Neem oil (neem oil)

Neem oil – or neem oil – is derived from Neem (Azadirachta indica), a tree belonging to the Paternoster family.

Neem oil used for skin application is made by cold pressing the fruit kernels of the Neem tree. Neem oil used for other purposes can be extracted from the flesh, kernels or seeds of the fruit.

Although neem oil has long played an important role in Ayurvedic medicine, there is no known evidence that it can be used to treat diseases or other health problems.

In this article you will find information about the properties and uses of neem oil. You can also read about how the oil is produced and what precautions you should take when in contact with the oil.

Recommended neem products

We recommend the following products containing neem oil or other parts of the neem tree:

Neem oil properties

Undocumented properties

There is no scientific evidence that neem oil can be used to treat the following:

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, neem oil has long played an important role in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The most widespread medicinal uses here include:

The newer applications in Ayurvedic medicine include:

Please note that none of the above properties are scientifically proven.

Investigated properties with missing evidence

• Lice (on humans): Because neem oil has traditionally been used against lice in some cultures, there are several studies on the effect of neem oil on different types of lice (especially head lice). However, the results of these studies are contradictory and neem oil is therefore not considered a lice treatment with a proven effect.

Documented properties

• Insecticide: Although not all of the oil's properties in relation to insects are known, it is known that some of its ingredients (especially the substance azadirachtin) disrupt insects' hormones and inhibit their ability to feed, grow and lay eggs. This is why neem oil is used in some places as an organic insect repellent.

NOTE: See the section “Neem oil application” for information on how neem oil is used against plant lice, mites, beetles etc.

Fatty acid profile

Below is the fatty acid profile of neem oil:

Fatty acid	Fatty acid type	Range	Typical content
Palmitic acid	Monounsaturated	12 – 19%	16%
Palmitoleic acid	Monounsaturated	traces – 0.2%	0,1%
Oleic acid	Monounsaturated	25 – 54%	51%
Stearic acid	Saturated	9 – 24%	20%
Linoleic acid	Omega-6 polyunsaturated	6 – 16%	12%
Arachidonic acid	Polyunsaturated omega-6	traces – 1.4%	1,4%
Alpha linolenic acid	Polyunsaturated omega-3	traces – 1%.	0,5%

 

Neem oil application

Neem oil is generally only suitable for external use. For the same reason, it is not used gastronomically.

India

Besides its medicinal use (see the section “Properties of neem oil” above), neem oil is mainly used in cosmetic products such as soaps, hair products, creams etc. in the Indian culture.

Biological control

In some countries, neem oil is used as an organic insect repellent, as it affects insects in several ways. While not all aspects of the oil's effect on insects are known, it is known to inhibit their ability to eat, grow and lay eggs. Neem oil is especially used to protect crops from insects.

If you have problems with herbivorous insects such as aphids, mealy bugs or various mites, beetles, worms etc. you can often control these with neem oil. However, be aware that the oil is generally too thick for direct application to plants and should therefore be diluted with water and/or (insect) soap.

Production of neem oil

How and from where neem oil is extracted depends largely on what the oil will be used for:

• Neem oil for skin application is usually extracted by cold pressing the fruit kernels of the neem tree

• Neem oil for soaps or industrial applications can be extracted from the flesh, kernels or seeds of the fruit and produced by methods other than cold pressing

The finished oil has a strong scent that is reminiscent of a combination of garlic and peanuts. It also has a very thick consistency and a dark color that can range from yellowish, reddish and brownish.

Because pure neem oil at room temperature is very thick in consistency, the neem oils available for skincare are usually mixed with another oil (typically olive oil). This makes the neem oil more fluid and usable.

Precautions

Although neem oil is only suitable for external use, some people still consume it. The following precautions apply for both external and internal use, but especially for internal (ingestion) use:

• Children: Neem and neem oil should not be used by children. Especially infants and young children can have serious side effects from contact with the oil or parts of the wood. If ingested, the side effects can possibly lead to liver and kidney damage and in the worst case can be fatal for small children

• Pregnant women: Neem oil (bark of the Neem tree) can cause miscarriage and should therefore not be used by pregnant women. Breastfeeding women are also advised against all use of neem oil

• Autoimmune diseases: It is unknown whether neem oil can affect the immune system and therefore it is not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus etc.

• Diabetes: Some studies suggest that neem oil can lower blood sugar levels, which can be a problem for diabetics. If you are diabetic and want to use neem oil, you should pay extra attention to your blood sugar levels

• Interactions: Although the effects of neem oil on the human body are unknown, it is suspected that it may interact with certain medications. These include:
  • diabetes medications
  • immunosuppressive drugs
  • lithium