C.  First Aid

C1.     Burns

Neem has been used for centuries to treat problems of the skin and to prevent infection (Singh, et al, 1979). While neem reduces the pain, kills bacteria that can cause infection, stimulates the local immune system and promotes rapid healing with reduced scarring, aloe vera provides soothing relief to the burnt skin and also appears to speed healing.

Burns are treated very effectively with a neem and aloe based cream or lotion spread lightly on the affected area. Most minor burns can be treated successfully at home by applying the cream or lotion to the affected area. Sunburns may also be treated with the neem and aloe based cream or lotion.

Suggested Products:
Neem Cream - Apply liberally to affected area
Neem Lotion - Apply liberally to affected area
Neem Natural Salve or Neem Lavender Salve – Apply liberally to affected area

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C2.     Cuts & Abrasions

Neem's antiseptic and healing properties make it an excellent first aid for minor cuts and abrasions. Neem has also been shown to be an excellent wound healer (Tanden, et al, 1988). Neem has the ability to increase vascular permeability by increasing the blood flow and by helping the body to rapidly create collagen fibers to close wounds (Thakur, et al, 1986).

Wash the area with neem soap, apply a soothing cream or lotion with at least 1% neem oil and cover with a bandage. For large wounds, ingesting small quantities of neem leaf to stimulate the immune system is traditional. Healing will be significantly accelerated and scarring reduced by using neem to protect the injured skin and to locally enhance the immune system.

Suggested Products:
Neem Soaps
Neem Lotion - Apply liberally to affected area
Neem Cream - Apply liberally to affected area
Neem Natural Salve or Neem Lavender Salve – Apply liberally to affected area
Dried Neem Leaf - Make wrap by soaking in water and apply to affected area

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C3.     Sprains & Bruises

Sprains and bruises may be treated with an oral dose of neem leaf in either a tea form or in the form of capsules supplemented by either a wrap soaked in warmed neem cream or a paste of crushed neem leaves.

Neem as a topical preparation helps increase blood flow to the bruised area (Tanden, et al, 1990). This helps remove the discoloration and promote healing. Oral doses of neem leaf provide compounds that reduce inflammation, widen blood vessels and reduce pain.

In tests with neem extract, aspirin and Indomethacin, neem extracts provided up to 50% more inhibition of inflammation than either of the standard drugs (Okpanyi, 1981). Neem oil and leaf extracts applied topically provides anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that are absorbed into the local area.

Suggested Products:
Neem Leaf Extract - Apply as necessary to affected area
Neem Lotion - Apply liberally to affected area
Neem Natural Salve or Neem Lavender Salve – Apply liberally to affected area
Pure Neem Oil - Apply as necessary to affected area
Neem Leaf Powder - Used to make a paste and applied to affected area, can also be used to make neem tea.

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