Neem has been used for treating all sorts of skin problems for thousands of years and is considered to be equal, or even superior to aloe in its healing properties. Neem has been proven to be effective on a wide range of serious skin disorders, like acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and scabies. Some of the compounds in neem resemble those found in aspirin, so neem helps alleviate pain associated with cuts, burns and other skin irritations or diseases as it heals these problems.

Dry skin is a common problem, especially for those of us who live in dry climates. Neem can be used to address the problem from the outside as well as the inside. Dry skin indicates a lack of moisture and collagen production. Creams and lotions containing neem oil help to prevent wrinkles and repair dry skin by functioning as a natural skin protectant and moisturizer. Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal compounds also protect against infections and boost the body's immune system to help rejuvenate deeper layers of skin. For moderately dry skin wash with neem soap then apply a neem lotion as a moisturizer. For severe dry skin, after washing, apply neem cream and repeat several times daily until the skin has recovered its natural balance. Neem oil applied to the skin replenishes the oil that is missing, helps retain water in the skin, and helps stimulate the production of collagen. See Lotion Comparison page for suggestions.

Cuts and Abrasions
Neems antiseptic and healing properties make it an excellent first aid for minor cuts and abrasions. Neem has the ability to increase blood flow to the body to rapidly create collagen fibers that close wounds and has excellent healing power to penetrate quickly and deeply, to soothe irritated skin exposed to the elements. Try TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Cream.

Burns - Sunburn
Burns are not only painful, but affect the ability of the skin to protect itself from infections. Neem contains an aspirin-like substance that can help reduce the pain, kill bacteria, and stimulate the local immune system, which promotes rapid healing with reduced scarring. TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Lotion, or TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Cream are both effective and fast absorbing.

Psoriasis
Neem oil has been called the best product currently available for treating psoriasis. It moisturizes and protects the skin while it helps heal lesions, removes scaling, and soothes irritation. Experiments and reports from patients with psoriasis have shown taking neem leaf orally combined with topical treatment with neem-based creams or extracts appear to be at least as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis. The use of TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Lotion, TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Cream and Maximum Strength Neem Oil Soap or TheraNeem Oil Shampoo for particularly sensitive skin is also recommended.

Eczema
Much like psoriasis, neem's multiple actions seem to clear up eczema more effectively than prescription products. There have been many reports from parents who say that their child was plagued by eczema until they tried Neem, generally as a last resort or before trying a course of steroids. Note: Neem Cream or lotion is not recommended for use on infants or children under the age of 12. To relieve the intense itching and reddening of eczema, wash the affected skin with Maximum Strength Neem Oil Soap or TheraNeem Oil Shampoo to gently cleanse and kill bacteria. Another opinion to note from Discover Neem is to avoid soap based cleansers, because they dry the skin. This includes neem soap, which is great for other skin conditions, but not for eczema! Rather use soap free cream cleansers, neem creams, neem lotion, salve/ointment. Neem products for eczema can contain both neem oil and neem leaf extract. Use the TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Lotion or TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Cream. Use the neem cream or neem lotion immediately afterwards on your still moist skin (to lock in the moisture). A lotion or cream is a lot more effective in restoring the skin barrier than a bath is. For difficult cases in adults, consider taking TheraNeem Leaf Capsules twice a day until the symptoms disappear.

Scabies
Scabies, also called the seven year itch, is especially common in children. It causes very itchy little bumps that can appear all over the body, but are most common between the fingers, on wrists, the waist and genitals. it is caused by a microscopic tick that tunnels under the skin. The use of neem products such as Maximum Strength Neem Oil Soap, TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Lotion, TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Cream, and TheraNeem Oil Shampoo are effective.

Dandruff or Head lice
TheraNeem Oil Shampoos are generally highly effective in controlling dandruff and other conditions that cause itchy scalps. Use a neem oil shampoo, or for severe cases or an infestation of head lice, massage the neem oil into the scalp at night, then wash with neem oil shampoo in the morning. Repeat for 3 days, then repeat again after 7-10 days. Children who go to school where there is an infestation of head lice, daily use of neem shampoo will help prevent the child from getting it.

Acne
Neem kills the bacteria that causes acne and reduces the inflammation that makes it so noticeable. Neem-based creams may even improve the appearance of people who have reddened skin from acne that ended years before. To both prevent and heal acne, first wash with neem oil soap. Then apply a neem oil lotion or cream to moisturize and condition the skin.

Warts
One of neem's most important qualities is its ability to control viruses. Since viruses cause warts, neem can reduce and control them. To treat a wart, cover it with a portion of a small bandage with a neem-based cream and place it over the wart. Reapply the bandage daily. To help control warts appearing, use neem soap, cream or neem lotion as soon as any trouble spots appears, and take neem leaf capsules at a maintenance level.

Insect Protection
One of the most exciting uses for neem is as insect repellant. Most people use a product containing Deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) to repel mosquitoes and ticks. People should question the safety of using such a toxic material that is absorbed through the skin. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics (which does recommend the use of Deet) warns that it should be "applied sparingly, according to product label instructions, only to exposed skin and not to a child's face, hands or skin that is irritated or abraded. After the child returns indoors, treated skin should be washed with soap and water.

Neem has long been used to repel insects, and modern research confirms that tradition. Studies published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association note that a 2% solution of neem in coconut oil provided complete protection for 12 hours from mosquitoes that carry malaria.

**Neem Disclaimer: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Neem should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive (male or female). It also contains compounds similar to those in aspirin and should not be used to treat children with fevers. We do not recommend taking neem oil internally. You should consult your personal physician or naturopathic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of any condition.

Neem Oil, Certified Organic: Mountain Rose Herbs organic Neem Oil is cold pressed from whole Neem tree nuts (Azadirachta indica) and is blended with 15% organic Olive oil to assist in pourability, as Neem oil will solidify at typical room temperatures.
Available in 4 oz., 8 oz. and 16 oz.

Back to Articles Page