Neem comes in many forms, from oil to tea to honey. Neem benefits your skin, hair, immune system, and more. You can even grow it in your garden and use it as a natural, chemical-free insect repellant and herbicide. Here’s everything you need to know about neem oil benefits and uses.
What Is Neem Oil?
The neem tree, also known as the Indian lilac tree, has been a staple in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine throughout India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Maldives. In Sanskrit, it’s called “arista” (meaning “perfection, happiness, and secure”) and “nimba,” meaning “to give good health.” Neem oil is rich in quercetin, a powerful flavonoid antioxidant, along with other active compounds like nimbi, salannin, azadirachtin, and several fatty acids.
Neem oil is created by either cold-pressing seeds or soaking crushed seed kernels and extracting using hexane. Cold-pressing is preferred as it retains all active compounds, unlike heating, which can degrade them. Hexane extraction, while used for making soaps, may introduce unwanted chemicals.
7 Health Benefits of Neem Oil
The neem tree has various parts like seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark, all of which are packed with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. For over a thousand years, natural health practitioners have utilized neem to treat ailments such as snake bites, malaria, and constipation. Here are some of the most well-known health benefits of neem and its products:
Supports Digestive Health
Neem has been known to promote gut health and aid digestion. In Ayurvedic tradition, the bark is used to treat various stomach issues, including gas and bloating. Modern research supports this: a 2004 study showed that neem extract can positively impact stomach ulcers when taken at doses of 30-60 mg twice daily.
Aids Cleansing & Detoxification
Neem doesn’t just help with digestion; it also supports detoxification by defending against intestinal invaders. Neem can combat harmful organisms in the digestive system while promoting beneficial bacteria, thus maintaining a healthy gut.
Encourages Healthy-Looking Skin
Neem essential oil is renowned for its skin-enhancing properties. Siddha medicine, a traditional practice in Southern India and Sri Lanka, has long used neem in treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, and leprosy. Today, you’ll find neem oil in many natural cosmetic products, soaps, and anti-aging formulations. Its fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants help rejuvenate the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Promotes Healthier Hair
Neem also benefits hair health by making it stronger and fuller. Shampoos containing neem oil improve scalp health with their anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help curb dandruff and combat lice.
Boosts Oral Health
Ayurvedic practitioners have historically recommended using neem twigs for oral hygiene, including cleaning teeth and preventing gum disease. Today, neem bark is found in natural oral health products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Its antibacterial properties can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, lowering the risk of gum disease, bad breath, and more severe dental issues.
May Act as a Natural Birth Control
Research suggests neem could serve as a natural birth control due to its anti-fertility effects. Neem leaf extract has been shown to have sperm-killing actions, and neem oil applied before intercourse has prevented conception in studies with animals. Its use as a birth control method in humans should be approached cautiously, and you should always consult a healthcare provider.
Acts as an Antioxidant
Neem boasts strong antioxidant properties thanks to compounds like quercetin. These compounds act as free radical scavengers, reducing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) throughout the body and promoting overall health.
Forms of Neem
Neem supplements and applications come in various forms:
Neem Bark: Often ground into powder, neem bark powder can be used to protect the gastrointestinal tract and repel harmful intestinal invaders.
Neem Leaves: Neem leaves can be used as a poultice or steeped into tea to reduce stomach issues or fever and promote heart health.
Neem Oil: Made from neem seeds, this oil can promote clear skin, gut health, and serve as birth control, and a natural pesticide.
Neem Tea: Bitter on its own, neem tea made from leaves is usually blended with other herbs and spices for a better taste.
Neem Honey: Collected from beehives near neem trees, this honey helps settle the stomach and boasts strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Neem Oil Uses
Neem can be used in numerous ways for both health and beyond. Here’s how to incorporate neem into different aspects of life:
Skin Care
Neem oil can help with wrinkles, skin health, and conditions like psoriasis or eczema. It’s available in complexion bars, lotions, facial oils, body washes, and more.
How to Use: For acne, apply undiluted neem oil directly to the spot. For larger patches of dry skin, mix neem oil with a carrier oil or aloe vera gel and apply it. Avoid pure neem oil for sensitive skin and dilute it instead.
Oral Care
Neem has been used for oral health due to its ability to deter harmful organisms. Find it in mouthwashes, toothpaste, and gum powders.
How to Use: Enhance your oral hygiene by adding neem oil to your floss or toothbrush routine.
Hair Care
Neem promotes healthy hair and scalp, reducing dandruff and promoting lustrous locks. It’s available in shampoos, conditioners, and more.
How to Use: Add neem oil to your favorite shampoo or lotion. If the smell is too strong, mix it with other essential oils like lavender.
Gardening
Use neem oil on food crops to ward off pests or even in your home against bed bugs. Its anti-fungal properties also help plants resist mildew and root rot.
How to Use: Make a homemade pesticide spray by mixing neem oil, water, and liquid soap in a spray bottle.
Pets
Neem oil can help keep your pets safe from fleas, mites, and other pests when applied topically. However, avoid internal use as it can be dangerous for animals.
How to Use: Mix neem oil with pet shampoo or make a daily topical spray with neem leaf water.
Side Effects & Safety of Neem
Neem is generally safe for external use but can cause gastrointestinal issues if taken internally. Always dilute neem oil with a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin. Be cautious when consuming neem, as excess amounts can be toxic. Neem may also affect fertility and interact with medications, so consult a healthcare provider before use.
Points to Remember
Neem’s long history in natural medicine is well-earned due to its many health benefits. From detoxification and digestive health to promoting good bacteria and acting as a natural birth control, neem offers impressive health benefits. Always opt for the purest, highest-quality products and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s suitable for you.
