Neem oil is known to many as a plant protection agent, but the natural agent can also be very beneficial for our skin - we provide tips.
The skin is our largest and most versatile organ and protects us from environmental influences. Therefore, we should take good care of them in any case. Neem oil can be of great help to us, and we will explain exactly how in this article.
What is neem oil and where does it come from?
The "Indian lilac" or simply called neem tree (Azadirachta indica) comes - as its name suggests - from the area around India. The seeds of this tree are used to make neem oil, which can be used in many different areas.
Use in humans
Neem oil on the skin: In shampoo and soap
The neem tree has various ingredients with which it protects itself. We can also use these substances for our plant favorites and even for ourselves. The most interesting ingredient is definitely Azadirachtin. The neem tree produces this substance to protect itself from insects - so it has an insecticidal effect that we can also benefit from.
Neem Oil Relieves Skin Conditions
Neem oil can be found in ointments, shampoos and many other cosmetic products. In the shampoo, the oil ensures dandruff-free and shiny hair, and the ingredient Niemolind is also effective against lice and fleas. Either use products that already contain neem or mix 2 to 3 drops of neem oil into your shampoo every time you wash your hair.
To take full advantage of the skin-clarifying and disinfecting effects of neem, you can also add it to your next bath. It has an antibacterial effect and helps with problems with blackheads and skin imperfections.
Neem oil can also provide relief for skin ailments. You can use the oil for fungal infections and itchy skin as well as for rheumatism. In addition, rubbing in the oil can help with pain caused by neurological problems. If you want to treat large areas of skin with neem oil, it is advisable to use a good vegetable oil, for exampleto dilute from olive or almond.
Neem oil: use with care
Please note that neem is only approved for topical use as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and chills. Children, pregnant women and people suffering from autoimmune diseases should not use neem products. Neem oil is difficult for our liver to process, so it can cause damage to those affected. Stimulating the immune system can also increase autoimmune diseases. Therefore, always discuss the use of neem products with your doctor first to avoid side effects.
Neem: Other Uses
You cannot ingest the neem oil, but you can use it for inhalation when you have a cold. If you are suffering from a cough or other respiratory problems, you can add a few drops of neem oil to hot water. The steam will relieve your discomfort.
Many parts of the neem tree are used in the traditional Indian healing art Ayurveda ("knowledge of life"). A tea made from the leaves, for example, is said to have a positive effect on the kidneys, prostate and bladder. In India, the components of the neem tree were also used to clean teeth.
On the internet you can always find reports about the use of neem products for contraception - however, this effect has not been confirmed, so we advise you against this method of contraception.
The use of neem oil in the fight against dust mites is also often suggested, but this has not been proven either. The mites are killed slowly (if at all) and the allergenic substances (excrement of the mites) remain.
Caution: You should always be careful when buying neem oil. If it comes from unsafe sources, the neem oil could be contaminated with something called aflatoxins (poisons produced by fungi).
Neem oil: Also helpful for dogs, cats and horses
Since neem oil is very nourishing and beneficial for us and especially for our skin, we should not forget our pets. The use of neem oil for cats, dogs and Co. is also possible - find out more here.
Important: The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) classifies neem oil as harmless for cats. However, according to recent studies, neem can negatively affect our he althHouse tiger works: Not all but some cats showed symptoms such as tremors or cramps in experiments after they came into contact with larger amounts of neem. Therefore, the use of neem oil on cats is only recommended in consultation with a veterinarian.
Neem oil as an effective pesticide
Neem is good for our skin, but it looks different for insects. Because neem is actually mainly used as a biological pesticide. Here we explain how and against what you can use neem products for pest control in the garden.
We will introduce you to other home remedies for dry skin in this article.