Neem is one of the most promising plants on the planet. From improving our health to disinfecting our skin, the humble tree can benefit us in many ways. But what many of us are not aware of is that neem has immense potential in maintaining our hair health, too. Hair loss has become a pretty common issue and sometimes even a severe concern to worry about. If you are looking for an effective natural remedy, look for nothing other than neem. We will tell you why and how to use neem leaves for hair loss and everything else you should know.
What is Neem?
Neem or Indian Lilac, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen herb from the Meliaceae or mahogany family. Though the versatile tree originated in the Indian subcontinent, it is now also found in some parts of the Middle East. Being extremely resilient to challenging environments, it can quickly grow in tropical and subtropical zones (1). Neem trees are characterized by broad-spreading leaves, white fragrant flowers, and small bittersweet drupes. The plant’s bark, leaves, fruits, seeds, and roots have medicinal solid uses, while shoots and flowers are used in culinary preparations. The leaves of the neem tree are dried and powdered to use as an inexpensive herbal remedy for several ailments, including stomach upset, intestinal worms, bloody nose, skin ulcers, scalp infections, gingivitis, diabetes, etc. (2) The oil extracted from these widely sought-after leaves is also rich in beneficial organic compounds. Neem leaves are used to make herbal supplements, too.
Each part of a neem tree has certain benefits. No other plant can probably yield as many varied products and by-products as this one.
Health Benefits of Neem
Let us have a glance at how neem benefits our health both internally and externally:
1. Strengthens Immune System
According to research published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, fresh neem leaves contain two polyphenolic flavonoids, quercetin and ß-sitosterol. These compounds’ anti-microbial solid and antibacterial properties may help heal the body from within by strengthening the immune system (3).
2. Keeps Infections At Bay
The active organic ingredients in neem have potent anti-fungal properties, which protect our overall health by inhibiting fungal infections. It may offer rapid and highly efficient treatment for conditions like athletes’ feet.
3. Detoxifies the Body
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics revealed that the antioxidants present in neem help promote our liver functionalities. This may effectively neutralize free radicals and eliminate toxins from our body, optimizing its metabolic activities (4).
4. Enhances Gastric Health
Neem has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the inflammation in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has been found to keep our digestive system healthy by healing many issues, including bloating, cramping, constipation, and ulcers.
5. Maintains Bone Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of neem may also keep our bones and joints healthy. Consistent use of neem reduces discomfort and pain associated with aching joints and muscles caused by arthritis.
6. Regulates Blood Sugar
Specific chemical components in the neem maximize the insulin receptor function of the body, which eventually protects against diabetes (5).
7. Improves Reproductive Health
Neem helps in preventing certain STDs or sexually transmitted diseases. It is also a natural spermicide that lowers fertility levels and controls birth without impacting libido or causing any toxic effect on the body (6).
8. Fights Against Malaria
Being a natural and non-toxic insect repellent, neem may reduce the danger of malaria by minimizing its symptoms effectively. (7)
9. Protects from Cancer
Neem may potentially reduce cancer risks with its flavonoids and other anticancer compounds. Apart from treating inflammatory conditions, neem may also play a pivotal role in activating the tumor suppressor gene. (8)
Also Read – Why Should You Use Arnica Oil for Hair? With Application and Side Effects
Neem adds a natural glow to the skin by healing the body internally. It also treats skin issues like boils, blemishes, acne, and skin allergies effectively.
Why Use Neem Leaves for Hair Loss?
The hair benefits of neem are based mainly on exploratory investigations and anecdotal evidence. Very little research has been conducted on it so far. However, when your internal organs function effectively, you start growing lustrous hair, too. Moreover, neem leaves’ anti-microbial and blood-purifying properties can address the root causes of hair loss, stimulating the growth of healthy, strong hair. Following are the reasons why the herb has been used to treat hair loss for ages:
- Neem is packed with vitamin E, fatty acids, triglycerides, limonoids, and antioxidants, which take great care of the overall health of our hair. It nourishes hair fibers, hydrates them thoroughly, and strengthens them to promote smooth and gorgeous hair growth.
- Vitamin E and other antioxidants in neem may nourish and condition the scalp intensely. This is essential to eliminate problems like dryness, scaliness, flakiness, redness, itchy scalp, inflammation, buildups, infections, etc.
- Neem improves the health of our hair follicles and seals them with its potent antioxidant effects. This may help prevent breakage, split ends, and frequent hair fall.
- The herb has an active ingredient, nimbidin, which contributes to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with the natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial effects of the plant, they may help alleviate the symptoms of dandruff (9). Hence, neem has become trendy in many commercial shampoos and scalp cleansers.
- Premature graying often makes the hair strands dry, wiry, and breakage-prone. Neem minimizes grays to help you stay away from the issue of too much hair fall.
- The azadirachtin content of neem makes it an extremely effective natural remedy for head lice. (10)
Read Also – 5 Beauty Benefits of Neem Leaves
How to Use Neem Leaves for Hair Loss?
Now, here are five different ways that you can follow to use neem leaves for hair loss:
1. Massaging Neem Oil
The healthy growth of hair requires a healthy, nourished scalp. Your scalp can get affected by many factors and develop various issues, such as a dry scalp, flaky scalp, dandruff, etc., which stimulate hair loss essentially. Besides, excessive sebum (oil) produces an oily scalp and leads to hair thinning. It clogs the pores on the scalp and prohibits hair growth. Applying neem oil addresses all these issues. Neem oil is a topical treatment for scalp infections. Heat the neem oil (don’t let it boil) to warm it up, and massage the scalp with it gently for 5 to 10 minutes. Take a bath in lukewarm water after an hour. You can apply neem oil twice a week. The smell of neem oil might seem to be disgusting. However, tolerate it by thinking about the lustrous hair you will get soon.
