Understanding the various uses of Neem Oil

The oil extracts of neem, from the fruits and kernels of the neem tree. Neem trees grow mostly in the Indian subcontinent. This oil is loaded with fatty acids like linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, supporting healthy skin. The oil is, thus, a popular element in skincare products. The leaf of the neem tree also provides health benefits. The leaves contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil of neem goes into making beauty products like herbal shampoos, creams, soaps, hair oil etc. There is an excellent use of neem oil to treat skin-related ailments, including infections, rashes, and hair related issues like dandruff. It also works perfectly as an insect and mosquito repellent.

Common Uses of Neem Oil

Medicinal use

• Treats tooth plaque and gingivitis

Using a gel containing neem oil to the teeth or a neem mouthwash may lessen plaque and reduce gingivitis. 

• Treats insect bites

You can mix this oil with sesame oil and applied on worm/insect bites or skin infections to eliminate inflammation, itchiness, and redness.

• Fights foot fungus

If you suffer from Athlete’s Foot, this oil can save you from the annoying fungus.  Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components make it a perfect choice for those prone to Athlete’s Foot. The oil kills the fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot.

• Treats urine infection

In Ayurveda, the oil of Neem is used to treat urine infection, urine disorders in addition to intestinal/stomach worms.

Skincare treatments

• Cures dry skin

This oil of Neem is rich in ingredients that advantage the skin, such as fatty acids and vitamin E, making it an excellent natural way to drive away dryness. The oil can penetrate deep into the skin, heal the cracks from severe dryness, and ensure all your moisture stays imprisoned. You can include some drops of oil in the lotion and apply it on the skin.

• Heals the skin

Neem oil works actively on treating pimples with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Hence, it is widely used in anti-acne creams, cleansers, and lotions. Neem can heal wounds, balance oil production, reduce post-acne scars, stimulate collagen formation, and minimize skin irritation. It works as a natural option to heal the skin tissue from within and, at the same time, reduces scars and hyperpigmentation.

• Fights aging signs

As the skin ages, collagen production starts to decrease, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging. Neem comes full of Vitamin C, which boosts the collagen’s natural production and inundates the skin with antioxidants to even fine lines.

• Cures sun damage

Individuals suffering from residual skin redness and sun damage can find relief in this herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. The essential fatty acids in the oil derived from its leaves make for a handy moisturizer penetrating deep within the skin. Regular usage of neem oil enhances the skin’s ability to absorb other active ingredients, thus maximizing components’ impact in your skincare regime.

Immunity booster

• Improves immunity

Add a few drops of neem oil in kadhai (a blend of tulsi leaves, ginger, crushed peppercorn, and boiling water) and sip on it to improve immunity.

Use of Neem Oil  for Haircare treatment

• Treats dandruff

Neem oil is found in many dandruff shampoos readily available in the market. The oil is a natural anti-fungal, and the yeast-like fungus Malassezia usually causes dandruff.

• Improves hair growth

Neem is known for its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and its oil can work as an anti-inflammatory and help circulation, thus improving hair growth. Moreover, hair loss people typically have low antioxidant levels; oils of Neem can be a remedy.

As Insecticide in garden

• Healthy plant growth

Neem oil insecticide works wonder in many plants when applied as a soil drench. The oil is absorbed by the plant and distributed all through the tissue. Once the product is in the plant’s vascular system, insects consume it during feeding. The compound causes insects to cease or reduce feeding, stop larvae from maturing, interrupt or reduce mating behavior, and, in a few cases, the oil coats the breathing holes of insects and kills them.

How to use neem oil?

Use cold-pressed, organic oil of Neem that has a cloudy, yellow-brown color, and an intense odor. Neem oil is usually safe to apply to the skin. It is very potent, so it might be an excellent idea to examine it on a small area of skin before thoroughly using it. To carry out a patch test, mix a few oil drops with water or liquid soap. Use it to a little area of skin on the back of the hand or the arm. If the skin becomes inflamed, red, or itchy, thin the oil further by adding more liquid soap or water. Test this mixture on other parts of the skin and watch for any signs of irritation.

Individuals who are sensitive to oil may develop rash or hives after a patch test. If this occurs, stop using the oil and any products that contain it right away.

Here are some simple ways to include neem oil in the haircare and skincare routine.

• Add some drops of oil to conditioner, shampoo or cream, lotion.
• Add some drops of oil directly to the hair, gently massage, and leave on for half an hour before rinsing.
• Add some drops of oil and massage into the scalp before rinsing. You can also add a few drops of this oil to your moisturizer and massage the skin gently.

Conclusion

Although the use of neem oil is quite extensive, and you can find it in many beauty products, still more research is required to determine the safety and efficacy of its use in humans. Also, there is inadequate evidence to provide a suggested dose of oil. The right dosage is based on several factors, such as a person’s health, age, and medical condition. It is not suggested to apply pure oil of Neem on the skin directly. So, if you are considering using the oil of Neem, it is suggested that you consult with the doctor who can assist in right dosing and help you know the potential benefits and risks.