NEEM - A Natural Therapy for Eczema

Eczema is a type of skin disease commonly called as dermatitis. Most people are familiar with the symptoms of eczema, which include inflamed, raised patches with dryness and scaling of the skin. The symptoms of eczema can be improved by avoiding common triggers such as stress, soap and some food types. Anti-inflammatory drugs, most common of which is hydrocortisone, provide an important treatment for eczema.

Neem is a special Indian plant. It is famous for its medicinal values. In India, the neem tree is considered sacred and worshiped. It is easy to find neem trees everywhere in the country, so much so that it is considered the free tree of India. The English name for neem is Margosa. The botanical name of neem tree is Azadirachta indica.

Many plants, including the Neem tree, contain naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds. In India, leaves from the Neem tree are traditionally used to treat eczema and a range of other inflammatory skin conditions. Research has shown the Neem leaf to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect compared to over-the-counter and prescription drugs with similar actions, such as Aspirin. To date, two natural anti-inflammatory components have been identified in Neem leaf, Nimbin and Nimbidin. Nimbidin has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to the non-steroidal drug phenylbutazone while Nimbin has been shown to have a comparable action to cortisone. Neem leaf has other properties, which may help to relieve the symptoms of eczema. It has an analgesic effect (painkilling), which will help to reduce the discomfort of eczema, and antiseptic properties, which could help reduce the incidence of secondary infections.

Although the mechanism of action of Nimbin and Nimbidin is not fully understood, this research suggests that formulations of Neem leaf may be at least as effective as over-the-counter preparations for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

As a natural eczema remedy, neem when applied on the skin relieves you from itching and the painful symptoms arising from your disorder. You can also take a warm bath with neem leaves in it. In fact, this is a very common custom in India. It is also highly suitable in the instance when you have some minor skin infections. It prevents micro organisms from entering into your body. For eczema sufferers, this is good news. Very often, bacteria are being introduced into your body through your broken skin, a result from scratching and itching. Application of neem oil or neem powder on your wounded skin can render micro-organisms inactive, thereby initiating relief and recovery. They may also help to avoid the side effects commonly associated with steroidal preparations such as thinning of the skin.

Neem is not only beneficial as a natural eczema remedy but also helps to strengthen the immune system of your body. You can obtain its benefits by eating raw neem leaves. However, if you are having neem for lunch for the first time, you may not be used to the taste. Or you may find it inconvenient to have to chew neem leaves. The alternative is to consume neem supplements in the form of capsules.

Neem products for natural eczema remedy are now readily available via Indian herbal stores or on the internet. Creams containing extracts of Neem leaves are now widely available, so sufferers won’t have to make their own poultices. You can also get neem lotions, body washes, shampoos and conditioners if you have sensitive skin.

REFERENCES: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Silva and www.healthywaymagazine.com

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