Take some time observing that area of your skin or scalp for any reactions such as redness, itching, inflammation, rashes, burning sensations or general skin irritations. If you experience any of these symptoms, please stop using this product and rinse that patch test area with clean water.

You must be very cautious when using neem products internally, because poisoning  has been reported, especially in children drinking neem oil or solution. Equally, the long-term use of neem products for internal purpose is still not scientifically confirmed especially in the interest of safety.