In Ayurveda, the neem tree is called ‘The Village Pharmacy.’ And with good reason too! All of its parts are useful and have medicinal properties. In this post, we’re going to look at how to use neem oil for eczema
What is Neem Oil?
Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
Native to India, the neem tree is used to produce neem oil. Neem oil is a vegetable oil extracted out of the ripe fruits and seeds of the tree. It has a strong odor and its color varies from golden yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown, dark brown, greenish brown to even a bright red.
Neem oil contains many triglycerides and titerpenoid compounds. These compounds are the ones that give neem its bitter taste. These constituents give neem oil its incredible healing properties. Some of the numerous properties of neem oil include: antiseptic, antifungal, antipyretic, antihistamine, anthelmintic, antifeedant, antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue, contraceptive, febrifuge, parasiticide, pediculocide and insecticide.
In Ayurveda, neem oil is specifically and highly touted as a skin healer for many skin diseases and conditions including inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema!
Let’s see how to use neem oil for eczema below:
How to Use Neem Oil for Eczema
The best way to use neem oil for eczema is making a healing balm with it. Here’s the recipe:
DIY Neem Balm for Eczema
What you need
- 1 oz shea butter (where to get it)
- ½ oz almond oil (where to get it)
- ½ tsp beeswax pastilles (where to get it)
- 1 ½ tsp neem oil (where to get it)
- 2 capsules vitamin E oil (where to get it)
- 5 drops lavender oil (where to get it)
- 5 drops tea tree oil (where to get it)
- Double boiler (where to get it)
- Salve tin (where to get it) or 2 oz mason jar (where to get it)
Directions
- Gently melt the shea butter, beeswax pastilles and almond oil in a double boiler over low heat.
- Once melted, let it cool down slightly.
- Poke a hole in the two vitamin E capsules using a safety pin. Squeeze the oil into the rest of the mixture.
- Next add the neem oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil and stir well.
- Pour the combination into salve tins or glass jars.
- Let it set before use. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Store in a cool dry and dark place. Make sure not to get water/dirt into your DIY Neem Balm.
- To use, scoop up a little and apply on affected areas gently. Do this right before toweling off after a shower/bath to lock in moisture.
Take Care
- Do not ingest neem oil.
- Keep neem oil away from children and pets.
- Avoid neem oil if pregnant, lactating or trying to get pregnant.
- Consult a doctor before using neem oil, especially if you have any chronic/serious health issues.
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