Hair25 min
Neem Leaf Coconut Oil for an Itchy Scalp
Coconut oil gently cooked with fresh neem leaves, used once a week on an itchy, flaky scalp and washed out after an hour.
Why neem is used this way
Neem is the bitter tree whose leaves, twigs and oil appear in Indian homes for skin, scalp and teeth. It is mostly used on the outside; eating neem is kept to small, occasional amounts.
Neem is a traditional antifungal and anti-itch herb. Infusing fresh leaves in coconut oil gives a milder oil than pure neem oil, which is harsh and smells strong.
Ingredients
- 150 ml coconut oil
- 1 cup fresh neem leaves, washed and dried
How to prepare
- Heat oil with leaves on low until the leaves are crisp (about 10 minutes).
- Cool, strain and store.
How to use
- Massage 1 to 2 tsp into the scalp; leave for one hour, then wash.
- Once a week.
Helpful habits
- Use fresh green leaves; dry, yellow ones have little smell left.
Precautions
- Persistent itch, sores or hair loss in patches need a dermatologist; it could be lice, fungus or psoriasis.
- Never swallow neem oil, and never give it to children.
- Avoid eating neem in pregnancy or when trying to conceive.
- Patch-test behind the ear first; skip on broken or inflamed scalp.
- Traditional use; scientific evidence is limited. Do not stop prescribed medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pure neem oil instead?
- Dilute it heavily (a few drops in coconut oil); undiluted it can irritate.
Does it help with lice?
- Neem may help a little, but lice need a proper comb-out and lice treatment.
Can neem be used every day?
- On the skin and scalp, a few times a week is usual; eating it daily is not advised.
