Cary, NC – We often talk about the benefits of Neem. But I wanted to share with you our “Neem Cheat Sheet“. This can really give you a great visual reference for all the conditions Neem is successfully used for in skincare.

What Others Are Saying

“Neem fights infection and boosts the immune system without destroying beneficial bacteria in the body. The high fatty-acid content of neem oil makes it very effective in treating several skin ailments. It also has skin-rejuvenating qualities.” – From LiveStrong.com

“Neem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that often fail to respond with classical treatments. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, rosacea, shingles, ringworm, athlet’s foot, herpes, fungal infections, cold sores, dandruff, dry skin, hemorrhoids, rash, skin ulcers, rheumatism, sprains, pain, warts, wrinkles are among the conditions that clear up consistently when a high quality organic chemical-free, zero harm Neem product is utilized.” – From Herbalist, Klaus Ferlow

“Neem oil is the cocoa butter or shea butter of the east, an excellent moisturizer, high in Vitamin E, rich in emollients and fatty acids, soothing dry, cracked or otherwise stressed and damaged skin. Unlike petroleum based moisturizers, neem oil actually restores the skin’s natural elasticity.” From DiscoverNeem.com

“One of neem’s stronger advantages is its effect upon the skin in general.  It has been most helpful in treating a variety of skin problems and diseases including psoriasis, eczema and other persistent conditions. Because neem contains antibacterial properties, it is highly effective in treating epidermal conditions such as acne.” From The Neem Foundation

JustNeem Delivers The Wonders of African Neem

All our products contain Neem oil and/or Neem leaves and are 100% natural. You can find all the products listed above on our Shopping Page or in Whole Foods Market. Look for our Neem Clay Mask to be available this Spring and our new line of acne products, AcNeem, to be available in Summer 2012.

Our Special Ingredient: Neem

For over 4000 years, women in India have relied upon Neem for flawless skin. Our luxury soaps and lotions are handmade and contain naturally grown Neem harvested from Neem Trees in Africa.

• Neem contains medicinal properties that protect the skin with natural antiseptic agents which helps combat acne and promote healthy skin.
• Neem contains high levels of antioxidants that minimize age-related changes and protect your skin from environmental toxins.
• Neem will sooth dry, cracked or damaged skin and restore skins natural elasticity.
• Neem oil contains high levels of fatty acids and glycerides that quickly penetrate your skin to lock in moisture.

And remember, with every product, JustNeem gives back. Every purchase you make helps us create income opportunities in West Africa. Find out more about the history of Neem.

As seen in CaryCitizen:

Business Meets Beauty: Just Neem

Cary, NC – Sometimes a business starts with just a seed. An idea to create a quality product and at the same time make a positive change in the world.

That is what Peter and Magda Radtke have done with their Cary-based company JustNeem.

The Seed

Peter, a biochemist by profession and Magda, a teacher, wanted to do more and put their passion to work in a meaningful way. After traveling with a Disaster Relief Organization doing work in Africa, Peter met with folks from Mauritania. This area of Africa is 90% desert and the people there suffer with extreme drought and poverty.

Looking for a way to help and researching the scarce resources that existed there, the indigenous desert trees were explored. The mahogany-like tree, the Neem, was growing well in this part of Africa. In India, the Neem tree was well known as the “village pharmacy” because of it’s healing properties and had been used in medicinal practices there for over 4000 years.

Peter then turned to his many colleagues in biochemistry to do further research into Neem’s healing properties. At the same time, Magda had been busy with her hobby of soap making. The concept of bringing all of these activities, ideas and products together was then rooted.

JustNeem Grows

All parts of the tree have been studied extensively in Neem research. The fruit, and in particular the kernel, contains oil with very high amounts of active bio-molecules. These bio-molecules hold a variety of beneficial compounds. Well-documented properties of Neem include its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral effects, as well as its role in accelerated wound healing.

It is with these healing oils that JustNeem makes their products. All soaps and lotions are made with the finest cosmetic grade raw materials and contain Neem and other natural ingredients.

Beginning with small craft and art shows like Cary’s Lazy Daze Festival, JustNeem sprouted. Soon, their products were picked up by Whole Foods Market and now appear in the Southeast region and New York Whole Foods stores as well as small local shops around the country.

JustNeem Blooms

On a visit to their soap kitchen in Cary, I got a first hand look into how they make their amazing soaps. The smells of florals, tropical fruits and spices wafted through the air.

