Melia azedarach leaves are referred to as Malai Vembu in Tamil due to the fact that they look and taste just like neem leaves. Malai vembu roughly translates to Neem of the mountains. The bitter taste of these leaves helps to cure dandruff and remove head lice too. The tutorial here shows how to make this oil to cure dandruff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0OmLdA_6NI
How to make Malai vembu oil?
- 15 stalks Melia azedarach (Malai vembu in Tamil. Also known as chinaberry.)
- 1 cup Coconut oil
- We will be using 10 – 15 stalks of Malai vembu leaves and for carrier oil, coconut oil will be used.
- Take the leaves and wash them well to remove insects or dirt.
- Place washed leaves in a blender.
- Pour some water to make blending easy. Blend on high for a few minutes to make a smooth paste.
- You will get such a paste. Keep this aside.
- In a pan, pour coconut oil and heat it.
- Add the Melia azedarach leaves paste to the hot oil.
- Mix and allow this to boil for a few (8 – 10) minutes on low flame. Switch off after the said time and allow it to become warm.
- Strain the oil using a clean piece of cloth.
- The oil is now done.
- You can pour the oil in a container, and store it in a dark place for up to 6 months.
Liberal application of the oil may cause mild burning sensation in the eyes in some. This is just due to the strong aroma of the leaves and is not a cause for concern.
Apply the oil liberally on your scalp. Keep it on for 15 minutes and wash off with your usual shampoo. The oil is really bitter – so wash off well.
Do this once a week for good results. Malai vembu oil has to be applied once in a week continuously for about 3 weeks to get good results.
Ramya Srinivasan, PDGBA, earned her Master’s degree in Business. As a result of her passion in native medicine, she got her Diploma in Traditional Siddha Medicine from Bharat Sevak Samaj registered under the Indian Planning Commission. She is certified by Stanford University School of Medicine in Introduction to Food and Health.
