Cary, NC – Love is in the air! So is the scent of Cranberry Rose, our Neem Soap scent of the month. Get this lovely scented soap in a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift box for only $6.50.

JustNeem’s exclusive, all natural Neem Scented Soaps are handmade and contain naturally grown Neem that soothes and protects the skin with its natural antiseptic properties. All soaps are made with high quality, vegetable-based glycerin and are ideal for face and body. Parabens and phthalate free.

So, love your friends, lovers, teachers and those special to you. And love your skin with a Cranberry Rose Neem Soap Gift Box!

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.

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.

Valentine’s Day Gifts Ideas: Making a Difference Through Fair Trade

Madecesse Chocolates – Products from Madagascar. Chocolates offer the rich and complex flavors hidden inside the varieties of cocoa, vanilla and peppercorns found exclusively in Madagascar.

Gifts from Trade As One – They promote sustainable business and break cycles of poverty and dependency in the developing world.

Indigenous Designs – Fair Trade, Organic Fashion and Clothing.

Brilliant Earth Fine Jewelry – Brilliant Earth provides the highest quality jewelry originating from pure sources and harvested using socially responsible practices.

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.

Cary, NC – Dr. Peter Radtke, one of the founders of Just Neem, is also our Neem expert.

Peter’s Background

Peter Radtke received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Marburg, Germany. Peter has worked for over 25 years in research and discovery of protein drugs, drug development, and manufacturing for major pharmaceutical companies.

In 1997 he and his family moved to North Carolina. Through a group of friends who had been working to bring economic opportunities to Mauritania, West Africa, Peter was introduced to the Neem tree, a hardy tree with potent medicinal properties and a natural, local resource in Mauritania.

Social Responsibility

Recognizing the economic potential and health benefits of these trees for this impoverished Saharan nation, he and his wife Magdalena, together with friends founded Just Neem, LLC a Body Care company in Cary, North Carolina.

“Our involvement in West Africa is the DNA of Just Neem. Our mission is to help establish Neem, a local resource in Africa, as a solution for economic and ecologic  problems”, says Peter. “It is my dream that the trees we are planting in the Sahara desert will transform the environment and the lives of people there.”

Just Neem uses the power of socially responsible and sustainable business to transform people and communities and to solve social, environmental, and health problems.

Formulating Just Neem

Peter and Magda have spent many hours researching and verifying the effects of Neem. Peter has developed many wonderful applications for delivering the benefits of Neem directly to the skin.

“Neem trees are fascinating plants that have a powerful biological defense against many insects, fungi and bacteria. Just Neem harvests these natural substances to create skin care products that effectively protect and heal skin.”

Neem 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. It’s with this healing oil that is the base of all Just Neem’s products.

Ask Peter!

“Ask Peter” is a column answering your questions about Neem and Neem Skin Treatments. 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?

Send Peter your questions about Neem and skin care here: info@justneem.com , Subject: Ask Peter

Read some of our earlier questions about dry hands, shaving, and cold sores.

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.

A visit to our “Soap Kitchen” is a wonderful experience. We love when folks stop by. It gives us a chance to show how all our products are handmade and all natural.

You can also see all our beautiful photos from Mauritania, Africa. That’s where all the Neem comes from that we use in our soaps, lotions and bath products.

Hours & Location Of Our Soap Kitchen

Open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MAP IT HERE

120 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC 27511

Ken, our team Leader, with a Neem tree planted last year

Why We Work So Hard

JustNeem works with villagers in Mauritania, West Africa, to help establish economic opportunities for those living so close to the Sahara Desert. The Neem tree, is used to generate income for families simply by planting the tree and selling its leaves and fruit.

In collaboration with local organizations, we help create jobs centered around the Neem tree. With proceeds from our soap sales, we fund the planting of Neem trees in neighborhoods surrounding Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. We’ve been traveling back and forth to Mauritania, bringing Neem harvested there for the last 5 years, paying a fair market price for labor and goods.

Pay day!

Update From Peter

“After arriving in Nouakchott, the capital, I took a 10 hour trip to Kaedi, a city in the southern part where the Neem nursery and orchard are located.  I was very pleased to see so many people working the field. This trip was in the middle of summer and therefore among the most physically challenging ones I have taken so far. On the other hand it was a great reminder to see why we are doing all this in the first place.

