Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, a plant originally found only in Southeast Asia and India before spreading in growth to the South Pacific Islands, the Americas, Africa and other lowland tropical and subtropical atmospheres. The leaves of the neem tree are used to extract oils, which are then used for medicinal purposes in some areas of the world. Neem oil is very commonly used as an active ingredient in insect repellents. Oils or creams used as a carrier for neem oil should not contain more than 1-4 percent neem.
Neem Oil Considerations
While neem oil has been used medicinally throughout history, especially in Ayurvedic practices, you should take special care when exposing yourself to the oil. According to the Healthwise Knowledgebase published by the University of Michigan Health System, there have been several studies proving that the use of neem oil can be effective in both repelling insects and treating certain medical conditions. Despite these findings, you do need to limit your daily exposure to neem oil. The amount depends on the usage and effects desired.
Neem Oil as a Pesticide
Neem oil can be used as a fungicide and insecticide to treat ornamental plants, vegetable plants and fruit trees. It is commonly used to prevent pests like spider mites, black spots, powdery mildew, aphids, and rust from eating or destroying valuable crops. In this case, "clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil" is extracted from the seed of the neem plant and is one of several ingredients included in the pesticide. Some plants are sensitive to neem oil and may be harmed if a pesticide containing neem is used on them. Check the label of the pesticide you are using for a list of plants you should avoid treating. Always wear protective clothing, including long pants, shoes with socks and eye goggles, when working with pesticides.
Neem Oil in Insect Repellants
A number of essential oils have been identified as having the ability to repel insects. These include not only neem oil, but eucalyptus, clove and citronella. The essential oil from the neem plant should never be applied directly to the skin, as it can sometimes cause irritation. The oil should always be diluted in a cream or oil base before application. As mentioned earlier, the ratio of neem oil to the ingredients used to dilute it should only be between 1 and 4 percent.
Neem Oil Side Effects
Neem oil is safe when the recommended dosages are adhered to. The oil extracted from the neem seed can be very dangerous to children, in some cases leading to the development of Reye's syndrome and, in other cases, death.
Adults who overuse neem oil may experience stomach problems, diarrhea or nausea. Pregnant women should not use neem oil, as there has been no research to determine the effects of the oil on the fetus.
Neem Oil Safety Considerations
Modern studies have proven neem oil and neem leaf extracts to be effective not only as an insect repellent or incesticide, but for use as a treatment of periodontal disease, stomach ulcers and other infections. While there have been no documented cases of drug interactions with neem oil, you should consult your physician or health care provider before using neem oil, either topically or orally.
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