Neem oil has ancient origins, but its benefits are being discovered anew in the modern world. It has been prized for centuries as a health and beauty aid and is a non-toxic alternative to pesticides. Neem oil is pressed from parts of the Neem tree which is in the evergreen family. The tree is native to India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Although it has the appearance and consistency of a vegetable oil with a delicate nutty odor, Neem oil is not used for cooking. It has been traditionally used in soaps, shampoos, and lotions and is thought to have a number of medicinal benefits, as well.
It has been used to treat skin conditions, such as acne and eczema and has been shown to improve the condition of those who suffer from malaria. Organic farmers value Neem oil to keep a variety of pests off of fruit and vegetable plants without leaving harmful chemicals or damaging the plants.
The wide range of uses for Neem oil has made it a natural alternative to synthetic beauty and health products and a key ingredient in natural farming. The following is a description of the benefits of this valuable tree oil.
1. Hair Care
Neem oil treats a number of conditions affecting the hair. Its benefits for the hair are so well-known, that many companies that produce hair care items highlight the fact that Neem oil is an ingredient, but in these products, it is in small doses.
You can get a greater benefit by massaging actual Neem oil in your scalp to treat dandruff and slow down hair loss caused by aging. You can also add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo or mix it with a carrier oil and leave it in overnight. Neem oil makes the hair soft and smooth and adds moisture to a dry scalp.