Properties use and contraindications of Neem Oil, an antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory product suitable for skin and hair care and plants and animals. Here are its benefits, where to buy it and the price. Neem oil is a particular product. Thanks to its therapeutic properties, it has been used for several centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, as also attested by ancient medical texts written in Sanskrit. Its healing benefits are innumerable, so much so that it was considered a universal natural remedy for all types of diseases for a long time.
This is because neem oil can contain many beneficial properties: antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti parasitic and antifungal. All this meant that it could be included in the creation of various cosmetic and herbal preparations for both hair and skin (face and body) and the care of plants and pets. Neem oil, obtained from the homonymous plant whose botanical name is Azadirachta Indica, has a pungent odor. For this reason, in some beauty treatments, it is mixed with other vegetable oils such as almond or jojoba. But let’s see what the properties of neem oil are and how to use it best to treat many minor ailments.
Neem Oil: Properties And Uses
After purchasing pure Neem oil, let’s see its benefits and some ideas for using it on the skin and for health and our animal friends.
Moisturizing And Anti-Wrinkle Neem Oil
This fantastic oil is an excellent ally for the skin’s beauty, thanks to its moisturizing properties that act primarily on dry skin. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of Vitamin E, Neem oil makes the skin more elastic and has a high antioxidant power that counteracts aging. Plus, add a few drops of Neem oil to your favorite face cream to have an anti-ageing cream that helps prevent wrinkles and make the skin supple. Likewise, it can be added to the shower gel to increase its properties and have hydrated, soft and supple skin.
Healing Neem Oil
Neem oil also has healing properties that act on both the skin of the body and that of the face. Its regenerating skin makes it an excellent remedy for stretch marks and scars. In particular, massaging a few drops of pure neem oil every day on the area affected by stretch marks will make the skin much more elastic with a consequent reduction of the spots left by this unsightly problem. Its anti-inflammatory and healing action makes it suitable even in the case of burns and wounds. Apply a few drops on the injury and massage gently to heal quickly.
Disinfectant Properties
Neem oil is also effective for disinfecting hands, and even in this case, it is sufficient to add a few drops to the soap used daily to keep germs and bacteria away. The disinfectant and antibacterial action also act on the oral cavity, allowing for treating inflammation such as gingivitis. In this case, apply a few drops on the affected area or create an authentic natural mouthwash against oral cavity infections. Just dilute 2 drops of Neem oil in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with a gargle.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Neem oil is also an excellent remedy for those suffering from psoriasis, eczema, or herpes, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In general, it can be applied to the part affected by these disorders. Still, for the dosage, it is preferable to consult a herbalist, who will give you more precise indications on the doses and how to use them best. Another beneficial use is for ear pain. In this case, just put a single drop of pure Neem oil inside the ear and let it go down slowly. The inflammation and pain will go away in no time.
Even those who have arthritis, muscle aches and rheumatism can enjoy the benefits of neem oil. Its anti-inflammatory compounds make it useful in joint and muscle pain and head and neck pain. It can be used pure or diluted in other vegetable oils (sweet almond oil) and perform light massages on the affected area. Pure Neem oil is also helpful in relieving the pain of varicose veins. Massage a little on the legs or on the area affected by this ailment to feel immediate relief and, at the same time, strengthen the capillaries.
Antibacterial Neem Oil
Neem oil is best known for its ability to kill bacteria, which cause various ailments. It can be successfully used to treat acne alone or mixed with a few drops of essential oil such as tea tree oil. Its antibacterial action makes it a very effective product in mycosis of the skin and that of the nails of hands and feet. Furthermore, as seen, it is also helpful in eliminating bacteria from the oral cavity, preventing the appearance of tooth decay and gum disease.
Neem Oil: Repellent And Antiparasitic Properties
Neem oil is one of the most effective and most used natural remedies in the presence of pediculosis, especially in children. This oil has strong repellent properties against lice and can also be used directly on the scalp without causing damage.
To get rid of lice, it is advisable to add a few drops to your regular shampoo or apply it on the scalp, keeping it on for an entire night and brushing your hair well the following day. The same repellent action is also carried out against mites and mosquitoes. This last case is used to ward off these insects and treat mosquito bites; apply it on the sting to deflate the affected area and soothe the itch.
Neem Oil For Hair
In addition to eliminating lice, neem oil is also a natural beauty treatment for the hair. This oil is indicated to fight dandruff, gently massaged on the scalp, and greasy hair. It is also used to stimulate hair growth and make it more full-bodied and healthy. Also, it can be applied to the scalp as a night pack or added to other ingredients to create natural hair masks.
How To Use Neem Oil For The Home And Garden
Neem oil also has numerous uses for home care. In particular, it is an excellent anti-mite product. To prepare an effective solution against mites at home, you need to dilute a few drops of Neem oil in a spray bottle full of water. Spray the product on cushions, sofas, carpets and all surfaces where mites nest. Your garden will also benefit from using Neem oil. This product is a good pesticide and is often used to keep insects away from plants and flowers in the garden or terrace.
Also, in this case, dilute a few drops of oil in a spray bottle and spray on the ground where your plants or vegetables grow. Only 4 drops per liter of water are enough, and you will get an effective product against parasites and fungi. Among the thousand properties of Neem oil, insects are also kept away, especially mosquitoes. Putting a few drops in the saucers helps keep these small insects from getting close.
How To Use Neem Oil For Animals
Neem oil can never be lacking in the homes of pet owners. This oil is known for its anti-flea properties on both cats and dogs. To benefit from its virtues and keep parasites and fleas away from your friends, just put a couple of drops of Neem oil for pets on the fur in a place where they cannot lick. Another foolproof method, however, is to put 5-6 drops on the collar they usually use.
Neem Oil: Contraindications
The use of neem oil does not present particular contraindications if used for external treatments. In the absence of studies that certify the safety of neem oil for internal use, it is recommended to limit yourself to exterior use only, even for children.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use neem oil (and neem-based products) without side effects, as long as it is used externally; in fact, it has been shown that only ingestion in large doses of neem can cause harm to the fetus or interfere with conception. For these reasons, the external use of neem oil is entirely safe at any age; you must avoid using it only in the presence of an allergy to one or more components.
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