Uses of Neem for Skin

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is native to tropical South East Asia and has been used in ayurveda, unani and homoeopathic treatments for over 400 years. Over 140 compounds isolated in the neem, exhibit several healing properties including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anticarcinogenic. Neem has a favorable influence on our skin and is used to treat myriad skin infections. All parts of the neem tree, including the leaves, bark, twigs and oil from the seeds are used in preparations for skincare, psoriasis and fungal infections. (See References 1 and 2)

Skincare

• People in India traditionally bathed in water infused with neem leaves to cleanse the body and purify the blood of free radicals and other toxins. Neem extracts from the leaf, seed and bark are used in the manufacture of soaps, shampoos and cosmetics like face and body creams, nail polish and face pack to cleanse, protect and condition the skin. (See References 2 and Resources 1)

Psoriasis

• Neem oil moisturizes psoriatic skin, relieves irritation and pain and reduces scaling and redness of patchy lesions. The Neem Foundation website states that psoriatic patients who ingested neem leaf orally, and applied neem extracts and seed oil topically, achieved positive results similar to those who used traditional treatments like coal tar and cortisone. While coal tar and cortisone applications cause side-effects like thinning skin when used repeatedly, psoriasis patients who used neem did not experience any negatives side-effects. (See Resources 1 and References 3)

Fungal Infections

• Gedunin and nimbidol, compounds found in the leaves of the neem tree are powerful antifungal agents that destroy fungi, which cause athlete's foot, ringworm, candida, yeast infections and thrush. Neem extracts have proven in laboratory experiments to be toxic to more than 14 cultures of common fungi that invade the skin, according to The Pharma Info website. (See Resources 1 and References 4)

Vitiligo

• Vitiligo (leucoderma) is an autoimmune disorder in which the skin loses its pigmentation. Sun exposure or corticosteroid drugs are used in the treatment of vitiligo, but this treatment is not always effective. In a study mentioned on the Neem Foundation website, patients suffering from vitiligo were given oral doses of four grams of beem daily, over a period of one year. This was followed by application of neem cream combined with several herbs, on the de-pigmented skin patches which were then exposed to the sun.

  The skin pigment in 25 percent of the patients was restored after 90 days.