The neem tree produces small white flowers and a yellow-green fruit, and literally every part of the tree has been used for medicine and therapeutic treatments. The neem tree has so many medicinal uses (it contains more than 100 pharmacologically active substances), in fact, that in India, it’s been called “the village pharmacy.” It’s no surprise, then, that neem oil has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Indian medicine and ayurveda1. Even within traditional Indian medicine, the neem tree and its by-products hold a special place. Siddha medicine2 is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, with origins dating back as far as 10,000 B.C., and the first medicinal plant mentioned in ancient Siddha records is—you guessed it—neem. In these times, neem was used as a kind of vaccine against smallpox and other infectious diseases2 (although it was also used to ward off evil spirits2, so it’s not shocking that early medical practitioners hadn’t fully figured out the best use for neem oil). According to a 350-year-old Palm leaf manuscript2 (one of the oldest forms of writing in India) known as Agathiyar Gunavagadam, the neem flower was used to treat bile disorders, while the leaf was used to prevent and treat ulcers. The bark of the tree was used to treat central nervous system disorders, paralysis, and even psychiatric disorders. These uses have been studied to varying results, but researchers say2 that “neem deserves to be called a wonder plant.” We’ll go into more detail about neem’s use for skin and hair below, but it’s worth noting that research has found neem to possess antibacterial properties3, as well as, in some cases, antiviral properties4. Neem has also been studied as a possible treatment for several forms of cancer, including breast cancer5, pancreatic cancer6, and prostate cancer7 and as a treatment for snake venom8. (To be clear, as of now, it’s not a magical cure for cancer, but it is being looked into.) “Neem provides health benefits through its blood-purifying properties, which can aid in recovery from infections, as well as acne,” said Shrankhla Holecek, ayurveda expert and founder of Uma Oils. “It also helps the body detox and helps with water retention issues.” Some of these claims are backed up by research, but others aren’t. One of neem’s proven benefits for the skin is helping to speed the healing process. In one study10 of nine patients, for example, neem was shown to help with the healing of post-surgical scalp wounds. Another study11 led researchers to the conclusion that neem could be a good long-term acne treatment. Finally, while there are no human studies backing up claims that neem has anti-aging benefits, a study on mice did find that the oil helped with things like skin thinness, dryness, and wrinkles. Other claims made about neem aren’t backed up by any formal research at this time, like claims about its impact on warts and moles or its ability to stimulate collagen production. Even though not all of the claims made about neem oil are backed up science, there is a lot of evidence12 that neem is effective as an anti-inflammatory13, which translates to benefits for the skin. Neem oil is also reported to be an effective treatment for hair lice16. In India and Bangladesh, for example, villagers use neem oil to treat head lice, and it’s reportedly1 very effective. Neem oil is also touted17 as a treatment for dandruff, which, if left untreated, could eventually contribute to hair loss18. Because Malassezia fungus is a common cause19 of dandruff, neem oil can also help treat this root cause since it also has antifungal properties20. Ayurvedic expert Shrankhla Holecek confirms that, in ayurveda, “It is oft used in hair care for scalp clarifying and for healthy hair growth and is believed to prevent imbalances that may result in premature graying of hair,” she said. Because neem oil has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties, it can also help treat scalp psoriasis2, which can sometimes lead to permanent hair loss21 if not treated. “Neem is also believed to prevent imbalances that may result in premature graying of hair,” she said. Finally, because neem oil is antioxidant-rich and moisturizing2, it’s often used as a treatment for dry and frizzy hair.
