Are you looking for a natural and effective way to treat skin conditions like acne, fungal infections, and warts? Look no further than neem oil.
This potent oil, derived from the neem tree, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. But how do you use it on humans?
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to use neem oil on your skin and hair, as well as its potential as a natural insecticide.
So sit back, relax, and discover the wonders of neem oil.
How To Use Neem Oil On Humans?
When it comes to using neem oil on humans, it’s important to choose the right type of oil. Look for organic, 100 percent pure, cold-pressed neem oil that is cloudy and yellowish in color and has an odor resembling mustard, garlic, or sulfur.
Before using neem oil on your face or body, it’s recommended to do a patch test on your arm. If within 24 hours you don’t develop any signs of an allergic reaction such as redness or swelling, it should be safe to use the oil on other areas of your body.
For spot treating acne, fungal infections, warts, or moles, use undiluted neem oil. Lightly dab the neem oil onto the affected area using a cotton swab or cotton ball and allow it to soak in for up to 20 minutes. Wash off the oil with warm water and use daily until you achieve desired results.
Because neem oil is incredibly potent, it’s a good idea to mix it with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil when using it for larger areas of the face or body or on sensitive skin. The carrier oil can also subdue the odor of neem oil, or you can add a few drops of other oils like lavender to improve the smell. Once the oils are blended, use the combination as you would a moisturizer on the face and body.
If you find the oil combination to be too oily, you can mix a few drops of neem oil with aloe vera gel, which also will be soothing to irritated skin. Neem oil can also be added to a warm bath to treat larger areas of the body.
When it comes to using neem oil on hair, look for products that contain neem like shampoos and conditioners. These products can help fight a flaky, irritated scalp and protect strands from environmental and heat damage.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds that can benefit the skin and hair in various ways.
One of the main components of neem oil is azadirachtin, which has insect-repelling properties. It reduces insect feeding and interferes with their hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. Other components of neem oil hinder insects’ ability to feed, making it an effective natural insect repellent and pesticide.
When used on the skin, neem oil’s antiseptic properties can help fight skin infections, promote wound healing, and combat signs of skin aging. It can also balance oil production, heal wounds, stimulate collagen formation, reduce post-acne scars, and minimize skin inflammation. Neem oil works as a natural alternative to heal the skin tissue from within and simultaneously reduces hyperpigmentation and scars.
For hair, neem oil is high in fat content, which improves the quality of hair. It nourishes the scalp and its antifungal agents help treat dandruff. It can also help with an itchy scalp and promote healthier scalp and more robust locks.
Using Neem Oil For Skin Conditions
Neem oil is a powerful natural remedy for various skin conditions. Its antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it an effective treatment for infections and acne. Additionally, neem oil has high amounts of skin-benefiting compounds like fatty acids, limonoids, vitamin E, antioxidants, triglycerides, and calcium.
To use neem oil for skin conditions, start by doing a patch test on your arm to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to the oil. Once you’ve determined that it’s safe to use, apply undiluted neem oil to the affected area using a cotton swab or cotton ball. Allow the oil to soak in for up to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Repeat this process daily until you achieve the desired results.
For larger areas of the face or body or for those with sensitive skin, it’s recommended to mix neem oil with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil. This will also help subdue the strong odor of neem oil. Once the oils are blended, use the combination as you would a moisturizer on the face and body.
If you find the oil combination to be too oily, mix a few drops of neem oil with aloe vera gel to soothe irritated skin. Neem oil can also be added to a warm bath to treat larger areas of the body.
In addition to treating infections and acne, neem oil can also be used to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin disorders. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective treatment for dry and irritated skin.
How To Apply Neem Oil To Your Hair
Neem oil is packed with antioxidants that can prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. Here are some effective ways to apply neem oil to your hair:
1. Direct Massage: Heat neem oil before application, as it will open up your pores and enhance absorption. Massage the oil onto your scalp and along the length of your hair for at least 20 minutes. Keep it on for about two hours, before washing your hair. If time permits, you should leave it overnight to reap its benefits. Do this once a week to start seeing results.
2. Hair Mask: Combine neem oil with flax seeds, which are also rich in vitamin E and omega-3, to make a potent hair mask that can heal damaged tresses, reduce the risk of split ends and condition the hair. Boil one-fourth cup of flaxseeds with two cups of water. Keep this mixture on medium flame till you see a white froth at the top of the utensil you’re using. Set it aside for two to three hours. You will see that it has turned into a gel-like consistency. Strain this mixture to get rid of the extra particles. Add two to three teaspoons of neem oil to this gel and mix thoroughly. Apply to your tresses and the scalp. Let this mixture dry and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
3. Shampoo or Conditioner: One of the simplest, quickest and most effective ways of using neem oil in your hair care routine is to add it to your shampoo or conditioner. Just take one to two teaspoons of neem oil, and add it to your shampoo or conditioner. Let the product stay for an extra minute or so in your hair before washing it.
Remember to conduct a patch test before using neem oil on your hair/scalp. Apply a small quantity of neem oil diluted with another carrier oil (like that of coconut or jojoba) to the inner side of your forearm. If you experience any redness or rashes in the next 24 hours, discontinue use and visit a doctor.
Regular application is recommended for best results, but applying it daily and leaving it overnight can cause irritation. So, start by applying once a week and if your scalp reacts favorably, go up to twice a week. With these tips, you can use neem oil effectively on your hair for healthy, strong locks.
Neem Oil As A Natural Insecticide
In addition to its uses on humans, neem oil is also a powerful natural insecticide that can be used on plants to control a variety of pests. Neem oil works by disrupting the feeding and reproductive habits of insects, making it an effective way to repel and kill pests without the use of harmful chemicals.
To use neem oil as an insecticide, mix 1-2 teaspoons of mild dish detergent with 1 gallon of warm water in a sprayer. Add neem oil to the mixture and mix thoroughly. Spray the mixture on the leaves and stems of plants, making sure to cover both the top and bottom of the leaves. This will help to repel and kill pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
For a more targeted approach, you can also use undiluted neem oil to spot treat areas where pests are present. Simply apply a few drops of neem oil directly to the affected area and allow it to soak in.
One of the benefits of using neem oil as an insecticide is that it is safe for beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Unlike chemical insecticides, neem oil does not harm these helpful creatures, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to protect their plants without harming the environment.
Precautions And Side Effects Of Neem Oil Use
While neem oil has many benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions when using it.
Firstly, neem oil should not be ingested by pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid using neem oil as its safety during this time is not yet established.
Neem oil is also not recommended for children, as it can cause serious side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and even death. For children with head lice, neem extract shampoo can be used safely when applied once or twice to the head for 10 minutes, then rinsed with warm water.
People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions should avoid using neem oil as it may cause the immune system to become more active and worsen the symptoms of these diseases.
Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully when using neem oil, as it may lower blood sugar levels and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
Finally, neem oil can cause an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin or skin disorders like eczema. It’s important to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using neem oil on larger areas of the face or body. If redness or itching develops, further dilute the oil or avoid using it completely. If you experience hives, severe rash, or difficulty breathing after using neem oil, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor.
