The natural antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem oil, and its applications to skin care, make it a useful product to have in your medicine cabinet. It is safe for use by humans, for animals and on plants, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Neem oil is not safe for fish and honeybees, however, so take care not to allow neem oil to contaminate water supplies, and do not use it near honeybees. Even though neem oil is natural, it is a strong substance that, used undiluted, can irritate the skin. Diluted, neem oil generally does not cause skin irritation.
Step 1
Rinse your mouth with neem to reduce the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research states, "neem mouth rinse is highly efficacious and...may be used as an alternative therapy in the treatment of periodontal disease."
To make a neem mouth rinse, mix 1 drop of neem oil with 1 tbsp. of water. Swish the rinse around in your mouth for 30 seconds after brushing your teeth, and then spit it out. Rinse your mouth afterwards with plain water, if desired.
Step 2
Repel biting insects by making your own neem bug repellent. Neem acts as a repellent against some types of ticks, fleas and mosquitoes, among other insect species. A scientific study conducted by the Malaria Research Centre in India found that neem oil is an effective repellent against mosquitoes. The study found that, "two percent neem oil mixed in coconut oil, when applied to the exposed body parts of human volunteers, provided complete protection for 12 h from the bites of all anopheline species."
To make a neem bug repellent, mix 1 tsp. of neem with 8 oz.of your favorite body lotion or body oil. Apply your homemade neem insect repellent whenever you go outdoors and reapply as often as needed. Avoid getting neem in your eyes, on your sinus membranes or on your genitals.
Step 3
Apply neem oil on the skin to treat athlete's foot, acne and minor skin abrasions. Neem oil has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, according to a 2008 study published in the Electronic Journal of Biology.
To make an antifungal and antibacterial neem solution, mix 1/2 tsp. of neem with 8 oz. of aloe vera gel. Apply the neem and aloe topically on your skin twice a day, avoiding the eyes, nose, genitals and other sensitive areas.
Step 4
Shampoo and condition your hair with neem to reduce dandruff. Neem has antifungal activity, making it suitable for the treatment of dandruff, according to a study published in the Egyptian Dermatology Online Journal. Neem oil may also stimulate new hair growth. There is early evidence to suggest that neem oil may encourage hair growth, according to a study published in the E-Journal of Chemistry. The study found that neem initiated hair follicle growth and may prove to be as effective as or more effective than the chemical hair growth product Minoxidil, although more research is needed to verify the theory.
To make a neem shampoo and conditioner, mix 1 tsp. of neem with 8 oz. of your favorite shampoo and another 1 tsp. of neem with 8 oz. your favorite conditioner. Wash and condition your hair as usual.
Things You'll Need
- Neem oil
- Lotion or body oil
- Aloe vera gel
- Shampoo and conditioner
References
- Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 2 (11), pp. 341--346; Efficacy of a Mouthrinse Based on Leaves of the Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) in the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Gingivitis: A double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial; Marco Antonio Botelho, Rinaldo Arujo dos Santos, Jose Galberto Martins, Cintia Oliveria Carvalho, Mabel Calina Paz, Claudio Azenha, Ronaldo Sousa Ruela, Dinalya Brito Queiroz, Wagner Sousa Ruela, Gloria Marinho, Francisca Isabel Ruela; November 2008
- Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association (3):359-60; Mosquito Repellent Action of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Oil.; Malaria Research Centre, Delhi, India.; Sharma VP, Ansari MA, Razdan RK.: Sep. 9, 1993
- Electronic Journal of Biology, Vol. 4(3); 102-11; Neem---A Green Treasure; Girish K., Shankara Bhat S.; 2008
- Egyptian Dermatology Online Journal 5 (2): 8; Herbal vs. Chemical Substances as Antidandruff Ingredients: Which are More Effective in the Management of Dandruff? - An Overview; M Prabhamanju, S Gokul Shankar, K Babu, MS Ranjith; 2009
- E-Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 34-38; Development and Evaluation of Herbal Formulations for Hair Growth; Lipi Purwal, Surya Prakash B.N Gupta, Melind. S. Pande; January 2008
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