Neem oil

What is neem?

Medicinal & traditional uses of neem

How to use neem oil topically

Warnings

References

What is neem?

The neem tree (azadirachta indica) is a native to India and Pakistan growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. It is now also widespread in East Africa and Asia. Neem is in the mahogany family meliaceae and is one of two species in the genus azadirachta. It is a fast-growing sub-tropical evergreen tree with widespread branches. It normally grows to a height of 15-20 metres (49-66 feet), rarely to 35-40 metres (115-130 feet).

Neem oil is made from its fruits and seeds. The leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds (fruit kernels), bark and gum are all used for various medicinal purposes as a central remedy in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Neem is used to treat a wide range of diseases in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly those caused by infections and infestations (even as a as a malaria prophylaxis!)

Neem oil and other products should only be used externally, unless under the guidance of an experienced practitioner. It is not toxic when used under expert guidance.

Neem oil is light to dark brown in colour, with a bitter smell like a mix of peanut and garlic.

Medicinal & traditional uses of neem

• Fungicide. Particularly useful for skin fungi.
• Anti-bacterial, including against Staphylococcus & Salmonella.
• Anti-viral. Small pox and chicken pox are treated with a paste of neem leaves - usually rubbed directly on to the infected skin.
• Pain relief - analgesic.
• Calmative.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Fever reduction - antipyretic.
• Lice. Neem oil is an effective treatment for head and body lice.
• Psoriasis. Neem oil and leaf extracts may be the wonder cure for psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.
• Dental Treatments. In India, millions of people use twigs to clean their teeth and gums every day. Neem is effective in preventing periodontal disease.
• Personal care. Neem oil is used in cosmetics, soap, shampoo, balms, skin creams and oral health products.
• Skin. Neem oil is used for beautiful skin, and to maintain skin elasticity.
• Insecticide. Neem products are used as an insecticide and insect repellent. They do not rapidly kill insects. Instead, they are long-term insecticides that slowly inhibit the insect so that it can no longer feed or breed or metamorphose.
• Malaria. Extract of neem leaves is used as a malaria prophylaxis.
• Contraceptive. The compounds nimbidin and nimbin have some spermicidal activity. (1) A Neem oil formulation called "Sensal" is now sold in India as a contraceptive.
• Abortive. One of the compounds in neem oil acts as an abortifacient.
• Urinary diseases (neem fruit).
• Piles (haemorrhoids) (neem fruit).
• Intestinal worms (neem fruit).
• Leprosy (neem fruit).

How to use neem oil topically

General skin oil

Dilute 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil with a quarter cup of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil to use as a moisturiser and to sooth mild irritation.

Use 2-3 times weekly unless advised otherwise.

Store in a cool, dark place.

Body and skin lotion

A full-body moisturiser for dry/rough skin, insect repellent, and to sooth rashes or sealed wounds.

Blend 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil with a quarter cup of unscented lotion or carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. Dilute more (1:20) for sensitive areas.

After showering apply to damp skin, massage into entire body, focusing on dry areas such as heels or arms. Leave on; no rinse needed. Reapply daily for ongoing dryness.

For baths: Add 5-10 drops to warm bathwater and disperse. Soak 15-20 minutes.

Strong skin oil

Mix equal parts of neem oil and a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.

To treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, dryness, scars and pigmentation.

Apply to clean skin with clean fingers or cotton pad; massage gently in a circular motion.

Leave on 20-30 minutes (or overnight for dry areas like elbows/knees), then rinse with warm water.

For spot treatment (e.g., acne): Dab undiluted on blemishes with a Q-tip, but only after patch test.

Tips: Start with damp skin post-shower for better absorption. A pea-sized amount covers the face/neck.

Eyelids

Helps with demodex mites, blepharitis, or inflammation caused by microbes.

Safety: Possibly safe if highly diluted, but avoid if it causes redness/tearing. Not for sensitive eyes.

Mix 1 drop of neem oil with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.

Apply sparingly to closed eyelids with a clean Q-tip; massage gently.

Leave on 10-15 minutes, and then wipe off. Rinse eyes with saline if irritation occurs.

Use 1-2 times daily for 1 week maximum. Stop if stinging.

Safety: Take care not to get neem oil in the eyes. Neem oil is irritating to eyes and mucous membranes; it can cause redness, watering, dryness, or even vision loss of vision. No safe method exists for direct application to the eyes.

If oil enters eyes, flush with water immediately.

Nails

Mix 2-3 drops of neem oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.

Strengthens brittle nails, softens cuticles, and prevents fungal infections.

Massage into nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin nightly (best after soaking hands in warm water).

Leave on overnight; wear cotton gloves for absorption.

Tips: Use consistently for 2-4 weeks to see stronger nails. Great for dry, cracked cuticles.

Hair

Reduces dandruff, itchiness, hair loss; promotes growth and shine; fights scalp infections.

Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 2 tablespoons of conditioner or carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.

Massage into damp scalp and hair roots; comb through.

Cover with a shower cap; leave 30-60 minutes (or overnight), then wash or shampoo.

For dandruff: Add 2-3 drops to shampoo.

Tips: Apply 1-2 times weekly. It tames frizz and nourishes dry ends.

Warnings

Neem oil, leaves, fruits and seeds should not be used internally without professional guidance due to risks like nausea, liver or kidney damage, or severe toxicity such as metabolic acidosis or encephalopathy.

Neem oil is never safe for direct application in the eyes, even if diluted, as it can cause irritation, redness, swelling, or vision issues. For eyelids, use only highly diluted and with caution; consult a doctor first, especially for conditions like infections.

Always do a patch test before using neem oil. Mix neem oil with a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, almond) at 1:10 ratio, apply to the inner arm, and wait 24 hours to see if there is any rash, inflammation, itching or allergy.

Neem oil is considered safe for topical use for up to 12 weeks with 1 to 3 applications per day for most people. This is based on studies and traditional Ayurvedic practices for conditions like acne, eczema, or fungal infections. Do not use for longer than 12 weeks. Take a 2 or preferably 4 week pause before using it again.

Avoid neem if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications (particularly diabetes drugs).

References

1. Kausik Biswas, Ishita Chattopadhyay, Ranajit K. Banerjee, Uday Bandyopadhyay. Biological activities and medicinal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica). Current Science 82 (11).