Neem oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. From treating skin ailments to boosting immunity, neem oil is a versatile and potent natural remedy.
One of the most effective ways to use neem oil is by adding it to your bath water. A neem-infused bath can help control dandruff, treat skin irritation, and destroy bad odor-causing bacteria.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using neem oil in your bath and how to use it effectively for maximum results. So, let’s dive in!
How To Use Neem Oil In Bath?
Before using neem oil in your bath, it’s important to purchase an organic, 100 percent pure, cold-pressed neem oil. This type of neem oil will be cloudy and yellowish in color and will have an odor resembling mustard, garlic, or sulfur. When you’re not using it, store it in a cool, dark place.
To make neem-infused bath water, boil neem leaves with or without the twig in water for 5 minutes and switch off the heat. In summers, you can leave the leaves in the water until it cools down before using it. In winters, mix it with normal water to prepare a warm bath.
Once you have your neem-infused water ready, soak in it for at least 20 minutes to allow the neem oil to penetrate your skin and provide its numerous benefits.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. Neem oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which enable it to seep deep into the skin, restoring moisture, enhancing elasticity, and smoothing wrinkles. It also stimulates collagen production and heals cracks caused by dryness.
Neem oil is also known for its protective properties against skin damage caused by UV rays. It deeply penetrates the skin to create a protective layer that helps reduce moisture loss and prevent damage from environmental factors. Additionally, neem oil has natural anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties that make it an effective treatment for various skin conditions like acne, skin irritation, heat rashes, psoriasis, and eczema.
When using neem oil in your bath, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil like sweet almond or sesame oil. This helps to subdue the strong odor of neem oil and makes it safe for use on larger areas of the body or for sensitive skin. You can also add a few drops of other essential oils like lavender to improve the smell.
The Benefits Of Adding Neem Oil To Your Bath
Adding neem oil to your bath can offer a variety of benefits for your skin and overall health. Here are some of the ways neem oil can improve your bath experience:
1. Boosts Immunity: Bathing with neem-infused water has been an age-old tradition in Ayurveda, especially during seasonal transitions. It is said to maintain high immunity, which is particularly important during changing weather when one is more prone to catching the common flu or cold.
2. Treats Skin Ailments: Neem acts as an antimicrobial agent and can work wonders for non-infectious, autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema. It also helps in curing acne, scars, blackheads, and body odor naturally.
3. Removes Skin Parasites: Soaking in bath water that is mixed with neem oil can remove skin parasites such as scabies. This method of application will reduce itching and inflammation.
4. Moisturizes Skin: Neem oil is loaded with nutrients like antioxidants, carotenoids, and fatty acids that help to protect the skin from environmental damage and restore elasticity. When used regularly, it can make your skin smooth, moisturized, and youthful.
5. Relieves Discomfort: Being a natural pain killer (analgesic), neem oil can provide immediate relief from discomforting skin irritation caused by conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It can also reduce itching and scratching and actually prevent further complications.
Incorporating neem oil into your bath routine can be a great way to enjoy its benefits while relaxing and rejuvenating your body. So go ahead and give it a try!
How To Prepare A Neem Oil Bath
To prepare a neem oil bath, start by mixing equal parts of pure neem oil and a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil. This is important because pure neem oil is incredibly potent and may cause skin irritation if used undiluted. The carrier oil will also help subdue the strong odor of neem oil.
Next, add a few drops of lavender or other essential oils to improve the smell of the mixture. Once the oils are blended, use the combination as you would a moisturizer on the face and body.
To use the neem oil mixture in your bath, add a few drops to warm water and mix well. Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes to allow the neem oil to penetrate your skin and provide its numerous benefits. You can also add neem leaves or twigs to the bath water for increased effectiveness.
Using neem-infused water in your bath has many benefits. Neem water is known for its natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It can help control dandruff, treat skin irritation, pimples, heat rashes, and destroy bad odor-creating bacteria.
Tips For Using Neem Oil In Your Bath
1. Use Soap-Free Cleansers: When using neem oil in your bath, it’s best to use soap-free cleansers to avoid washing away the benefits of the neem oil.
2. Soak for at Least 20 Minutes: To allow the neem oil to penetrate your skin and provide its numerous benefits, soak in the neem-infused water for at least 20 minutes.
3. Use Lukewarm Water: When preparing your neem-infused bath water, make sure to use lukewarm water, as using hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause dryness.
4. Don’t Rinse with Normal Water: After soaking in the neem-infused water, don’t rinse with normal water. Instead, let the neem water dry on your skin to enjoy its medicinal benefits.
5. Use Neem Oil for Additional Benefits: For additional benefits, you can also add a few drops of neem oil to your bath water. This will help soothe red, itchy, inflamed skin and provide relief from swelling.
6. Use Neem Oil with Carrier Oils: If you have sensitive skin or plan to use neem oil on larger areas of your body, it’s a good idea to mix it with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil. This will dilute the potency of the neem oil and make it gentler on your skin.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of neem oil in your bath and soothe various skin conditions like acne, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.
Precautions To Keep In Mind When Using Neem Oil In Your Bath
While neem oil has numerous benefits, it’s important to keep some precautions in mind before using it in your bath. Firstly, neem oil is extremely potent and may cause an adverse reaction in someone with sensitive skin or a skin disorder like eczema. Therefore, it’s recommended to start by trying a small, diluted amount of it on a small area of your skin, away from your face. If redness or itching develop, you may wish to further dilute the oil or avoid using it completely. Additionally, hives, severe rash, or difficulty breathing could be a sign of allergic reaction. In such cases, discontinue use of neem oil immediately and consult a doctor if your conditions persist.
It’s also important to note that neem oil is not suitable for use by children as it is a powerful oil. Before using neem oil on a child, consult with your doctor. Studies have not been done to establish whether neem oil is safe to use during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Lastly, while using neem-infused water for bathing has numerous benefits, it’s important to not overdo it. Using neem-infused water every day may dry out your skin and cause irritation. Therefore, limit the use of neem-infused water to once or twice a week for optimal results.
Other Ways To Use Neem Oil For Skin And Hair Health
Apart from using neem oil in your bath, there are several other ways to use it for skin and hair health. Neem oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and antimicrobial compounds that can benefit the skin and hair in numerous ways. Here are some other ways to use neem oil for skin and hair health:
1. Haircare: Neem oil can be an effective ingredient for promoting healthy hair growth and treating various scalp conditions such as dandruff and hair loss. To use neem oil for hair, dilute equal parts of neem oil with sweet almond or sesame oil and massage it into the roots of your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before cleansing your hair with a natural cleanser.
2. Spot treatment: Neem oil can be used as a spot treatment for acne, fungal infections, warts, or moles. To do this, apply undiluted neem oil to the affected area using a cotton swab or cotton ball and leave it on for up to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
3. Moisturizer: You can mix neem oil with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil to make a moisturizer for your face and body. This combination can also help subdue the odor of neem oil.
4. Scalp massage oil: Dilute neem oil with carrier oil before applying it directly to your scalp. Gently massage it into your scalp and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
5. Bath additive: Adding a few drops of neem oil to your bath water can provide numerous benefits for your skin and overall health. Soak in the neem-infused water for at least 20 minutes to allow the neem oil to penetrate your skin.
Remember to always do a patch test before using neem oil on your skin or hair, especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, always follow the instructions on the product label if you are using premade solutions like OTC shampoos containing neem oil. With its numerous benefits for skin and hair health, neem oil is definitely worth incorporating into your beauty routine.
