Can a single natural remedy revolutionize your approach to plant care and pest control? Is it possible to find a versatile solution that nurtures your plants, repels pests, and even benefits your skin and hair?

You might need neem oil if you have. . .

• a bug infestation on your plants or house (spongy moths anyone?)
• a fungal infection
• dandruff

Benefits of Neem Oil

• Antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Moisturizing, skin-soothing
• May reduce signs of aging
• Natural bug repellent

Common ways to use Neem Oil

Skin and Hair Care:

• Topically as a lotion for a fungal infection
• A great addition in making soap
• Hair mask to help against bugs and dandruff

Bug Repellant:

• On the leaves of plants mixed with water and soap to rid it of a bug or fungal Infestation (1 tsp:1 tsp:1 gallon)
• In the soil of plants mixed with water (1 tablespoon of neem to 1 gallon of water)
• Insect repellent spray for humans and pets

How it is Made

Neem trees grow in the tropical and subtropical areas making this a difficult foraging task. It is most likely easiest for you to purchase as a plain cold pressed oil or as part of a finished product. Neem oil is made by cold-pressing the seeds and fruits of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The extraction process retains its natural compounds, giving it powerful insecticidal and medicinal properties.

Safety Concerns

It is generally accepted to avoid ingesting neem oil unless under direct supervision of an herbalist or naturopathic doctor. There is a long history of use as a topical remedy for fungal, bug, and dry skin issues.

Drug Interaction: If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your health care provider before adding new herbs to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for using neem oil topically while breastfeeding or pregnant. Avoid using neem internally.

Other Concerns: Avoid ingesting unless working under the guidance of an experienced herbalist or naturopathic doctor.

Select Studies About Neem Oil

Antifungal activity of different neem leaf extracts and the nimonol against some important human pathogens

Neem leaf extracts, both aqueous and organic, were found to inhibit the growth of several pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus species and Candida albicans. The inhibitory effect increased with concentration, reaching maximum effectiveness at 20% concentration. These findings align with previous studies that demonstrated similar antifungal properties in neem extracts against various fungi.

Field studies on the mosquito repellent action of neem oil

“Repellent action of neem oil was evaluated against different mosquito species. 2% neem oil mixed in coconut oil provided 96-100% protection from anophelines, 85% from Aedes, 37.5% from Armigeres whereas it showed wide range of efficacy from 61-94% against Culex spp. Therefore, neem oil can be applied as a personal protection measure against mosquito bites.”

Larvicidal activity of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) formulation against mosquitoes

In this study, they used neem oil to control mosquito larvae – effectively. Within 7 days, there was 100% larvae control.