Used in India for over 5000 years, Neem is considered a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is widely used for health, beauty, pet care, and household purposes. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the benefits of neem oil beyond its use in gardening. The application of neem oil is so broad and beneficial that the tree has earned names such as "the promise plant," "the village pharmacy," and "the tree of life." So, what is neem oil, and how can it benefit you? We will tell you about many benefits of neem oil for your health, your pets, and its use throughout the home and garden.
What is neem oil? Neem oil is derived from the seeds and fruits of the Azadirachta indica tree. The color varies from golden-yellow, yellow-brown, bright red, reddish-brown, greenish-brown to dark brown. It has an unpleasant odor and bitter taste. Beneficial agents in neem oil include triglycerides, triterpenoid compounds, antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and several sterols. Azadirachtin and nimbin are the most well-known triterpenoid compounds in neem oil and give it many beneficial properties.
1. Neem oil for acne and inflammatory skin conditions can help treat: Acne, Eczema, Ringworm
The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of neem oil make it particularly useful for treating inflammatory skin issues. It suppresses and soothes inflammation, allowing the skin to heal. Additionally, components of neem oil reduce redness and inflammation. The fatty acids in neem oil prevent the formation of comedones that clog pores and cause acne breakouts. This oil reduces scar formation.
2. Neem oil for wound healing
The active ingredients in neem oil not only reduce inflammation but also promote wound healing. The fatty acids in this oil create collagen and maintain skin elasticity. It helps speed up healing and reduces scar formation. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties help keep the skin healthy during the healing process.
3. Protects the skin and reduces aging effects
The high levels of carotenoids and other antioxidants in neem oil protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, solar radiation, and environmental damage. Essential fatty acids and vitamins in neem oil improve elasticity and stimulate collagen formation, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, rejuvenating the skin, and improving its tone.
4. Fights fungal infections
Neem oil contains potent antifungal agents gedunin and nimbidol. Both are effective against ringworm, nail fungus, foot rot, and other common fungal infections. According to the World Journal of Medical Sciences, neem oil is effective against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger at concentrations of 0.5% or less.
5. Moisturizes the skin
Neem oil effectively moisturizes the skin. It is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that soothe dry skin, repair damaged skin, reduce environmental damage, and tone the skin.
6. Brightens and evens skin pigmentation
Neem oil reduces melanin production in the skin. Melanin is a skin pigmenting agent that causes dark spots. Overall reduction in melanin levels leads to brighter skin and a more even complexion.
7. Benefits of neem oil for hair
Weekly application of neem oil before hair wash strengthens the hair.
8. Prevents and treats dandruff and scalp dryness
Neem oil is a component of many commercial anti-dandruff shampoos. It moisturizes the scalp, kills harmful microbes, reduces itching, and naturally reduces flakiness.
9. Moisturizes the scalp and hair
Neem oil contains beneficial fatty acids that moisturize and nourish the scalp and hair, giving them a healthy shine. It restores damaged hair.
10. Maintains a healthy pH level of the scalp
Hair and scalp naturally have an acidity level, but environmental factors and hair care products can affect the pH level and damage the hair. Maintaining a pH of approximately 5 is necessary for the health of the hair and scalp.
11. Reduces itchiness and psoriasis
Neem oil contains nimbidin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that reduces redness, inflammation, and soothes irritated skin. It also moisturizes and protects the scalp.
12. Strengthens hair roots and promotes growth
Using neem oil makes the scalp healthier and strengthens the hair. Healthy hair becomes stronger and thicker. It also strengthens hair roots and revitalizes damaged hair.
13. Softens coarse hair and conditions unruly hair
Coarse or unruly hair is a result of hair cuticle damage. Hair appears dry and unruly. Neem oil conditions the hair and restores damaged cuticles, allowing the hair to become smooth and manageable.
14. Removes and prevents lice
Azadirachtin, found in neem oil, is deadly to lice and nits. Additionally, the smell of neem oil repels lice, preventing infestation with regular use. Follow our method in the recipes section to safely and effectively get rid of lice.
15. Hair restoration
Neem oil restores damaged hair cuticles, making them smoother and more manageable. Additionally, it smoothes and repairs damaged split ends.
16. Prevents and helps treat gum diseases
Neem oil has been effectively used for oral care for thousands of years, and several small studies now provide evidence of the effectiveness of neem oil for teeth and gums. The antimicrobial properties of neem oil make it an effective preventive measure against gingivitis and gum diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties strengthen the immune system.