I saw how all the products were handmade in small batches and wrapped and labeled individually. Here is a list of the bath and body products now being produced there with Neem oil:

• Soaps -20 different scents, all made with natural ingredients including lavender, shea butter, cranberries, Aloe Vera, ginger, vitamin E, coconut & sunflower oils
• Body Lotions – 9 different scents and all contain the valuable properties of Neem and act as a natural skin protector and soothing agent.
• Outdoor Body Spray – Neem oils combined with herbal extracts provide a deterrent to biting insects without the use of chemicals. Also used to disinfect minor cuts and sooth itching skin.
• Men’s Shaving Soap & After Shave – Contain the antiseptic and healing properties of Neem and soothes the skin after shaving.
• Bath Salts & Tub Tea – Soothing to the skin.
• Lip Balm – Protects and moisturizes.
• Neem Cure Oil – Neem oil has been known for centuries to help treat topical wounds, skin blemishes, burns, and infections.

JustNeem body products can be purchased locally at all Whole Foods Markets, A Southern Season, at small boutiques or at JustNeem.com.

What I do know first-hand is that the soaps have been fabulous for my teenage children’s’ skin. It has dramatically reduced acne breakouts for both of them. I have also been using the body lotion (Green Tea Scent) and love the smell and moisture it brings to my skin.

These products containing the Neem oils are said to also treat:

• topical wounds
• skin blemishes
• burns
• infections
• eczema and psoriasis
• athletes foot
• bug bites
• diaper rash

This stuff really is amazing!

Returning to its Roots

Peter and Magda have been collaborating with humanitarian organizations in Mauritania, West Africa to help create jobs centered around this tree. The Neem tree can be used to generate income for families simply by planting the tree and selling its leaves and fruit.

Magda and Peter travel to Mauritania on a regular basis to visit their partners there. They purchase all their Neem raw material from Mauritania, using existing Neem trees and paying a fair market price for labor and goods. This helps create jobs and generates income for families living with few resources.

With proceeds from soap sales, JustNeem is now funding the planting of Neem trees in neighborhoods surrounding the city of Nouakchott and have established a Neem tree orchard. The goal: to create a self sustaining industry in Mauritania with Neem, providing it’s people with jobs, a fair income and a richer life.

Perspective

There are few people you meet in life that want to make the world a better place and then actually act on that desire. After doing my own research into the benefits of the Neem tree, and what it’s fruits might mean for those in an impoverished country, I know that Peter and Magda have found their future.

Their dedication to providing wonderful quality products in a family company and  improving living conditions in Mauritania is steadfast. It was no accident that Peter and Magda made the therapeutic Neem tree the base of their business.

Just like the tree itself, JustNeem has shown it has healing powers.

Cary, NC – This week The Neem Team answers a question about sensitive skin and shaving.

“Dear Neem Team,

I have very sensitive skin, and I can’t shave more than once a week, otherwise my face will get very irritated and red.

I have sensitive skin to the point that I can only shave downward on my face, if I shave up I will have burning red bumps and ingrown hairs for 3 days.

I have tried all kinds of products for sensitive skin but none help. Can applying a Neem product be the cure?  What should I use? Please help!

Sincerely, Gary P.”

Dear Gary P.,

Razor burn happens when tiny cuts caused by the razor on the skin create small openings. The tiny openings may then allow bacteria to enter the skin and invade the deeper hair follicles.

JustNeem soaps, shaving soaps, and aftershave contain all natural Neem. Neem is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory and has been praised for its ability to heal and protect the skin from mild scrapes, cuts and abrasions from daily shaving.

Our Neem Shaving Soaps are high in glycerin which allows a very smooth glide. The shaving soap also contains Neem which helps heal and sooth the micro cuts that occur during shaving and keep infections at bay. Other ingredients include Vitamin E, Shea butter and other essential oils.

The Neem Aftershave includes sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, Neem infused sunflower oil, and Shea butter. This will help sooth irritated skin, serve as an anti-bacterial agent and keep the skin moisturized.

Here is our recommendation:

1. Wash your face in hot water with Neem soap to cleanse the skin and soften the hair.
2. Shave with Neem Shaving Soap
3. Apply a thin layer of Neem Cure, to sooth and protect your skin if it feels especially sensitive or irritated.
4. Finish with Neem Aftershave Lotion
5. Also, be sure to disinfect your blade after shaving by rinsing it with rubbing alcohol. That will help kill bacteria on the blade.
   

We hope that helps! Let us know how this works for you.

