By Samantha Case
Neem and coconut oil are celebrated remedies for balancing pitta dosha. Since pitta is dominant in the summer months, neem and coconut oil can be especially supportive during this time because of their cooling properties. For anyone with a pitta constitution or a pitta imbalance (if you don’t know yours yet, take this quiz), these two Ayurvedic goods are your best friends. Though pitta types can benefit most from neem and coconut oil, their benefits are available to everyone. As you’ll see, they’re not to be easily dismissed.
Neem 101
Neem is an Ayurvedic herb that comes from the neem tree, native to the Indian subcontinent. Evidence confirms that neem was used for healing purposes as far back as 4,500 years ago. The neem tree is sometimes referred as the “Village Dispensary” because every part of the tree provides medicinal value. In Ayurveda, neem is commonly used to balance pitta and kapha doshas because of its light, cold, and dry qualities. These qualities tend to aggravate vata dosha, and neem is therefore advised not to use in the case of vata imbalance.
Benefits of Neem
Neem is known for its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It offers plenty of benefits that impact all areas of the body from skin and dental hygiene to digestion and metabolism. It’s been extensively used in Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicine to treat inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases, and dental disorders.
Neem is also known for its pesticidal and insecticidal properties. It’s a common ingredient in many commercial pesticide products. Some of its health benefits include:
Helps prevent dandruff
Promotes healthy skin and clear complexion
Has a cooling effect on the body, reducing skin blemishes caused by excess heat like psoriasis, rashes, and acne
Detoxifies, therefore boosting the immune system and helping clear ama from the body
Supports healthy blood sugar levels
Reduces excess heat and toxins in the GI tract
Supports metabolism through digestion of excess fat and water
Supports a healthy respiratory system
How to Use Neem
Chew on neem twigs to clean teeth and/or relieve tooth pain
Use internally as a neem capsule, supplement, powder, or a liquid extract
Add to shampoo to help treat dandruff
Add to skin care products like soaps and creams to help treat acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions caused by excess heat in the body
Use as a paste by applying neem powder to water and then applying to affected skin or tissue
Use herbal neem oil, like ZV Botanical’s CHILL Massage Oil, and massage into skin when practicing abhyanga or self massage
Apply neem oil directly to nails, skin, or gums
Swish neem oil for oral hygiene
Coconut Oil 101
Ayurveda uses a lot of oil, especially coconut oil. In fact, the Sanskrit word (Sneha) for oil translates as love. Oil is like a blanket that fills us internally and wraps us externally with warmth and compassion. Oil is cooling, lubricating, heavy, nourishing, and soothing, all of which balance the qualities of pitta and vata doshas.
Coconut oil in particular has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and its uses are extensive from cooking, hair care, skin care, and internal health. The popularity of coconut oil is for good reason. Not only is it widely available, it also offers many health benefits.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Antimicrobial properties clear harmful bacteria in the mouth, prevent tooth decay and gum disease
Supports heart health and may prevent heart disease and high blood pressure
Moisturizes dry and overheated skin
Nourishes hair and scalp
May reduce inflammation
May treat skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, dry or flaky skin, scars, or burns
Stimulates digestion and prevents constipation with its lubricating effect
May encourage burning of fat in body
May treat painful joints and arthritis
Offers a delicious nutty flavor for cooking
Great for high temperature cooking
High in fats known as medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which are metabolized differently than many other fats and are the source for many health benefits
Increased circulation from self-massage
Acts as a carrier to transfer herbs deeper into the tissues
Pure and nutrient-rich coconut oil offers the most benefits, so be sure to use virgin, unrefined, and organic coconut oil.
Coconut Oil Uses
Cooking – Coconut oil is especially good for high-temperature cooking.
Abhyanga (self massage) – Moisturize ZV Botanicals CHILL Massage Oil into your body for a grounding and moisturizing massage.
Oil pulling – Swish coconut oil in your mouth for 5-20 minutes before brushing your teeth for a cleansing effect.
Moisturizer – Apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to your face for smooth skin.
Eye makeup remover – Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your eyelid and wipe off with a towel to effectively remove makeup without the added chemicals.
Lubricant – Coconut oil is a great (and all natural) choice for lubrication during sex.
Nail cuticles – Apply oil to your nails to moisturize.
Add to coffee – Add a spoonful of coconut oil to your coffee in the morning for a great, nutty flavor and extra nutrients.
Nasya (nasal drops) – Place coconut oil in a dropper and add 3-5 drops in each nostril. This will lubricate the nose and cleanse the sinuses.
Nourish hair – Before showering, massage a generous amount of coconut oil into your hair. Brush it through from the roots through the ends. Leave it on overnight or for at least 20 minutes, and then wash it out in the shower. You may need to shampoo your hair twice to make sure all the oil is out.
Soothe chapped lips – Apply coconut oil to your lips as you would any other lip balm.
Coconut Oil No Bake Cookies Recipe
Total Yield: 15 cookies
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cup oats
1/2 cup Golden Barrel Coconut Oil (measured as liquid)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup cashew milk (or milk of choice)
2 cups Golden Barrel Raw Sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
Place the appropriate amount of oats in a bowl and set aside.
Place a piece of wax paper on the counter for the cookies once cooked.
In a large saucepan, combine coconut oil, peanut butter, cashew milk, raw sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
Turn heat on medium and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
Continually stir for 4 minutes, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom.
After 4 minutes, remove from heat and add the vanilla. This will cause the mixture to boil, so stir it in quickly.
Add the oats and coat them completely.
Scoop onto wax paper and let cool before eating.
Enjoy!
Nature has no shortage of gifts with healing uses, two of which are coconut oil and neem. Like all things, the benefits of coconut oil and neem depend on your overall lifestyle, physical activity, and diet. That’s why it’s best to consult an Ayurvedic or Holistic Health Practitioner before relying on herbs or oils for health benefits. But when used appropriately neem and coconut oil can do wonders for the body, especially for anyone whose pitta fire is highly active. If you need to cool the body down or want to ground and nourish the body, neem and coconut oil are the answers.
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