More than 15 years ago the dermatologist told me I have some form of psoriasis. Mainly effecting my fingers, where they crack and bleed. So it makes doing crafts (as well as typing) a bit painful.

The doctor gave me all kinds of lotions and creams but nothing worked. It’s some type of auto-immune condition, and thank goodness it’s not contagious. Since using handmade soap I’ve had less and less of a break out.

Once in a while, I’ll still get bother by dry spots on the scalps. The usual tar shampoo and other OTC prescription strength shampoo only did so much as the condition return.

Recently I found a new shampoo made with neem oil that’s really helping my scalp. It’s Thera Neem shampoo and conditioner made by Organix South, retails about $10. The conditioner also leaves your hair very soft too.  The only thing I don’t like about this shampoo or any neem product is the strong smell. But the fact that it has so many benefits to trouble skin has me being a big fan of all things neem.

Below are some highlights for why neem is so neat!

- Neem has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic treatments, applications which have been validated in more than 100 studies in universities and research centers around the world.

- Neem oil contains extraordinarily high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radicals caused by over-exposure to sun, environmental toxins and other damaging elements.

- Neem oil also contains high levels of fatty acids that soak in quickly to soothe and nourish even chronically dry and itchy skin.

Photo & highlights from Organix South makers of Thera Neem.

I would recommend this shampoo to anyone that suffers from dry scalp. Not only does this company make great natural products, they are also a very eco-conscious company too.

Note: 100% neem oil handmade soap will be next on my to-do list!

Auromere Ayervedic Imports started over 30 years ago.  It became one of the first companies to introduce Ayurveda to the U.S. They are the leading importer of Ayervedic body care, conscious living products and literature.

The last Auromere product I tried was the handmade soaps. It was nice soap, but the neem scent was too strong for me. None the less, I still think they make great natural care products.

They offer many flavors of toothpaste. Image from Auromere.

Recently Auromere sent me a couple of their Ayurvedic products to try out. I’ve since only tried out the natural dental care stuff first.

I tried the licorice one and it reminded me of homemade toothpaste using natural clay. But this is made of fine chalk. And the taste is very much like licorice candy. I know some people don’t like mint toothpaste, so this would make a good alternative.

It’s nice to have toothpaste that really makes you feel like you’re enjoying a sweet rather than something that counteracts the damage they do to your teeth. Whether you’re a licorice addict whether you’re at work or surfing around for health insurance to further protect those teeth of yours on the weekends, it’s a great way to inject some enjoyment into dental care.

Next up was Auromere’s natural mouthwash made of many Indian herbs and essential oils.  I was also happy to try this mouthwash after I realized how bad regular alcohol based mouthwash is for your mouth. I’ve stopped using most commercial mouthwash. Gargling with 3% hydrogen peroxide is okay, but doesn’t taste too good.

I was a bit surprise at how cooling it was (due to the mints). And the taste reminded me of strong herbal medicine. But a few seconds later it disappear and you can really taste the sweet licorice. And it’s almost too good to spit out!

It is alcohol and sulfate free with no artificial sweeteners or additives.

I also find the mouthwash to be a great rinse after eating. It almost makes you not want to have dessert or candy (since the licorice pretty much covers the sweet cravings). I can imagine this being the new diet craze - “just cut your calories by rinsing with our mouthwash”.

Just by reading the ingredients, I can believe the mouthwash can only be good for you. I can’t imagine finding all these herbs and essential oils myself to concoct such a mouthwash. It’s like they went to the forest of India and collected all the good herbs to put in this little bottle!

Here is a partial list of the ingredients: Purified water, glycerin (from vegetable oil), hydrogenated castor oil, xylitol (from birch bark), essential oil blend: [anethol, menthol, eucalyptus, field mint, peppermint, spearmint, geranium, cardamom, and clove], indian licorice root, neem, peelu, indian licorice, pomegranate, common jujube, rose apple.

I will continue using this mouthwash, but I will stick with my soaps for brushing and cleaning my teeth!