Eczema is a condition which causes skin inflammation, itchiness, cracking and reddishness. There are multiple reasons for eczema breakouts. Certain food like nuts and dairy can cause the symptoms to occur. It can also be triggered by environmental factors like pollen or smoke. It is often hard to completely cure eczema, but there are some home remedies you can follow to reduce the symptoms significantly.
Benefits of Using Neem Oil for Eczema
Neem oil is a very versatile ingredient that helps cure a variety of problems. It is loaded with tannins and rich lipids which are extremely helpful when it comes to calming irritated skin. Neem oil and leaves are known for treatment of skin ailments since ancient times. It not only reduces symptoms of dryness and blistering, but it also rejuvenates and beautifies your skin! Here are some benefits of using neem oil.
Anti- Inflammatory
Often marked by swelling, redness and overall pain, inflammation can sometimes get out of hand. A recent study conducted, concluded that neem oil can relieve both chronic and acute inflammation effectively.
Antibacterial
Neem oil is known to be very effective in treating bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the same bacteria that causes Eczema.
Antihistamine Properties
Eczema is often triggered by an allergic reaction to things like pollen, extreme climatic changes or detergents. Neem oil is effective for keeping these symptoms under control due to its strong antihistamine properties.
Analgesic
Being an excellent analgesic, neem oil has proven to reduce pain caused by wounds and soreness. It also advocates quick healing. In a Scientific Review in 2002, it was indicated that using Neem oil for Eczema helps provide significant relief. Instant and positive results were observed after just 3-4 days of local application.
Moisturiser
Neem oil is rich in fatty oils and Vitamin E. This help restore the ability of skin to lock in the right amount of moisture and to soothe cracked and dry skin. Neem oil works very well as an eczema treatment for this reason, as it helps hydrate and protects severely dry skin.
How to Use Neem Oil for Eczema?
It is safe to say that neem oil naturally contains so many wonderful and effective properties that are very efficient in relieving skin irritation. It moisturises severely dry skin and is a natural anti-inflammatory and painkiller, hence being the perfect ingredient for a natural eczema treatment. Here are a few remedies with Neem oil that you can try out to treat eczema.
1. Neem Water Bath
What You Will Need
- Neem Leaves
- Few drops of Neem Oil
- Hot Water
Method
- Add a few drops of neem oil and neem leaves to a bucket.
- Fill up half the bucket with hot water.
- Let it soak up for half an hour.
- Now fill the other half of the bucket with plain water.
- Now, discard the leaves and use this water to take a bath.
- Another alternative method to follow would be to let the neem leaves soak in water overnight.
- You can also boil the water on a stove, instead of using the geyser.
- Follow this procedure on a daily basis to keep the symptoms under check.
Why Does This Remedy Work
A good thing about neem leaves is that you can find a neem tree down every road. Getting hold of neem leaves is very easy in India! Neem is a natural anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agent, It keeps skin diseases at bay and is highly recommended for using while bathing. It also helps relieve irritation and enhance skin complexion in the process. Neem oil is thus is highly beneficial for keeping eczema under check.
2. Neem Oil Balm
What You Will Need
- 1 ½ teaspoon of Neem Oil
- 1 oz of Shea Butter
- ½ oz of Almond Oil
- ½ teaspoon of Beeswax Pastilles
- 2 capsules of Vitamin E oil
- 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil
- Double Boiler
- 2 oz Mason Jar
Method
- First, melt the Shea Butter, Beeswax Pastilles and Almond Oil in the boiler over low heat.
- Once the three ingredients have completely melted, let it cool down a bit.
- Gently puncture two Vitamin E capsules using a safety pin. Squeeze the oil into the rest of the melted mixture.
- Next, add 5 drops of each essential oil, Neem Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Lavender oil. Stir it well.
- Pour the combination into an appropriately sized glass jar.
- You can keep it in the refrigerator for about half an hour, to let it set before use.
- Store it in a dark, dry and cool place. Make sure you don’t get water or dirt into your Neem Balm.
- To use it, scoop up a little and applying tropically on the affected areas, gently.
- You can follow this as a routine right after a bath every day, to lock in the moisture.
Why Does This Remedy Work
Neem Oil contains many triglycerides and triterpenoid compounds. These constituents give need to oil its incredible healing properties. This balm includes other powerful essential oils like lavender and tree tea that enhance the properties of neem oil.
3. Neem and Turmeric
What You Will Need
- 3 to 4 drops of neem oil
- 1 tablespoon of neem oil (dry the leaves under the sun for a week and then crush them into a powder)
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Method
- Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir and mix them well.
- Apply topically on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes before washing it off.
- You can follow this procedure until the symptoms have reduced.
Why Does This Remedy Work
Both Neem and Turmeric are widely known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. The healing touch of these two ingredients reduces the itching and inflammation while keeping your skin moisturised in the process.
4. Neem and Tulsi
What You Will Need
- 1 cup of neem leaves
- 1 cup of tulsi leaves
- Water
- 10 drops of neem oil
Method
- Boil the neem and tulsi leave until the quantity of water has reduced to half.
- Strain the extract properly and then add 10 drops of neem oil to it.
- Store it in a clean and dry bottle.
- Use a cotton pad to apply it on the affected area tropically.
- Leave it on as long as possible (overnight) for the best results.
- You can reapply several times during the day and continue to use this remedy until the symptoms subside.
Why Does This Remedy Work
Neem and Tulsi have powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help in healing the symptoms of eczema to a great extent. They reduce itching, inflammation, pain and swelling caused due to the disease.
5. Neem and Coconut Oil
What You Will Need
- 3 to 4 drops of neem oil
- 1 tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil
Method
- First, mix the two oils and apply it directly to the affected skin.
- Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next day.
- Repeat this procedure every day until the inflammation is completely gone.
Why Does This Remedy Work
Compared to other oils, coconut oil can penetrate your skin more easily and keep in moisture for a longer period of time. When combined, both these oils help in keeping eczema-related symptoms under control.
6. Neem and Raw Papaya
What You Will Need
- 3 to 4 drops of neem oil
- 1 tablespoon of raw papaya pulp
Method
- Mix the neem oil and papaya pulp and apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it to dry for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it off thoroughly and pat your skin dry.
- Repeat the procedure on a daily basis until the symptoms wear away.
Why Does This Remedy Work
Raw papaya helps reducing redness and itching while neem oil helps clear up the infection and inflammation.
Precautions to take while using Neem Oil
There are a few things to know about Neem oil before you use it on your skin.
- Neem oil is safe but extremely strong and potent. Hence check for allergies before you use it. Also, you can dilute it with another carrier oil of your choice like coconut oil to make it milder.
- There is a possibility of an adverse allergy or reaction in some people. So if you are using neem oil for the first time, it is advisable to start small by applying a very diluted amount of it on your skin, away from your face.
- If you notice symptoms like difficulty in breathing or severe rashes, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Discontinue using it and consult a doctor if your condition persists.
- For children and for pregnant or nursing mothers, it is advised to check with the doctor before using neem oil.
Also read: Eczema in Babies and Kids – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
