I finished reading Almond Eyes, Lotus Feet. Really a great book if you want to take a look at Ayurveda and natural skin care. I got so much out of the book it would be hard to convey it all so I’ve decided to focus one amazing botanical that has great medicinal and cosmetic benefits–neem.

According to Hindu legend, a few drops of ambrosia (the elixir of immortality) fell on the neem tree and therefore the tree is of divine origin. I don’t think I’ve heard of a botanical having so many uses since George Washington Carver discovered all those uses for the sweet potato. Although Neem is well known in India for its great properties, it’s hardly known in the West other than the alternative health community.

Scientific studies have proven neem to be:

• Antiviral

• Antipyretic

• Antifungal

• Antibacterial

• Analgesic

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anti-tumor

• Anthelmintic

• Immune stimulant

• Antimicrobial

• Antiemetic

I don’t know of many plants that can be used in soap and insecticide. Daily, millions of people brush their teeth with neem twigs. It prevents gum disease. Neem leaves contain fiber, carbohydrates, at least 10 essential amino acid proteins, calcium and other nourishing minerals. Neem also contains carotenoids–nutritive antioxidant compounds which can rapidly neutralize free radicals which can damage cells and lead to immune dysfunction as well as cancer–it’s an antioxidant as well.

Neem oil is especially high in important fatty acids which researchers believe may be a key reason why neem is so effective in clearing many types of skin conditions. Neem oil is absorbed quickly into the skin where it works to powerfully rejuvenate the skin’s cells. This makes sense to me as I’ve used neem oil and found that unlike other oils that sit on top of your skin, my skin seemed to absorb the oil. It felt moisturized and not oily at all.

Neem has a remarkable effect on chronic skin conditions that often fail to respond to medical drugs. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, ringworm and even stubborn warts are among the conditions that can clear up easily when high quality, organic neem oil is used.

Neem is a very popular oil in India and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for skin disorders, hair, teeth and gums. It is a common sight in Indian villages in early morning to see people brushing their teeth, by biting on twigs of the neem tree. It keeps the system healthy and the breath and mouth clean and sweet.

Medical drugs can produce harmful side effects such as rashes, allergic reactions and redness. In addition, neem oil can be used as an excellent component of cosmetics to help clear, beautify and rejuvenate the skin. When high quality, organic neem oil is added to health and beauty products, it can have an excellent beneficial effect. Problem scalp conditions including dandruff, scaling and even hair loss have responded by adding neem oil to shampoo. A few drops of neem oil is mixed with a handful of a non-toxic shampoo. Then it is applied to the hair and scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.

I’ve discussed Neem in terms of natural skin care, but it has so many more uses–organic insecticide, fungicide, the list almost seems endless.