Power of Neem for Scalp Health

June 07, 2019

Neem, also known as Azadirachta indica, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It was first mentioned in texts from Siddha medicine, one of the oldest medical practices in the world, which dates back to 10,000 B.C.E.⁷ While used for a variety of different things, Neem provides incredible results for hair health.

 

What is Neem?

Neem is a tree that is native to India but has since spread around the world. It can now be found in over 30 different countries. It is an evergreen tree that produces whites flowers and a yellow-green fruit.²

Siddha medicine, which is one of the oldest medical practices known to historians, held Neem in high regard, as each part of the tree has medicinal value. Neem has been shown to have over 100 pharmacologically active substances³ within its oil, bark, leaves, etc. It’s frequently called “the village pharmacy” due to its many uses.

Neem has been utilized for a number of illnesses and conditions.  Some of the most frequently mentioned have been leprosy, ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, oral care, urinary tract problems, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, a contraceptive,¹¹ skin conditions, asthma, and more.⁷

Medicinal Properties of Neem

Research has shown Neem oil, which is derived from the leaves, seeds, and fruits of the Neem tree, to be rich in:

• Fatty acids⁹: Are essential for our bodies to regulate inflammation. Inflammation and anti-inflammation are both important functions for healing in the body.
• Limonoids⁹: Are phytochemicals which are most often found in citrus fruits. Research has linked their role in helping to fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach, and colon.
• Vitamin E⁹: Is used by the body to boost the immune system against viruses and bacteria. It is also important in the production of red blood cells and is a key factor in the body’s ability to use Vitamin K. Vitamin E assists in widening blood vessels and also keeping blood from clotting inside them. In addition, our cells use Vitamin E to transmit information that allows the cells to carry out important functions. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant.
• Triglycerides⁹: Are a type of fat found in your blood which is responsible for energy storage.
• Antioxidants⁹: Help protect your cells and tissues from the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that have a negative effect on the body, causing stress, and may play significant roles in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
• Calcium⁹: Is most frequently known for its role in building and maintaining bones and teeth, but it also controls the activity of many of our body’s necessary enzymes as well. Our muscle contractions, neurotransmitter release, heartbeat regulation, and blood clotting all depend on calcium.

 

Neem for Scalp Health

Despite being one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, scientific research on Neem has been limited, especially in regards to its potential use for hair health. As of yet, a 2011 study¹ has shown Neem to be effective at killing lice.¹ An older study reported that nimbidin, an active ingredient in Neem oil, is effective in treating dandruff,¹⁰ most likely due to its anti-inflammatory role. ⁹

 

Neem has been studied to be an effective antibiotic. Another study compared the antibacterial properties of Neem against common chemical agents. Neem proved to be equally as effective as the same concentrations of the other antibiotics.⁶

As of yet, there are a number of scientifically unproven theories about why Neem holds so many uses for different hair-related issues. For example, those who suffer from psoriasis may also begin to develop alopecia as well. While most patients are able to regrow their lost hair, some cases of psoriatic alopecia result in permanent hair loss.⁸

Neem has been used to treat psoriasis, with great effect, for years, and while scientists believe this is due mostly to its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, a scientific study linking the two has not yet been published.

Scientists also believe that Neem’s known antifungal properties aid in its ability to treat dandruff as well.⁹⁽⁵⁾ In addition, it is well-known that oxidative stress plays a role in alopecia.⁴ Due to its antioxidant properties, it is believed that Neem could be beneficial to those who suffer from the disorder.

 

Conclusion

The use of Neem as a tool for healing has been documented and practiced for centuries, dating back to practitioners from 10,000 B.C.E.  What can be definitively said about Neem is that it is rich in several beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other chemical properties that have been proven to be effective in reducing oxidative stress on the body, promoting circulation, and aiding in the regeneration of cells. All of these processes are essential to our body’s ability to create hair follicles and maintain or renew healthy hair. Ayur Luxe Damage Control Collection includes Neem in it to help maintain a healthy scalp and optimal for growth.

 

 Sources:

¹Heukelbach, J., Oliveira, F. A., & Speare, R. (2006, September). A new shampoo based on neem (Azadirachta indica) is highly effective against head lice in vitro. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16568334

²Roberts, K. (2018, September 22). Neem Oil: Benefits For Skin & Hair More About The Underrated Ayurvedic Beauty Oil. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/neem-oil-benefits-for-skin-hair

³"Neem." (2019). Neem. Retrieved from https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/neem

⁴Beoy, L. A., Woei, W. J., & Hay, Y. K. (2010, December). Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/

⁵Ranganathan, S., & Mukhopadhyay, T. (2010). Dandruff: The most commercially exploited skin disease. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887514/

⁶Joy Sinha, D., D S Nandha, K., Jaiswal, N., Vasudeva, A., Prabha Tyagi, S., & Pratap Singh, U. (2017). Antibacterial Effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem) or Curcuma longa (Turmeric) against Enterococcus faecalis Compared with That of 5% Sodium Hypochlorite or 2% Chlorhexidine in vitro. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28724858

⁷Kumar, V. S., & Navaratnam, V. (2013, July). Neem (Azadirachta indica): Prehistory to contemporary medicinal uses to humankind. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3695574/

⁸Iamsumang, W., Sriphojanart, T., & Suchonwanit, P. (2017, March 03). Psoriatic Alopecia in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465727/

⁹Neem Oil for Hair Health: Growth & Other Benefits, Side Effects,. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/neem-oil-for-hair#takeaway

¹⁰Kaur, G., Sarwar Alam, M., & Athar, M. (2004, May). Nimbidin suppresses functions of macrophages and neutrophils: Relevance to its antiinflammatory mechanisms. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15174005

¹¹Tadimalla, R. T., Tadimalla, R. T., Tadimalla, R. T., & Tadimalla, R. T. (n.d.). Amazing Benefits Of Neem For Skin, Hair And Health. Retrieved from https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-neem-for-skin-and-hair/#gref

 

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