About 3 percent of World population experience psoriasis symptoms. Itching and inflammation is the constant problem faced by these people. In this article, you’ll learn uses of neem oil for psoriasis.
Though there is no permanent treatment for this chronic skin ailment, you can reduce lesions and itch through natural and western treatments.
Steroid creams have shown positive results, but unfortunately, they don’t last for a long time. This is why most people prefer natural remedies to reduce psoriasis. It’s not important that a remedy which worked for someone should work for you.
Using neem oil to treat psoriasis will reduce inflammation and itching on scalp. High concentration of vitamins and minerals residing in this herbal remedy can thwart infectious bacteria and moisturize your dry itchy skin.
Is Neem Oil Good for Psoriasis?
Neem is large and fast-growing tree found mostly in India. Its seeds, leaves, and bark has significant role in Ayurvedic medicine
Because of its antiseptic and antioxidant properties, it can effectively soothe your skin ailments.
Also read: Ayurvedic Beauty Tips for Glowing Skin
Dry skin is the main culprit to trigger psoriasis. Your skin is guarded with natural oil that protects it from harmful bacteria. Due to external or internal factors, your skin loses this natural oil and becomes dry allowing germs and fungi to invade.
Neem oil is renowned for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. With this and other nutrients, this herbal oil can help you to reduce psoriasis symptoms.
- Emollient properties in neem can hydrate your skin and thwart itching.
- Antioxidants housed in neem oil fight free radicals that can damage cell membrane.
- Researchers state that neem oil consists of 100 chemical compounds that exhibit antibacterial and antiviral abilities.
- The antibacterial and antifungal activity of this herbal oil can restrain infectious germs.
- Its cleansing property can remove dead cells from skin and scalp.
- Carotenoids and omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids in neem oil can reduce aging wrinkles, hydrate dry skin and fade scars.
- Its hydrating activity helps to get rid of itching and scaly skin.
- Inflammation and redness caused by psoriasis can be reduced by anti-inflammatory properties residing in neem oil.
- Nimbidin and azadirachtin are active components residing in the oil that exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
- These active components can stimulate collagen production and fade fine lines.
- Vitamin E and other nutrients promote supple and soft skin.
- Along with psoriasis, neem oil can effectively soothe eczema symptoms.
How to Use Neem Oil for Psoriasis?
Initially, there is no permanent treatment for this chronic skin disease. But, with natural remedies, you can reduce its effect and make your skin free from scaly patches.
#1 Neem Oil Application
Initially, wash affected the skin and pat dry with soft cloth. Now apply neem oil evenly and leave it to dry naturally. You must repeat the process to see positive results.
#2 Neem Oil for Scalp Psoriasis
An estimate of 75 million Americans affected with psoriasis has it on their scalp. Dry itchy patches and hair loss are signs of this ailment. (Source)
- Wash your scalp to remove impurities.
- When the scalp is still damp apply neem oil evenly.
- After 15 minutes, rinse it off with water.
- You can mix required amount of neem oil with your favorite shampoo to fight scalp psoriasis.
#3 Neem Oil for Nail Psoriasis
Discolored fingernail is one of the main symptoms of nail psoriasis. If you’ve psoriasis, then do check you may have it on nails.
- Apply few drops of neem oil on affected finger or toenails.
- Allow it to dry naturally for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
#4 Neem Leaves for Psoriasis
Apart from its oil, you can actually use neem leaves itself.
Internal consumption of this leaves will boost the immune system, treat ulcers, restrain the growth of yeast and treats psoriasis patches.
- Crush fresh neem leaves with tulsi leaves.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tsp of sandalwood powder with the neem paste.
- Apply this mixed paste on psoriasis affected face.
- Let it be on your skin for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
#5 Neem Oil and Coconut Oil
Neem is a powerful herb and has a very strong aroma. To make it easy, mix required amount of coconut oil to it.
Coconut oil is also prominent for hydrating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities that soothe psoriasis patches.
Apart from its nutritional abilities, coconut oil is cheap and available at home.
- Mix equal amount of neem oil and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Cleanse affected the skin and pat dry.
- Take the oil and apply it to psoriasis affected skin.
- Allow it to dry naturally for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Apart from coconut oil, you can also mix geranium essential oil with neem oil to treat psoriasis. While applying neem oil for scalp psoriasis, mix some coconut oil and patch test.
Recommended Dosage
For adults recommended neem capsules are 1-2. Each capsule consists of 500 mg neem extracts. (Source)
Pregnant women must avoid its internal consumption.
There are few cases reported of adverse reaction of neem capsules. Make sure to patch test before ingesting.
Important Tips
Along with home remedies, you must avoid irritants that can trigger psoriasis, including alcohol, junk foods, red meat, dairy products and citrus fruits. (foods that cause psoriasis)
- Another way to use neem oil over the itchy skin is to mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 4 ounces of jojoba oil and apply topically to the skin.
- About 7.5 million Americans who have psoriasis have it over the scalp. Intense itching, redness and hair fall are few notable symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
- Neem oil for scalp psoriasis can be effective if you apply it to Like mentioned above you can mix it with other carrier oil to use it over psoriasis affected parts.
Neem oil can not treat psoriasis. Actually, there is no treatment available for this chronic skin condition.
Though its cause is unknown, experts avoid certain things that can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. You must practice the lifestyle recommended by your doctor to get benefited from neem oil.
As mentioned above, neem oil may or may not work for all. Let us know if you ever used neem oil for psoriasis.