Stay Well,

The Neem Team

Send us your questions here: info@justneem.com ,

Subject: Dear Neem Team

Cary, NC – This week we begin our column, “Ask The Neam Team”. Here is where we will answer your questions about Neem and Neem Skin Treatments. Today The Neem Team answers a question about Neem and cold sores.

“Dear Neem Team,

Do you have any experiences about cold sores (oral herpes) and the oil of the Neem tree. Do you think it is ok, to put it on, (near your mouth) if you lick, some might go in. What do you think?

Greetings, Angi from Germany”

Dear Angi,

As you probably know, a cold sore is a virus. Neem is well known to have anti-viral properties. It is also an all natural product from the Neem Tree. If you have a cold sore on your lip JustNeem’s Neem Cure is the perfect spot treatment. You can apply this 3 or 4 times a day and it’s anti-viral, anti-septic properties will work hard to heal the sore, reduce swelling and redness.

It will absorb quickly into your skin and is harmless if a small bit is ingested. However, Neem Cure is for external use and we do not recommend you use it if the cold sore is on the inside of your mouth.

To keep future cold sores from popping up, we recommend using Neem Lip Gleem to keep them dormant. The Lip Gleem is a protecting and moisturizing lip balm made with natural butters, oils, and has the anti-viral properties of Neem. Use it everyday and night to keep your lips moisturized and protected from viral breakouts.

We hope that helps! Let us know how this works for you.

Stay Well,

The Neem Team

Send us your questions here: info@justneem.com ,

Subject: Dear Neem Team

Cary, NC – JustNeem’s Gift of the Week is perfect for tired hands and feet. Pamper yourself and all your digits with the soothing, healing and moisturizing effects of Neem. This Neem “Hands & Feet” Gift Set is just $36.95.

Use these three products together to make a noticeable difference in the look and feel of your hands, feet and nails. Use the Body Polish first, followed by the Cuticle Care Pen and finish your treatment with our luxurious Neem Lotion.

JustNeem Body Polish

Includes a 12.4 oz jar of an all natural blend of moisturizing oils, soothing Neem, and exfoliating sugar. Every wash removes dead skin cells and leaves skin well nourished and smooth. Helps soothe rough, cracked, dry skin and discolored nails. Repair sore hands and dry cracked feet. (Buy separately for $15.95)

JustNeem Cuticle Care Pen

Restore brittle nails with our Neem Cuticle Care Pen. Infused with all natural oils and Vitamin E to strengthen and smooth cracked cuticles and breaking nails. The Neem infused sunflower oil will protect nails from damaging and unwanted fungi, while it moisturizes cuticles for pretty nails. (Buy separately for $9.50)

JustNeem Hand & Body Lotion

Nourish your skin to a healthy glow. Our Neem lotions contain the valuable properties of Neem and act as a natural skin protector and soothing agent for soft beautiful hands and feet. (Buy separately for $13.00)

Our Special Ingredient: Neem

For over 4000 years, women in India have relied upon Neem for flawless skin. Our luxury all natural products contain naturally grown Neem harvested from Neem Trees in Africa.

• Neem contains medicinal properties that protect the skin with natural antiseptic and anti-fungal agents which helps combat skin irritations, fight nail fungus, and promote healthy skin.
• Neem contains high levels of antioxidants that minimize age-related changes and protect your skin from environmental toxins.
• Neem will sooth dry, cracked or damaged skin and restore skins natural elasticity.
• Neem oil contains high levels of fatty acids and glycerides that quickly penetrate your skin to lock in moisture.

See our other gift items. And remember, our gifts give back too. Every purchase you make helps us create income opportunities in West Africa. Find out more about the history of Neem.

Cary, NC – JustNeem is often asked many questions regarding Neem and the healing effects it has on skin. Today, we are pleased to introduce “Ask the Neem Team”, a column answering your questions about Neem and Neem Skin Treatments.

Beauty and Nature Go Hand in Hand

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”~John Muir

If you are looking to nature for healthy skin, you may find it in the benefits of the Neem Tree. Its rich history as a beauty treatment for the skin goes back thousands of years. Would you like to know how it’s qualities can restore your healthy skin?

Dear Neem Team: Your Questions About Neem

Send us your questions about Neem and skin care.

We’ve been asked many questions about acne, eczema, dry skin, nail fungus and more. Send your questions here: info@justneem.com , Subject: Dear Neem Team

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Many Names for Neem

The medicinal properties of the Neem tree have been well known in India for over 4,000 years. The healing properties of Neem are spoken about in some of the world’s oldest books. The Sanskrit word for Neem was “nimba,” which means “good health.” The Vedas called Neem “sarva roga nivarini”, which means “one that cures all ailments and ills”.

