Jam packed with nutrients and essential compounds, neem has been employed for centuries now, in the ancient system of Ayurvedic medicine that originated in the Indian subcontinent. You should also know that the neem tree is pretty fast growing and it’s seeds, fruit and roots are all extremely useful for hair health. So vast and widely spread is its use that neem is often referred to as the ‘village pharmacy’ due to its stellar medicinal and care properties.
Let’s look at the components of neem, shall we? It is enriched with:
- Liminoids
- Antioxidants
- Triglycerides
- Calcium
- Healthy fatty acids and Vitamin E
Rinsing your hair with neem leaves and water can effectively cure dandruff. Neem when combined with herbs like Shikakai and Amla are said to provide voluminous hair, increase its shine and also cure hair fall.
High and healthy fatty acid content neem possesses is greatly useful for the scalp. A healthy scalp, means healthy hair. The scalp’s excess oil or sebum production may trigger hair loss. Thanks to neem, it clears up clogged scalp pores and facilitates health hair growth.
Neem also has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties that keep the scalp, ends and roots of your hair free from unwanted bacteria and foreign entities that majorly contribute to weakening hair.
Having regenerative properties, neem can correct conditions like Alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness. It supports healthy cell division and improves hair follicle functions. It also counters the thinning of hair caused by environmental pollution, stress and peripheral medications that you may be on.
Neem conditions dry hair with its stearic acids that nourish the scalp, treats itching of hair, eradicates lice and also prevents premature greying of hair. A 2011 survey showed that neem could completely kill head lice in their larvae stage in 5 minutes of treatment and killed adult lice with just 10 minutes of treatment. What more could Misters possibly want?
Neem can be used in the form of a paste, by slowly adding water to neem powder till a grainy texture is formed, applying it carefully onto your scalp using your hands, leaving it on for about 30 minutes and rinsing it with cold water.
The oil form of neem formulated through cold-pressing yields, consisting of active constituents is also one of the oldest methods of extraction and is easily accessible.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
