The Neem tree history can be traced back to the ancient Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations in India and Pakistan. Along with ancient Egypt, these civilizations were considered the “Cradles of Civilization” (circa 2600 – 1900 BC). Nearly 5000 years ago, the Neem tree was used for its medicinal properties in households in these South Asian countries. The earliest writings about Neem were first recorded in Sanskrit and the ancient Indian scriptures of traditional medicine, Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

For centuries, Indians planted the Neem tree in their homes’ vicinity and used its leaves, branches, and oil for daily Ayurveda medicinal practices. Its small branches were chewed on to keep teeth clean of bacteria and help prevent common dental diseases. For women, in particular, Neem proved an invaluable source of health, hygiene, and beauty that was freely available. Having a bath steeped in Neem leaves kept their skin supple and healthy. Neem leaf powder or crushed leaves incorporated into their face packs provided emollient and anti-aging action. The antiseptic properties of Neem leaf extracts helped in controlling pimples and acne.

The Neem tree has a rich history and incredible variety of beneficial properties. Every part of the tree contains some level of active compounds, which have been found to be useful in organic and natural cosmetics, medicine, and agriculture.

Neem Oil is derived from the seeds of the Neem fruit. Neem Oil and Neem leaves are the most common forms of Neem since they can be harvested without harming the tree itself. Harvesting the Neem Oil and leaves does not harm the fast-growing tree. Steeped in the traditions of time, Neem is becoming indispensable to those looking for an effective natural remedy.

Traditionally, Neem Oil was used to create skin & hair care products that soothed dryness, repaired skin damage, removed bacteria, eliminated head & body lice, prevented baldness, reduced scaring, treated acne, and slowed the graying of hair. Whew, that’s a lot of benefits, right!?! Neem oil may also be used to manage the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin disorders.

Scientific studies have shown Neem to have properties that are:

• Anti-viral: inhibits the growth of viruses
• Anti-fungal: inhibits the growth of fungi
• Anti-bacterial: destroys the growth of bacteria
• Analgesic: provides topical pain relief
• Anti-inflammatory: reduces signs of inflammation, swelling, or tenderness
• Anti-microbial: suppresses the growth of microorganisms

Neem has stood the test of time. And now, researchers have begun systematically laying out the process of how it all works. Researchers have isolated around 150 of Neem’s compounds, or Neem’s powerful blend. Imagine 150 different compounds working together to protect the Neem tree from bacteria, fungus, bugs, and other threats found in nature!

One of Neem’s incredible advantages is the complexity of its compounds.
The Neem tree has more than 100 healing properties that are excellent for skincare, specifically for problem skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or acne. Neem is super potent and should not be used in its raw form. JustNeem addresses this by infusing it into an extensive skincare product line, which gives Neem a vehicle to nourish your skin.

Neem oil is the part of the Neem tree that is popular in online articles and research reports. Cold-pressed Neem oil is a dark brown oil, somewhat viscous, that hardens at or below room temperature. It has a strong herbal, if not garlicky smell that makes it hard to use for skincare without the help of other complementary oils that mask its natural odor.

Go here for specific research reports on Neem.