Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is an evergreen tree that is part of the mahogany family. Neem oil is derived from the seeds of these trees. Neem oil can be used as a topical preparation or consumed as a tea, herbal extract or supplement for certain health conditions. Its main use, however, is as an organic non-toxic insecticide with a distinctive feature.
Insecticide
Neem oil is a broad spectrum insecticide and miticide (a pesticide that kill mites). It is effective at killing insect eggs and immature insects, particularly small soft-bodied bugs such as whiteflies and aphids, as noted by the Colorado State University (CSU) Cooperative Extension. Neem oil also can suffocate insects when sprayed directly on them. Certain neem-seed compounds inhibit insect feeding, repel insects, and disrupt their behavior and growth. Additionally, neem oil prevents and controls mildew, black spot, rust and scab. A particularly advantageous feature of neem oil, as explained by DiscoverNeem.com, is it does not harm beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, unless sprayed directly onto them. Neem oil only affects chewing and sucking insects--those that eat plants.
Insect Repellent and Lice Destroyer
Because neem oil is non-toxic, people can use it as an insect repellent on skin, as noted by DiscoverNeem.com. Neem oil is effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. It also can be used to eliminate head lice, making it a good alternative to toxic preparations. Neem oil shampoos generally are not effective at eliminating an existing lice infestation because of the low concentration of the essential oil. A study published in the January 2007 issue of Parasitology Research, however, found that a neem seed extract shampoo was "highly effective" when thoroughly applied to wet hair and scalp and left on for at least 10 minutes. The article does not indicate the concentration of neem oil in the shampoo. DiscoverNeem.com cautions that most neem oil shampoos contain neem leaf or bark extracts rather than neem seed extract and do not contain high enough concentrations to eliminate lice infestations.
Skin Disorders
Neem oil is beneficial for treating several skin disorders, as explained by AllAyurveda.com. It helps relieve symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, and aids in healing boils, skin ulcers and wounds. Because neem oil has anti-fungal properties, people can use it for treating athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm. Neem oil also is an effective acne remedy on its own or as a soap ingredient, or when combined with turmeric in a paste.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Neem oil has a role in ayurvedic remedies as well, according to the Maharishi Ayurveda website. Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic healing system that originated in the ancient Hindu tradition of India. Ayurveda uses neem oil as an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It may be useful for treating urinary disorders, diarrhea and fever.
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