A Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine.
What is Neem? Known as ‘Azadirachta Indica’ in Botany, they are trees native to the Indian subcontinent: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The leaves are what we are dealing with. The leaves are anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal – necessary qualities to maintain a clean, ph-balanced well protected skin:
- Scar healing.
- Reduces the effects of pimples.
- Acne treatment.
- De/Pigmentation.
- Oil-control.
- Exfoliator/Toner.
- Moisturiser and Glowy skin.
The great thing about preparing Neem paste yourself is that you can mix it with other natural ingredients depending on which result you desire to achieve the most. Neem paste mixed with honey and/or milk aids with moisturisation and glowy/dewy natural skin. Mixed with turmeric aids with pigmentation, scar healing, and the fading of blemishes since it brightens the face. Mixing it simply with water or rose water acts as a superb toner aiding in scar healing, pimple/oil control and light acne treatment.
My experience with the Neem paste is wonderfuuuul. It leaves my face feeling clean. Like stripped off of chemicals, makeup residue, and whatever bacteria was tryna get at me. It is well moisturised too, but not to the point where it becomes oily. It stayed the same for a good two days where it was balanced; not oily nor dry.
Two methods that I use.
Neem powder mixed with water or rose water. I do this at least twice a week. What you need: Neem powder; 1 Teaspoon; a small mixing cup/bowl; a facial brush applicator; small cup of water/rose water at hand.
Steps:
- Measure out 1 and a half teaspoon of Neem powder into the cup/bowl. If you are not entirely sure on whether this measurement is enough or too much then it will be much more useful to start off with little quantity. You will be able to better judge the amount once it is mixed with water, so you can always add more in if you do need it.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of water/rose water. I always start with 1 teaspoon and end up adding in minuscule amounts later. It is either because of adding in more Neem powder or because the mix has soaked up the water needing more for a pasty consistency.
- Mix the paste and apply with your brush!
- I leave it on for around 10-15 minutes – that is usually when it becomes dry.
Neem powder mixed with Turmeric and rose water. This method I use every two weeks just because of how powerful Turmeric can be in staining my face. You will need the same props as above, alongside Turmeric powder. You must be sure that the Turmeric powder that you have is not for cooking. The one for cooking is the Regular Turmeric (Curcuma Longa, botanically), whereas the facial one is the Wild Turmeric (Curcuma Aromatica, botanically). The latter is gentle on the face in terms of staining properties although it is the cooking one which is high in the anti-inflammatory quality.
Steps:
- Measure 1 teaspoon of Neem powder and 1/3 teaspoon of Turmeric powder together into a cup. Then add in 1 teaspoon of rose water. Mix it all up!
- Apply it on your face, and leave it on between 15-25 minutes.
Links
- https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/shop/buy/organic-neem-powder-product? – 100g for £3.99 / 500g for £13.99
- https://www.somayaskitchen.co.uk/rafia-neem-powder-100g.html – 100g for £1.69
Quantum. 