Pressed from the small seeds of the evergreen neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and producing a garlic like scent, neem oil has a variety of different uses, especially in Ayurvedic practices. Most commonly used in India, neem oil has been gaining popularity because of its diversity in uses.
Plants
Neem oil is hailed as a natural insect repellant. Spray the neem oil insecticide on your plants, and then sit back and be patient. The insects ingest the neem oil, which blocks their natural hormone production that tells them to eat and breed with regularity and they eventually die off. This is not a quick fix, but it is purported to be safe to your garden's friendly insects while killing the dangerous ones. Additionally, neem oil is absorbed by the plant so it will not be washed off in the rain while not posing a toxic effect to you. It also works as a fungicide on the plants and is biodegradable.
Pets
Add a few drops of neem oil to your pet's shampoo next time you give it a bath. The oil works as a flea and tick repellant and will kill the adult pests as well.
Hair
Use neem oil to relieve a dry itchy scalp, soothe psoriasis of the scalp and to treat dandruff. The added moisture leaves your hair shiny and silky. Oil taken from both the nuts and the leaves of the neem tree can be used in hair treatments. Try placing a few drops of neem oil in your favorite shampoo or adding neem oil to a carrier oil, such as almond or olive, and use it as a hot oil treatment.
Skin
Lotions and soaps may include neem oil to help relieve redness and reduce itchy, dry skin. Neem oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore used to quell outbreaks of acne or rashes. It is also used to treat eczema and psoriasis.
Considerations
If rash or allergy occurs when using neem oil, discontinue use and consult your physician immediately. When used on plants, do not spray in the direct sunlight as it could potentially burn the leaves. Store your bottle of neem oil in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Neem oil is for external use only unless under the supervision of a doctor. Do not take it if you are pregnant or nursing.
Tags: direct sunlight, drops neem, drops neem your, neem tree, neem your