yurveda: Neem is a popular medicinal herb that’s been an integral part of Ayurvedic remedies that date back almost 5000 years. And definitely, it is not without a reason. “Neem has bitter, cool and pungent characteristics, and hence is a pacifier of Pitta and Kapha Dosha. All parts of the neem tree –  bark, leaves, flowers and seeds – have antibacterial,    antiviral, antifungal and insecticidal benefits. Acharya Charaka has classified neem in Kandudhan group of herbs, that is a category of herbs which is helpful in treating skin itching and other skin troubles like eczema, boils, dermatitis, ulcers due to burns, wounds and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff),” explains Neena Chopra, Co-founder & Director (Beauty & Technical), Just Herbs. A walking encyclopedia on Ayurveda, Chopra is the person behind the gentle and effective herbal formulations at Just Herbs.

She explains, “Neem is a very potent blood purifier and is a great detoxifier. Due to its cooling properties, it is Daha Prashasan, that which cools burning sensations due to aggravated Pitta condition. Powder of neem seed kernels has been used for washing hair since centuries.” As per Ayurveda Nasya treatment, which involves administration of oils through the nose, has many benefits as the nose is considered the entrance for organs in the head. Neem oil helps asthma patients and also helps in treating cough, fever, and controls phlegm. Dr Chopra delves into the diverse functionality and therapeutic properties of Neem. “Nasya of neem oil is useful in premature greying and falling of hair. Application of a paste made from neem seeds is useful in getting rid of head lice. Older generations used to clean their teeth by chewing neem twigs which helps arrest bleeding gums and pyorrhea. Neem paste applied on skin helps to treat pimples and acne, and minimizes scars formed due to acne lesion.” Neem flowers are used to treat digestive issues as anorexia, nausea, belching and intestinal worms.

Aroma Therapy: Neem oil that’s extracted from neem seeds is rich in medicinal properties. It is one of the lesser known aromatic oils, thanks to its unique bitter smell. However, it is used in aromatherapy to relieve tiredness, soothe itchy skin and even relieve headaches. How does it work? Pour a few drops of neem oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale its vapours. A touch of eucalyptus oil, or rose oil, helps to tone down its overwhelming natural scent. Or you could mix a few drops of neem essential oils with carrier oils and massage your skin for a detoxifying and relaxing massage.

In today’s hectic pace of life, making a paste of fresh green neem leaves while ensuring that they are free of chemical pesticides (and the best quality) is no mean task. If you can, do boil neem leaves and make yourself an antiseptic face splash or grind its leaves for some anti-acne pack. And also mix it with relevant herbs (methi, tulsi, turmeric, etc) to increase the efficacy of the potion and the end result on the skin. It does seem like a laborious task. What if it was as easy as replacing your regular cleanser with a neem-infused one? Or if instead of procuring leaves, drying and blending them with aromatic ingredients, you just had to mix a powdered blend with rosewater/curd/milk.

Source : blog.justherbs.in
Image Source : Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash