Neem tree is commonly found in India and is categorized as a medicinal plant due to its therapeutic properties. From centuries, Neem oil for eczema has been considered as a very good remedy, along with that, neem leaves have also been used for the treatment of eczema and dry skin as well as other skin issues including wound healing, acne and bug bites.
Its’ usage maintains good health and due to this reason Ayurveda considers it as a medicinal herb ‘Sarva Roga Nivarini’. Not only this, there are many other home remedies in form of baths which are useful such as epsom salt bath for eczema, bleach bath, apple cider vinegar, guava leaves & oatmeal bath for eczema.
It has been used in skin care regimes to:
- treat acne on face
- treatment of dry skin and wrinkles
- heal wounds on legs and face
- stimulate collagen production in your skin
- minimize warts and moles present on your skin
- reduce eczema and burn scars
Also Read: Facial Eczema & How to Get rid of Eczema on Face?
Neem in all its forms has various uses, from treating chronic skin ailments such as eczema, to be a main ingredient in the beauty products. The flowers, fruits, leaves, and shoots of the tree are used for cooking purposes and even used to repel insects, especially mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
The neem oil extracted from the neem seeds are rich in medicinal properties and is helpful in treating eczema and other skin ailments like acne, psoriasis, rosacea and more.
Also Read: Dry Skin Eczema & 8 Ways to Deal With Eczema and Dry Skin
Individuals who are suffering from eczema generally have a question in their minds that is neem oil good for eczema? Can they use neem oil spray? So, yes it is useful in treating the symptoms of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy and flaky skin.
Although atopic dermatitis can’t be cured instead it can be managed well to avoid eczema triggers and dry skin that can cause eczema flare-ups. With a proper skin care regime, eczema therapies, natural treatments/home remedies to treat eczema and elimination diet for eczema you can surely maintain good skin.
What is Neem oil and How it is used in Treating Eczema?
Neem oil is made by pressing nuts and seeds of the Neem tree. Preparing purest form requires skills and knowledge but luckily there are other methods to extract the active substances from neem seed kernels and prepare neem oil at home. One of the easiest ways is to:
- Crush or grind the seed kernels
- Put them in a bowl and cover with water
- The oil floats on top and can be skimmed off easily
Traditionally, the Neem tree’s derivatives were used topically to address various ailments like fevers, respiratory issues, tetanus infections, rheumatism, arthritis, jaundice, malaria, ringworm, lice, fungal and bacterial infections of the skin, scabies, hives, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and gastrointestinal diseases. Neem Oil was even used as a topical contraceptive.
You can use neem oil with other natural ingredients to find relief from eczema symptoms.
1. Neem Oil And Tulsi (Basil)
Tulsi and Neem possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to heal the symptoms of eczema by reducing the itching, inflammation, redness, pain, and swelling caused by eczema on the skin.
You will need
- 10 drops neem oil
- 1 cup dried neem leaf
- 1 cup tulsi (basil) leaves
- Water
How to make:
- Firstly, boil the neem and basil leaves in water until the quantity of water has reduced to half
- Now, strain the extract and add neem oil to it. Store it in a bottle
- Use a cotton pad to apply it on the affected area and leave it overnight
- Reapply several times in a day and continue until the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and dry skin have reduced
2. Neem Oil And Turmeric
Turmeric and Neem both are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties to help mankind. Neem leaf, oil, and turmeric tend to reduce itching and honey in the mixture will keep your skin moisturized.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon neem powder
- 3-4 drops neem oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
How to make:
- Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl
- Apply the paste to the affected area
- Let it dry for 20 minutes
- Wash the area after its dried off completely
- Use until the symptoms have reduced
3. Neem Oil And Coconut Oil
Coconut oil and neem oil are antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature. As compared to other oils, coconut oil can easily penetrate your skin and keep it moisturized. The mixture of both the oils help in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
Also Read: Which Are The Best Essential Oils for Eczema Care?
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
- 3-4 drops neem oil
How to make:
- Mix both the oils and apply to the affected area
- Leave it overnight and wash it off the next day
- Repeat until the inflammation is gone
4. Neem And Raw Papaya
Raw papaya helps in reducing itching and redness while neem oil helps in clearing the infection and inflammation. These both possess anti-inflammatory properties to clear the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon papaya pulp
- 3-4 drops neem oil
How to make:
- Mix both the ingredients and apply the paste on the affected area
- Leave it to dry for at least 20 minutes
- Wash it off
- Repeat the process till the symptoms are gone
5. Neem Water Bath
Adding neem to your bath water increases its moisturizing property. However, make sure that the water used for bathing should be lukewarm water. Avoid extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold water).
You Will Need
- 10 drops neem oil
- A handful of neem leaves
How to make:
- Boil the leaves and strain the water (i.e., the neem extract) into a bowl
- Pour the neem extract and neem oil in your bathtub filled with lukewarm water
- Soak yourselves for at least 20 minutes
- Pat dry your skin
- Apply neem-based moisturizer
Benefits Of Neem Oil For Eczema skin
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Great for Anti-Aging
Possesses antioxidants and fatty acids that slow down the ageing process. oleic and linoleic acid present in oil penetrates the skin easily and keeps the cell lining soft and supple.
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Helps Prevent Acne
Neem has antibacterial properties to battle against acne. By applying a thin layer of oil to the skin can help in treating acne and blemishes. Additionally, the oil will help keep skin moisturized by preventing any dry skin flakes formation and reduce inflammation. Many dermatologists recommend the use of neem oil for eczema treatment because of its natural fatty acid and vitamin E content in the oil.
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Acts As A Natural Painkiller
Has analgesic properties to act as a natural painkiller. It reduces and often completely gets rid of pain caused by itching, inflammation, and dry, cracked skin. As per the Scientific Review in 2002 using neem oil to treat atopic dermatitis can help provide significant relief.
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Soothes Eczema-Prone Skin
Though eczema can’t be cured completely, neem oil can help soothe the skin and reduce itchiness, skin inflammation, skin disorders and redness on the skin.
Not only neem oil, neem water but neem leaf, is powerful in relieving various skin disorders and dry skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of Neem Leaves For Skin
Neem leaves enhance biological functions by strengthening the immune system. They are known to stimulate the immune system, improve liver functioning, detoxify the blood and promote a healthy respiratory and digestive system. It’s best to use neem leaves for eczema to get rid of the condition.
1. Cardiac Care:
Neem leaves are known to be an effective blood cleanser and drinking neem infused boiled water controls high blood sugar. Neem leaves help to dilate blood vessels improving blood circulation and decreases elevated heart rates.
2. Fungal disease:
Neem leaf, neem soap, and neem seeds help reduce the symptoms of fungal infections and is effective against the fungus that infects hair, skin, and nails that includes ringworm. Consuming leaves also suppress cancer cells.
3. Malaria:
Neem is used to treat malaria fevers. Gedunin, one of the components of neem is very effective for treating malaria. Mosquitoes exposed to odors of crushed neem leaves result in suppression of egg laying. Consuming neem leaf is proven to treat malaria.
4. Arthritis:
Neem leaf is helpful to cure arthritis and reduce pain and swelling in joints. A massage with neem oil is effective in relieving muscle aches and joint pains.
5. Moisturizes Skin:
Neem leaves are effective for lightening scars and pigmentation caused by acne and scabies. It helps moisturize the skin deeply keeping it soft and supple. Moisturization is necessary to treat various skin disorders.
6. Tones Skin:
Neem leaf can be used as a skin toner. You just need to dip a cotton ball in boiled neem water and wipe off your face with it overnight. This will clear acne, scars, pigmentation, and blackheads. You can also prepare a face pack using neem leaf by adding yogurt, honey, and milk to form a smooth paste.
Neem Soap:
Neem soap is probably the most frequently used skincare products in India. The soap acts as an antibacterial, clearing up skin rashes, acne, and eczema. It also soothes backaches and relieves tension and stress from the muscles.
Neem soap is made from the oil of the neem tree. In India, 80% of all neem oil is used for making soap.
The neem oil is the main ingredient of neem oil soap. It’s not just an additive as essential oils are (think lavender or tea tree). Neem oil does form the basis of the neem soap.
Neem Soap Benefits For Skin
- Soothes backaches and relieves stress and tension from the muscles
- It is a non-toxic and chemically unaltered product
- Lathers well and leaves the skin moisturized
- Acts as an anti-bacteria clearing up skin rashes, eczema and ache
- It is smooth, soft and gentle without leaving a residue or sticky film
- Usually is wrapped in white paper making it feel like a spa soap.
7. Treat Dandruff:
The antibacterial properties in neem help to treat dandruff, dry scalp and hair fall issues. Add a cup of fresh neem leaves to boiling water, mix well and use this neem water to rinse your hair after shampooing.
8. Treat viral infections:
Neem leaf can be taken orally on a regular basis. This helps relieve the symptoms of viral infections including the common cold, influenza, herpes, and chicken pox.
Also Read :- How to Use Guava Leaves For Eczema Prone Skin?
What are the Side Effects of Neem oil?
Although neem oil is considered safe for mankind, because of its powerful compounds, it may cause side effects in people with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy – Neem oil may cause miscarriage If it’s taken orally during pregnancy.
- Diabetes – If you’re a diabetic patient taking any diabetes medication than its best to avoid neem oil. As it may cause your blood sugar levels to drop.
- Children – If taken orally it is considered unsafe for children. Some of the side effects in children include vomiting, diarrhea and more.
- Fertility – Neem oil can affect sperm levels in men that results in lowered levels of fertility. It’s best to avoid the use of this oil if you have low sperm count.
Neem can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including asthma, eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and more. It also acts as an anti-aging treatment that is easy to use, and blends easily into the skin and is safe.
How can I use neem for eczema?
Neem protects and moisturizes the skin while helping to heal skin irritations. You can add a few drops of neem oil to a warm water bath and soak yourselves for approximately 20 minutes. Now, bathe or shower with neem soap and neem shampoo to get the desired results.
Is it safe to take neem oil internally?
Neem oil should be taken only for external use. Neem leaf if taken orally can be beneficial but children are highly restricted to take neem internally if they are running a temperature or have been exposed to a fever-causing illness.
Is Neem safe for skin?
Neem is safe for human skin and there have been few studies that support using neem in skin ailments, skin disorders, skin care methods and including them in daily skin care regime.
What is Neem used for?
Neem oil has been used to treat many conditions. It’s used in a huge variety of beauty products like skin creams, body lotions, hair products, and cosmetics despite its harsh odor.
Is Neem oil good for rashes?
Neem has anti-inflammatory properties and helps as an antihistamine that may be helpful in treating skin rashes and other skin conditions so, the application of a neem lotion, neem spray, neem oil, neem soap or neem leaf can help alleviate itching and inflammation of rashes.
Neem can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including asthma, eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and more. It also acts as an anti-aging treatment that is easy to use, and blends easily into the skin and is safe.
Research References:
- [Ref.1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22584740
- [Ref.2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4734358/
- [Ref.3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221618913601444?via%3Dihub
- [Ref.4] https://www.healthline.com/health/neem-oil-for-skin#research
- [Ref.5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1011134416303323
