One thing to keep in mind is that there
is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, many psoriasis sufferers have been
able to find relief from the symptoms of psoriasis and/or keep psoriasis
flare-ups to a minimum using various treatment approaches including with the
use of many natural methods such as natural oils. One of these natural oils
that is heavily discussed for natural psoriasis treatment is neem oil. Can you
get rid of psoriasis naturally with neem oil? Let's see.
The Wonders of Neem
In Sanskrit, "neem" is derived
from the term "nimba" which means "bestower of good
health." This tree is native to India and has been a staple in Indian
Ayurvedic medicine for over one thousand years.
According to the Neem Foundation in
India, about 75 percent of Ayurvedic formulas feature neem as a key ingredient.
These formulas have been used to naturally treat various diseases and
conditions.
Various parts of the neem tree such as
leaves, branches, bark, etc are used for healing and neem oil is derived from
the seed kernels of this tree.
The various effective uses of neem
include but are not limited to;
1. Pesticide
This is probably the most commonly known
use of neem in the Western world. There are many studies that indicate that
neem is able to kill, repel or disrupt the damaging effects and reproduction of
various agricultural pets such as weevils, beetles, etc.
Neem can also be used as a personal bug
spray or ointment as it is able to act as an effective insect repellant to keep
various bugs and mosquitoes from landing and feasting on you. In addition,
studies have shown that even a small amount of neem can kill all the mosquito
larvae some of which cause malaria in certain parts of the world without any
risk to nonpest animals unlike various chemical pesticides.
2. Dental
It is quite common for many Indians to
chew on neem tree twigs because neem ensures dental health according to various
studies. The extract has been found to be able to kill bacteria that commonly
cause plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. Toothpaste that contains neem
extract are available in various health food stores.
3. Acne
This skin condition which affects most
people can be treated naturally with neem because of its bacteria killing
properties which target the bacteria that causes acne. This can help to prevent
acne breakouts and promote clearer skin.
4. Ulcers
Neem has been shown by some studies to
be able to reduce the secretion of stomach acid and treat stomach ulcers using
either the neem leaf or neem bark extracts without significant side effects.
5. Contraception
Some studies have shown that neem leaf
extract is spermicidal and can help prevent pregnancy to some extent.
Other possibilities for natural
treatment using neem include warts, eczema, herpes, chickenpox, athlete's foot,
skin cancer, etc.
Can You Get Rid of Psoriasis with Neem?
Neem features a complex mix of over 140
active ingredients that can help to get rid of psoriasis naturally. While not a
cure, there are many psoriasis sufferers who have been able to obtain relief
from the symptoms using neem. The following are some of the uses of neem for psoriasis
that can help answer the question "can you get rid of psoriasis with
neem?"
1.
Neem oil acts as an effective emollient as it contains various
fatty acids as well as natural vitamin E to help moisturize and soften dry skin
which can increase the risk of developing psoriasis symptoms if the skin is not
kept well moisturized.
2.
Neem oil can increase skin health as well as enhance the natural
immunity of the skin which can help prevent flare-ups.
3.
Neem oil as previously mentioned is anti-bacterial as well as
being anti-fungal and anti-microbial which can help prevent skin infections
that can increase the risk of bringing on psoriasis symptoms.
4.
Neem oil is able to treat skin redness and swelling that are
associated with the lesions as well as soothe skin irritation and itchy
lesions.
5.
Taking neem extracts from the leaves or barks internally can
help to boost the immune system which can help it better fight off psoriasis
symptoms.
6.
Three active ingredients found in neem known as
"nimbidin", "nimbin and "quercetin" are
anti-inflammatory compounds which can help to combat the development of the
symptoms of psoriasis. Having a high level of inflammation in the body can
increase the risk of developing various diseases and conditions including
psoriasis.
How To Use Neem for Natural Psoriasis
Treatment
Neem oil is very easily available since
it is commonly used as a pesticide. For best results, use unrefined, organic
neem oil that is cold pressed or expeller pressed to ensure that all the
beneficial properties are present in the oil. Apply this oil to the face and/or
body as often as you wish to combat dry skin, itching, inflammation as well as
to treat the lesions naturally.
Simply use the oil as you would any skin
moisturizer or hot oil treatment (scalp psoriasis) or apply a few drops to the
bath water before soaking in this water for about 15 to 20 minutes.
For internal usage, do not use neem oil because it is toxic! Use
products that contain the extracts from the leaves or bark such as tablets,
capsules or neem tea.
You can consume the neem tea and/or
steep the tea bags in hot bath water for at least 5 minutes and soak for 15 to
20 minutes.
Caution with Neem Oil Usage
As mentioned previously, neem oil is
toxic so do not ingest it. Pregnant and nursing women as well as infants and
children should avoid it.
If using products that contain the
extracts, simply follow the label instructions.
Neem can cause allergic reactions so do
keep this in mind.
Another point to keep in mind with neem
oil is that it STINKS!
This can be a deal breaker for some whereas it may not be that significant of
an issue for others. This may be one of the reasons that it is such as great
insect repellant! If the smell bothers you so much, you may consider adding
various essential oils such as lavender, tea tree oil, peppermint, etc.
Can You Get Rid of Psoriasis with Neem
Oil or Other Neem Products?
There are many positive results that
have been noted from the use of various neem products but neem oil especially,
that make it a viable natural remedy for psoriasis but like every other recommended
treatment for psoriasis, simply because it works for one sufferer does not mean
it will work for you and vice versa. Experimentation with neem oil is the only
way to determine whether this natural remedy will help get rid of psoriasis
lesions.
In addition, using neem oil while still
dealing with chronic stress in your life, smoking, drinking, and many other
activities that increase the risk of developing psoriasis symptoms may hinder
your ability to have positive results from neem usage.
With this in mind, neem oil as well as
products that contain neem extracts are still a viable natural method for
treating psoriasis. So the answer to the question " can you get rid of psoriasis with neem oil?" is definitely yes
as this remedy is worth a try.