17. Kills bacteria causing oral problems and gum diseases
Neem oil also kills bacteria causing cavities. Neem oil toothpaste is popular in many countries and becomes available worldwide. Regular use promotes dental and gum health.
18. Reduces plaque by preventing bacterial adherence to teeth
Bacteria adhere to teeth, causing plaque and tartar formation. By preventing bacterial adherence and destroying bacteria, regular use of neem oil leads to a healthier oral cavity.
19. Strengthens the immune system
Many phytochemicals present in neem oil help eliminate harmful free radicals and kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They help maintain body health and strengthen the immune system.
20. Prevents bad breath
Neem oil kills bacteria causing decay and bad breath. Regular use of dental care products containing neem oil ensures fresh breath and improves dental health.
21. Benefits of Neem Oil for Cancer
Neem oil is currently being studied for its use against prostate cancer and other types of cancer. Neem tree extracts are rich in beneficial compounds such as limonene, azadirachtin, kaempferol, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. These beneficial phytochemicals strengthen the immune system, fight inflammation, and prevent the development of cancer cells. Recent research in the journal Ethnopharmacology has shown that ethanol extract of neem induces cell death in prostate cancer cells and may be an effective treatment for prostate cancer. Further trials in humans are needed, but current research also shows that neem extracts are effective in suppressing the growth of leukemia and melanoma cell lines, as well as killing cancer cells.
22. Neem kills viruses
Neem leaves and bark contain antiviral substances that destroy viruses and prevent their penetration into cells. It is toxic to the herpes virus, preventing outbreaks and speeding up healing. Use neem oil or neem leaf paste on affected areas.
23. Neem is also effective against warts, chickenpox, and other viral diseases.
Neem oil kills viruses and prevents their spread, reducing the severity of the illness and helping the patient heal quickly. It also effectively soothes irritation and relieves itching of the skin caused by these diseases.
24. Boosts the immune system
In addition to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, neem oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support the immune system. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that damage cells, leading to premature aging and diseases. Neem oil boosts the immune system and helps fight off lingering illnesses.
25. Neem oil is beneficial for liver function.
It helps filter toxins from the body and maintains liver health. Neem oil also treats jaundice.
26. Use of neem oil in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Neem oil has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, it has also been used to treat fever, leprosy, malaria, tuberculosis, and as a contraceptive. It is used topically, orally, and vaginally.
27. Repels fleas and ticks.
Neem oil repels ticks and fleas on pets. Add neem oil to pet shampoo and spray their house with diluted neem oil.
28. Relieves inflamed skin conditions in pets.
Neem oil is used to treat skin conditions in pets such as ringworm and mange. It soothes the skin and reduces inflammation while treating the underlying condition.
29. Heals wounds in pets.
Neem oil kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses on pet wounds and other surfaces. Neem oil helps reduce inflammation and promotes wound healing.
30. Neem oil for insect prevention and control.
Neem oil repels a wide variety of household and garden pests, including nematodes, caterpillars, beetles, and ticks. In the home, use neem oil to get rid of ants, cockroaches, and termites.
31. Neem oil as a mosquito repellent.
Mix one part neem oil with nine parts lamp oil and burn as usual. The smell of neem oil is a natural mosquito repellent.
32. Prevents mosquito breeding.
Neem oil contains sallanin and azadirachtin, which affect mosquitoes and kill them. First, sprinkle the lawn and garden with neem oil so it doesn't evaporate right away, or apply after rain. Dilute neem oil with water and use as a safe lawn spray to repel mosquitoes.
33. Use of neem oil for carpet cleaning.
Add neem oil to carpet cleaner to clean the carpet and kill dust mites, bacteria, and fungi simultaneously.
34. Use of neem oil for mattress cleaning.
Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil into 1 cup of water and place in a spray bottle. Spray it on your mattress to kill dust mites and microbes that have settled there. Let it dry, then flip the mattress and spray the remaining portion on the other side. Neem oil for plants is all a gardener needs. It is safe for humans, pets, and wildlife and effective against a wide range of pests, bacteria, and fungi. Here are some uses of neem oil in the garden:
35. Prevents mildew and mold.
Use neem leaf spray to prevent powdery mildew, rust, root rot, and soot. Apply a 1% neem oil solution to the plant's foliage.
36. Eradicates insects.
Use neem oil for watering to get rid of insects. The plant absorbs neem oil and kills or disrupts the life cycle of pests feeding on it.
37. Against garden pests.
Neem leaf spray repels spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, snails, mosquitoes, locusts, cabbage worms, flies, Japanese beetles, cockroaches, moths, termites, and over 200 other types of garden pests.