Good Morning Maicurlies,

This is going to be a post all about Neem, Infused Neem Oil to be specific.

Fresh Neem Leaves

As a part of my “Infused Oil Series” I also make Neem Infused Coconut Oil and will have a video & writeup of how to make it shortly. For now I just wanted to point out the reasons why I like the oil and why you might want to try it.

What is Neem?

Like a lot of Ayurvedic plants & hebrs, the Neem tree is located mainly in Asia and is most predominantly popular India. Its leaves, nuts, twigs and barks can be used for Ayurvedic purposes. Pure Neem Oil that is cold pressed from the whole nut is exceptionally rich and full of nourishing properties as well as Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, but the one “negative” aspects of pure Neem Oil is that it has a strong pungent smell. However, if you can stomach the scent, your skin and hair can benefit greatly from its nourishing properties.

I of course use an infused version of the oil since I can not make the cold pressed version at home, so mine is not as strong however, I still get benefits from infusing the leaves (it is also not as “smelly”). Neem Oil and Neem Infused Oil can be used for your hair and skin thanks to its multipurpose properties. 

Where can I find Neem?

There are a few websites online that actually sell Neem powder such as Butters n Bars. If you have a local Indian store nearby look out for the Neem Hesh brand locally otherwise check the ethnic section of your super market. If you have Neem trees readily available to you, you can use the leaves and/or make your own powder by blending up dried leaves. If you do blend the leaves it might end up being a little bitty so it is best to put them in a coffee filter or cheese cloth.

If you want to use fresh leaves then you need to use the oil up after production because otherwise you WILL grow bacteria in the container. For infusing – you will need to use either dried Neem leaves or powder.

Infusing Neem Leaves

For the Skin:

Its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties can help ease skin irritations, rashes as well as relieve itchiness (which can affect the face, body and scalp) . It is said to help ease eczema (I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist therefore always check with a professional). It can help reduce the appearance of light burns and scars – if massaged on the skin regularly and frequently.

For the Hair

The oil can help reduce hair shedding and strengthens the hair to help reduce breakage. Neem is also known to help slow down premature graying & the appearance of grey hairs due to the fact that it is known to naturally and gradually darken the hair*. It provides the hair with shine, luster, works as an excellent sealant and helps to promote hair growth.

*You will not end up with jet black hair but it can darken the hair and has a similar effect on light, bleached or blond hair and if that is not something you want then I would suggest not using this oil.

So those are the reasons why I like the oil 🙂

Stay tuned for my how to video and writeup Maicurlies!

Have you used Neem oil or Neem infused oil before? If so how do you use it and what do you think about it? I would love to hear from you.

Maicurls