Hello everyone,
I am sitting under the neem tree in my in-laws’ home in a tiny rural village in north India. As I was brushing my teeth with slender neem twig I felt inspired to share more information on the many benefits of the amazing Neem tree. As you know, I have always been in love with natural things.
WHAT IS NEEM
Neem called Azadirachta Indica or Indian Lilac is an evergreen tree that typically grows in the tropical or sub-tropical climates of India, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, and Cambodia. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach 15-20 meters and produces flowers, fruit, leaves, bark that are all used for either cosmetic or health & well-being purposes.
Neem is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. In Ayurveda Neem is a Pitta pacifier because of its bitter taste. Neem also contains a compound called azadirachtin, which repels insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and ants. Raw Neem oil has a strong, pungent aroma and is best blended with other carrier oils or incorporated into products for face, body and hair care.
NEEM FRUIT
The fruit of the Neem tree looks much like an olive and is called ‘nimboli’. The mature fruit is “very fleshy” and has a sweetish juice. Neem fruits are typically used for agriculture,pharmaceutical, and cosmetic purposes. The fruit also contains the neem seed which is used to produce Neem Oil.
NEEM OIL
Neem Oil is pressed from the seed kernels. Neem Oil has been used for centuries in India for skin & hair care. It has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe dry and irritated skin, can help stimulate cell regeneration and support collage & elastin for a more youthful looking complexion.
NEEM LEAVES & FLOWERS
In India, Neem leaves are dried and used for the following:
As a moth repellent – dried leaves are placed in closets with clothing.
Dried neem leaves are burnt to keep away mosquitoes.
Flowers of neem are used in many Hindu festivals
Neem flowers are used in cooking in India making various soups
Neem leaves have been used to soothe skin irritations such as eczema & psoriasis.
OTHER USES OF NEEM
Neem is effective natural pesticides and a great fertilizer for plants, yea to organic farmers!!
Traditionally, Neem twigs are used as toothbrush and tongue cleaner reducing plaque and inflammation in gums.
NEEM AND COSMETICS
Neem is a popular beauty staple in India and middle eastern countries and can be found in many products including soaps, shampoos & conditioners, face and body lotion, creams, masks, and scrubs.
As information about the benefits of Neem become more wildly known in western cultures, natural Neem beauty care products are in greater demand.
At Neeta Naturals we have incorporated 3 Neem focused products into our skincare line.
Neem Glow – We use Neem Leaf powder along with other beneficial skin nourishing and clarifying ingredients in our face mask. Neem Glow gently exfoliates, soothes and purifies, leaving your skin feeling luxuriously clean, soft and radiant.
Neem Kiss – A ready to use blend of Neem oil and Jojoba with a touch of Tea Tree essential oil. Use to reduce signs of aging, soothe, protect and moisturize dry and sensitive skin and to promote a clear complexion for acne prone skin.
Neem Oil – 100% organic and cold-pressed Neem oil can be incorporated in your own recipes for natural skin and hair care.
For Skin– use in face masks, face packs, creams and lotions to help reduce blemishes, enhance the quality of skin and provide a glowing complexion.
For Hair– Neem shampoo can be used to help control dandruff and strengthen the hair shaft, giving it a shiny healthy appearance.
Try some Neem products today and let us know how they work for you!
BE BEAUTY!
WITH LOVE,
NEETA
Author Neeta Naturals
