Neem For Eczema: What Are The Benefits And How Does It Help?
Neem oil is loaded with tannins, flavonoid derivatives, and other rich lipids that are extremely helpful in calming dry and irritated skin. Even in the Siddha system of medicine (one of the oldest medicinal systems in India), neem oil and leaves were widely used for treating skin ailments (2). It not only clears infection and rejuvenates your skin but also beautifies it. Some of the benefits of neem oil are:
1. Neem Oil Is Anti-Inflammatory
Neem oil is useful in healing inflammation, which is often marked by redness, swelling, and pain. A study conducted on albino rats concluded that neem oil could relieve both chronic and acute inflammation. Neem oil also has low ulcerogenic potential (i.e., it doesn’t cause ulcers). This is why the study concluded that it is safe to use neem oil for treating inflammation (3).
2. Neem Oil Is Antibacterial
Neem oil is very useful in treating bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the same bacteria that aggravates eczema. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested neem extracts on Staphylococcus aureus and Schistosoma mansoni worms (a type of parasitic worm). It found that neem extracts inhibited the growth of both the strains of bacteria (4).
3. It Has Antihistamine Properties
An allergic reaction to any substance, be it pollen or detergents, can trigger eczema. However, neem oil – along with the extracts of other parts of the neem tree – has antihistamine properties (5). This means that it can inhibit these allergic reactions effectively.
4. Neem Is An Analgesic
Neem oil is an excellent analgesic. Over the course of several trials, neem oil has proven to reduce pain caused by soreness and wounds and foster quick healing (6), (7).
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory condition that produces symptoms like dry, flaky, and cracked skin, intense itching, and swelling. Although it is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, you can manage its symptoms and avoid flare-ups with the help of neem oil. Here are a few ways you can use neem oil to treat the symptoms of eczema.
How To Use Neem Oil For Eczema
1. Neem And Turmeric
1 tablespoon neem powder (dry the leaves under the sun and then crush them) 3-4 drops neem oil 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon raw honey
Both neem and turmeric are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. The healing touch of neem and turmeric reduces the itching while honey keeps your skin moisturized, helping in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
2. Neem And Coconut Oils
1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil 3-4 drops neem oil
Coconut oil is antifungal and antibacterial. Compared to other oils, it can penetrate your skin much more easily and keep it moisturized. When combined, both the oils help in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
3. Neem Water Bath
10 drops neem oil A handful of neem leaves
Taking a bath has a hydrating effect on your skin (which is very important for managing eczema). Adding neem to your bath water increases its moisturizing effect. However, make sure that the water is not hot. Try to take a shower in cold or lukewarm water as it won’t dry out your skin further.
4. Neem And Raw Papaya
1 tablespoon papaya pulp 3-4 drops neem oil
Both neem oil and papaya have anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing the symptoms of eczema. Raw papaya helps in reducing itching and redness while neem oil helps in clearing the infection and inflammation.
5. Neem And Tulsi
1 cup neem leaves 1 cup tulsi (basil) leaves Water 10 drops neem oil
Both neem and tulsi have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help in healing the symptoms of eczema. They reduce the itching, inflammation, redness, pain, and swelling caused by eczema.
6. Neem Oil Balm
2 tablespoons shea butter 1 tablespoon almond oil 1 tablespoon beeswax 1 ½ teaspoons neem oil 2 vitamin E capsules 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops tea tree oil A glass container to store the balm
This balm is extremely hydrating and feels soothing on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory property helps in relieving the itching caused by eczema and suppresses other symptoms too. Do not apply neem oil directly on the eczema-afflicted area and expect it to heal overnight. On the contrary, neem oil is quite potent and can make things worse. Is neem good for sensitive skin? Neem oil is both harmless and incredibly effective. Unfortunately, it may induce an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin or skin disorders. Hence, do a patch test of neem oil on your face if you are about to use it for the first time. Does neem have side effects? The use of diluted neem oil on the skin is generally thought to be harmless. However, individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to experience itching and discomfort.
