Neem Oil Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the seeds and fruit of the neem tree. Neem trees are also known as Margosa trees that grow in India and parts of southeast Asia. All parts of the neem tree such as wood, bark, leaves and flowers have been used for thousands of years by Indian cultures, however neem oil’s medicinal properties are found in the plant’s seeds and fruit.^1,2
 
Neem oil can be light to dark brown in color, depending on the method of extract, and is very bitter in taste due to its triterpenoid and triglyceride compounds. Neem oil has a strong odor similar to sulfur and garlic. Cold-pressed, organic neem oil is the preferred health product as it’s not contaminated by solvents or petrochemicals used in the insecticide neem oil market.¹
 
Neem oil is one of the most common natural insecticides known. It contains azadirachtin, a chemical compound not harmful to humans, plants or animals but deadly to insects. Azadirachtin is also effective in killing bacteria, fungi, mites and other parasites on the human body.^1,2
 
While neem oil is non-toxic, most neem oil applications are topical and not ingested.^1,2

Neem Oil Health Uses and Health Benefits
 
Neem oil health benefits include being moisture-rejuvenating, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. Other beneficial components in neem oil are oleic acid and linoleic acid, both being fatty acids proven highly beneficial to skin. It is also extremely high in vitamin E making neem oil for skin an effective treatment.^1,2
 
Neem oil for skin natural treatment effectively works on ringworm as well as moisturizing skin to relieve psoriasis, rashes and all types of dryness. Neem oil for scabies is also a known treatment. Neem oil’s fatty acids and high vitamin E content quickly penetrate the skin to restore hydration. Neem oil also contributes to boosting the immune system.^1,2,3
 
Neem oil health benefits primarily affect the skin and any associated parasitic infections, invasions and complications. Neem oil is a highly-effective natural remedy for treating:

• Scabies - Scabies is a highly-contagious infection caused by mites burrowing under the skin. Neem oil for scabies contains natural insecticide azadirachtin to kill mites. Other properties in neem oil like fatty acids and vitamin E reduce swelling, itching and other discomforts from scabies.
• Ringworm - Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection on the skin. Neem oil has strong antifungal and antimicrobial qualities that stop ringworm fungi and restore healthy skin. The two active compounds in neem oil that kill fungi are nimbidol and gedunin.
• Nail Biting - Nail biting is a psychological habit known as onychophagia. Neem oil has a highly bitter taste and is an effective nail biting deterrent.
• Psoriasis - Neem oil contains fatty acids and high amounts of vitamin E that restore moisture to dry skin caused by psoriasis. Neem oil quickly relieves itchiness and inflammation from psoriasis outbreaks.
• Yeast Infection - Yeast infections are caused by harmful bacteria that cultivate in the vaginal area. Topically applying neem oil works to stop bacteria and relieve symptoms and side effects from yeast infections.
• Skin Rash - Neem oil for skin rashes is a preferred natural treatment regardless if they’re caused by bacteria, fungus, parasites or are side effects of other conditions.

Neem Oil Side Effects and Precautions
 
There are no known serious neem oil side effects. It’s been used for thousands of years for skin ailments, beauty products and even as a proven contraceptive.
 
Caution should be used by pregnant and nursing mothers as well as women planning to conceive due to possible neem oil side effects. ^1,4

References

1. https://draxe.com/neem-oil/
2. http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/AGPC/doc/gbase/new_grasses/azaind.htm
3. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/289281-neem-oil-psoriasis/