It has also been referenced as “Divine Tree”, Life giving tree”, “Nature’s Drugstore”, and “Village Pharmacy”.

Neem in the Villages of India

For the people of India, the Neem tree had many fascinating aspects.  A botanical cousin of the mahogany tree, the hardy evergreen is a common feature of the drier regions of India and southeast Asia. It needs very little water but plenty of sunlight. The Neem flowers bare fruits that are green drupes, which turn golden yellow when ripe.

The Neem tree was a symbol of health. In the sun and heat this evergreen, tree was a haven with its cooling shade. It was also safe from bugs and biting insects because of its natural repellant action. And millions of Indian people have used all parts of this sacred tree as medicinals – the seeds, leaves, flowers, fruits, oil, roots and bark.

The Neem was planted in the vicinity of a home where Indians practiced daily interaction with this extraordinary tree.

As a Beauty Treatment

For the women, the Neem was the mainstay of the herbal beauty tradition. The Neem proved an invaluable source of health, hygiene and beauty that was freely available.

Having a bath with 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.

As a Fertilizer and for Livestock

For the men, the tree provided seeds, leaf and bark which could be converted into fertilizer and pest control material. It also provided medicinal potions for their cattle and livestock.

To Cure All Ills

It was also a source of medicine to treat more than a 100 health problems, from scratches and skin rashes to malaria and diabetes. The Neem tree was known to relieve so many different pains, fevers, infections and other complaints that it had been called “the village pharmacy.”

The Neem was used in ancient Indian cures to treat inflammation, infections, skin diseases and for dental care. The Neem leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark and fruits contain antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, antihistamine and antiseptic properties.

Many countries have been sourced for their own unique elixir of ills – Aloe Vera from Mexico, Tea tree from Australia, Ginseng from Korea and Gingko biloba from China. According to the Neem Foundation “Neem” is likely to exceed them all.

JustNeem Uses Neem From Africa

JustNeem Body Care and Skincare products use the healing properties of Neem to restore healthy skin to those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, acne or dry skin. Read some of our testimonials.

Information Provided by The Neem Foundation, Mumbai, India, 2008.

“Anytime we have the opportunity to educate people on all the wonderful benefits of neem we get excited”, said Magda. “We don’t just make soap and lotion, we make all kinds quality products that possess the healing properties that come from neem and we love to tell people about it.”

You can see some of our products here on “My Carolina Today”, a show about what’s going on in Central Carolina. Here Valonda talks with Magda and Jeffrey about JustNeem.

Come try one of our wonderful products! Soaps, lotions, lip balm, outdoor spray, bath salts, shaving soaps, and our most popular “Neem Cure” are all available at our on-line store, and in all the Southeastern Whole Foods Stores. JustNeem is all natural and healthy for your body.

Turn yourself on to the benefits of neem!

The build up of oil can cause irritation and redness, and bacteria can multiply rapidly. The bacteria can cause infection. Neem provides antibacterial properties and contains aspirin like substances that reduce redness and inflammation. Neem, with its healing properties, can assist in bringing balance and healing to acne prone skin.

Acne is best dealt with in three steps: cleanse, treat and protect. Cleansing your skin, removing bacteria buildup, is the most important step. Most medicated cleansing products use a harsh chemical called salicylic acid which can be drying and irritating. Ideally, cleansing should be done with a mild moisturizing soap, with no abrasives or alcohol. Neem soaps are great for acne because of neem’s antibacterial qualities. It is important however to review ingredients carefully to check for a neem oil base and natural moisturizing ingredients as found in JustNeem’s all natural soap products.

For our full line of neem soaps and lotions, check out our online store.

Many research studies can be found documenting lab test results into neem’s antiviral properties, showing the leaf extracts of the plant inhibited replication of tested viral strains. Neem’s rich chemical constitution of flavonoids, triterpenoids and their glycosides are believed by researchers to be responsible for the herb’s antiviral potency.

Putting JustNeem’s gentle soaps into your regular routine of washing hands and body will wipe out viruses and bacteria, but without the side effects of strong chemicals. Put neem to work as your wellness advocate, with all the benefits provided by JustNeem’s moisturizing, healing, and soothing scents.

But don’t take our word for it, try any of our products and see the benefits for yourself!