I helped harvest 1000 Neem seeds from existing trees. Ken and his team have already planted them all to grow more trees for the orchard.

To see plants and trees growing in such a hostile environment as the Sahara Desert is rewarding. Between the Neem, Mango and Jathropha trees that have been planted in the orchard, the workers planted vegetables, melons, and sorghum. One lady from the village was able to harvest the vegetables and sell them at the local market this summer.

The well we dug last year has since been equipped with a solar water pump. That water makes all the difference. We did some maintenance on it, replacing one of the hoses that had weakened and started leaking with a flexible pipe.

It was incredibly heartwarming to see over 30 young men coming to the field during this time of the year to pull weeds, plant seedlings and water the plants. The resources and training opportunities that are coming in through JustNeem are turning parched land into a space full of life.”

Cary, NC – Are you in need of a few stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or a wonderful hostess gift? We have the perfect thing for you and them!

Scented Neem Soaps

JustNeem’s exclusive Neem Scented Soaps are handmade and contain naturally grown Neem that soothes and protects the skin with its natural antiseptic properties. All soaps are made with high quality, vegetable-based glycerin and are ideal for face and body.

Put together your own gift by choosing from our lovely assortment of scented Neem soaps. Buy one or buy more! With 14 scents to choose from, the possibilities are endless! On Sale for $5.00 each!

Neem Soap And Lotion Gift Set

This combination of Neem soap, lotion, and sponge is a wonderful gift! Comes with natural boucle sponge, wrapped in brown Kraft paper box with beautiful red ribbon. Choose from seven different scents. Just $21.95

!!!!! Make sure to Order by December 16th for guaranteed Christmas Delivery !!!!!!

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.

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 – This weeks Neem Team question comes from Cassandra with dry cracked hands and cuticles.

“Dear Neem Team,

During cold weather, my hands and cuticles get very dry and chapped to the point where they crack and bleed. It is painful.

I’ve tried different moisturizers. I’ve even tried slathering lotion on my hands and covering them with gloves while I sleep. Nothing seems to work.

Will Neem help? Do you have any remedies/suggestions for this problem?

Thank you! Cassandra”

Dear Cassandra,

Colder weather brings on many issues for people with dry skin. For many, dry skin is simply caused by electric heat, cold temperatures, harsh soaps, misusing moisturizer, and excessive hand washing in hot water.

If you let your skin get dried out and cracked, you could be giving all sorts of nasty bacteria a way in. That can lead to more serious problems. If you are using soap, stop. Soap will strip the natural oils and moisture from your skin.

First, when washing your hands use water that is warm but not too hot. Try washing with our exclusive Neem Soap.  Each soap is made with glycerine which is excellent for all skin types and holds moisture to the skin. All our soaps are handmade with Neem, an all natural anti-bacterial agent which also helps heal and sooth skin. Other soothing ingredients include Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and other essential oils.

Next, after washing your hands, use a Neem Lotion while your hands are still damp. Be sure to rub it in to your hands, fingertips and cuticles until absorbed. Do this after every hand washing. The Neem Lotion contains the antiseptic properties of Neem and acts as a natural skin protector and healing agent that prevents dry, cracked skin.

Lastly, our Neem Cuticle Care Pen is amazing for curing cracked cuticles! 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 so they won’t crack and bleed. Apply this oil on your cuticles throughout the day.

You should see a big difference in about a week. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body and wear gloves if it’s cold outside.

Stay Well,

The Neem Team

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

Subject: Dear Neem Team

Cary, NC -This Neem Gift of the Week includes everything for a soothing and relaxing bath time experience. It’s like bringing the therapeutic spa right to your home.

Contains JustNeem’s luxury scented Neem Soap, Neem Lotion, Neem Bath Salts, boucle sponge, and handmade gift basket from Ghana. You can choose from Wind & Sea, African Gem, or Green Tea; Bath & Body Gift Set only $45.95

The Neem Bath Salts are a combination of dead sea salt, milk, fragrance oils, and essential oils that all work together to soften your skin. To add to your bath are six Neem tea bags to further relax and soothe your skin.

Our luxurious Neem Lotion will 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 dry skin.

JustNeem’s exclusive Neem Scented Soaps are handmade and contain naturally grown Neem that soothes and protects the skin with its natural antiseptic properties. All soaps are made with high quality, vegetable-based glycerin and are ideal for face and body.

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.

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 – 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