Neem oil for the skin: application & effects

Neem oil is known to many as a plant protection product, but the natural product can also be very beneficial on our skin - we give 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, as we will explain to you in this article.

What is neem oil and where does it come from?

The "Indian lilac" or simply Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), comes - as its name suggests - from the area around India. Neem oil, which can be used in a wide variety of areas, is made from the seeds of this tree.

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-based favorites and even for ourselves. The most interesting ingredient is for sure Azadirachtin. The neem tree produces this substance to protect itself from insects - it has an insecticidal effect from which we can also benefit.

Neem oil soothes skin discomfort

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 Niemolind ingredient 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 blemishes.

The 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 dilute this with a good vegetable oil, for example from olive or almond.

Neem oil: use caution

Please note that neem is only approved for superficial use as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and chills. Children, pregnant women and people with autoimmune diseases should not use neem products. It is difficult for our liver to utilize neem oil and this can damage those affected. By stimulating the immune system, autoimmune diseases can also be aggravated. Therefore, always discuss the use of neem products with your doctor first in order to avoid side effects.

Neem: other uses

You cannot ingest the neem oil, but you can use it for inhalation if you have a cold. If you have a cough or other respiratory problems, you can add a few drops of neem oil to hot water. The steam will ease your discomfort.

In the traditional Indian healing art Ayurveda ("knowledge of life") many parts of the neem tree are used. A tea made from the leaves is said to have a positive effect on the kidneys, prostate and bladder, for example. In India, the components of the neem tree were also used to clean teeth.

On the Internet you can also find reports about the use of neem products for Contraception - however, this effect has not been confirmed, so we advise you to use it Method of contraception.

The use of neem oil in the fight against house 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 from the mites) are retained.

caution: You should always be careful when shopping for neem oil. If it comes from unsafe sources, the neem oil could be contaminated with something called aflatoxins (toxins produced by mushrooms).

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 shouldn't forget our pets. That's how it is Use of neem oil for cats, dogs and the like also possible - you can find out more about it here.
Important: The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) classifies neem oil as safe for cats. According to recent studies, however, neem can have a negative effect on the health of our house tigers: not all but some Cats have shown symptoms such as tremors or convulsions in experiments after exposure to large amounts of neem came. Therefore, the use of neem oil on cats is only recommended after consulting a veterinarian.

Neem oil as an effective plant protection product

Neem is beneficial for our skin, but things look different for insects. Because neem is actually mainly used as an organic pesticide. Here we explain how and against what you do Neem products for pest control in the garden can use.

Further Home remedies for dry skin we present to you in this article.