2. Using Neem Water
Utilizing neem-infused water proves highly efficient in treating dandruff and unclogging pores. This remedy results in a thoroughly cleansed scalp, leading to a noticeable reduction in hair fall. Boil a handful of neem leaves in water until the water extracts the medicinal properties of the neem leaves, causing a color change. Once cooled, strain out the neem leaves and use the infusion as a hair rinse after shampooing for optimal results.
Read Also – Neem Capsules – Benefits, Side Effects, and Usage
3. Opting for a Neem Mask
Another method of using neem for hair loss is grinding the leaves into a paste and using it as a mask. Get some fresh neem leaves and grind them into a fine paste with medium consistency (if you grind coarsely, you will find it difficult to rinse the hair and remove the remnants). You can add some hot water if needed. Apply the paste to your hair from the root to the tip. Also, don’t ignore the scalp. Now, wrap your hair in a towel and wait one or two hours. Shampoo the hair and rinse the mask off thoroughly.
Read Also – 11 Interesting Benefits of Neem Oil for Skin and Hair
4. Applying Neem Pack
If fresh neem leaves are unavailable, go for readymade neem leaf powder. You can quickly get a pack of neem leaf powder in any department store or pharmacy. Make sure to buy the organic one for the best results. Add enough lukewarm water to this powder and turn it into a smooth paste of medium consistency. Apply the pack to the scalp and cover your hair, too. Let it dry for an hour or so. Then, rinse the hair thoroughly. However, using fresh neem leaves is always recommended.
5. Eating Baby Leaves
Let us learn about a good old granny’s remedy that involves the consumption of small, new neem leaves for hair loss! Toxins accumulated in the body are a significant reason for hair loss, and neem leaves work as natural blood purifiers. It purifies the bloodstream by removing toxins from its internal organs. The powerful medicinal properties of baby neem leaves help heal all types of infections and purify the organs. Since the blood is purified, it enables the growth of strong hair. Purified blood ensures improved blood circulation, which in turn reduces hair loss. So, get a few baby neem leaves and grind them to a fine paste. Swallow a cherry-sized ball of this paste and immediately drink water. Alternatively, you can mix the paste into buttermilk and drink it. Of course, it tastes too bad, but it is too good for your health!
The taste and aroma of neem leaves stay in our taste buds for longer hours. It becomes even more difficult to tolerate the bitter flavor of mature ones. However, the baby leaves of neem are fresh and hence, are comparatively easier to consume.
Potential Side Effects of Neem
Neem is usually considered safe for use. But if you are sensitive or allergic to it, you should avoid its topical application. Also, the consumption of neem leaves is not recommended for children under the age of 12, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, liver patients, and kidney patients. Some common side effects of the herb include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, cramping, difficulty breathing, etc. It may also interact with certain medical conditions or prescribed drugs. Hence, it is always good to use neem under medical supervision only.
Summary:
Neem is a versatile herb offering numerous benefits for our health, skin, and hair. Each part of a neem tree has certain medicinal uses but neem leaves are considered as the most important part of the plant. Neem leaves can enhance the overall health and luster of our hair by treating scalp infections, dandruff, and dryness. There are multiples ways to use neem leaves for hair loss, which include both topical and oral applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Neem Cause Hair Loss?
Neem has never been reported to cause hair loss. Instead, it has been used as a highly effective hair loss and balding remedy for ages.
Does Neem Grow Hair?
Neem nourishes the scalp with adequate nutrients while enhancing the overall health of the hair. This stimulates the growth of hair significantly.
Can We Boil Neem Leaves and Drink?
Fresh neem leaves can be boiled in water to prepare an herbal infusion. You can also boil fresh or dried neem leaves in water to prepare neem tea. Add one teaspoon of leaves to a cup of water and boil for 5 to 20 minutes.
Can We Drink Neem Juice Daily?
Yes, neem juice can be consumed every morning on an empty stomach to aid metabolism and purify the blood.
How Many Neem Leaves Should Be Eaten Per Day?
You can have a maximum of 4 gm. of neem leaves before each meal thrice a day.
References:
- “Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Neem“, WebMD.com
- “Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “The Mitochondrial Permeability Transition: A New Pathophysiological Mechanism for Reye’s Syndrome and Toxic Liver Injury,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Antidiabetic Properties of Azardiracta indica and Bougainvillea spectabilis: In Vivo Studies in Murine Diabetes Model,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Synergistic Spermicidal Activity of Neem Seed Extract, Reetha Saponins, and Quinine Hydrochloride,” ScienceDirect.com
- “Larvicidal Activity of Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica) Formulation Against Mosquitoes“, MalariaJournal.BioMedCentral.com
- “Ethanolic Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract Induces Apoptosis in the Hamster Buccal Pouch Carcinogenesis Model by Modulation of Bcl-2, Bim, Caspase 8 and Caspase 3“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Nimbidin Suppresses Functions of Macrophages and Neutrophils: Relevance to Its Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Efficacy of a Single Treatment of Head Lice with a Neem Seed Extract: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study on Nits and Motile Stages,” link.springer.com
