Neem Oil
Neem oil for plants is respected by farmers worldwide and has been used for centuries.
Organic neem oil is prized for its high levels of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, giving it an ability to cool, calm, moisturize and nourish even the most sensitive skin and scalps. Organic neem oil can be used to effectively treat dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, itchy skin, insect bites, rashes, ringworm, topical skin issues, dandruff and sensitive scalps
Neem oil is renowned for protection and prevention and has been used for thousands of years for its ability to promote healthy skin, hair, scalp and encourage hair growth. Virgin neem oil has a nutty-garlic odor and this unique aroma is caused by the retention of volatile oils present in organic neem oil, diluting neem oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil in a 10-20 percent concentration will help mask its natural aroma while maintaining its effectiveness. Due to organic neem oil's high concentration of essential fatty acids, it begins to solidify at cool room temperature (around 72 degrees).
Neem Oil - Made from pressed neem plant seed kernels, neem oil has a broad range of applications. However, the quality of the oil is largely dependent on the methods used to extract it from the kernels. Neem seeds that are cold pressed produce the best levels of oil since heat typically destroys the plant’s active ingredients. In addition, the purification of the neem oil should be done as naturally as possible. Adding chemicals during the purification process can damage the final product and reduce the effectiveness of the oil.
Neem seed oil is most popularly used in hair and skin care products. The moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of neem oil make it perfect for restoring damaged skin and hair. Fresh pressed neem oil has a strong odor that does not make it pleasant to rub on the skin or hair. Most of these products that feature neem oil add rose, lavender, and other perfumes to reduce the strong odors.
Garden sprays made with neem oil deter many pests. Over 200 types of insects as well as worms, fungi, bacteria react to compounds in Neem oil. Unlike traditional pesticides Neem does not kill organism immediately, rather the compounds in Neem disrupt the feeding and/or reproduction cycle of insects keeping them from eating and procreating. Neem has the added benefit of being non-toxic to humans and the environment and is benign to spiders, butterflies, bees, and ladybugs that help pollinate crops or or consume crop pests.
Neem oil is best applied topically for any skin aliment. It is not suggested to take Neem oil internally. Extensive research has shown that neem oil may be safe for internal use in small doses for limited periods of time, manufacturers in the United States universally indicate Neem oil is not for internal use and recommend a leaf or extract form of Neem instead. Pregnant women, or those trying to conceive should avoid ingesting Neem oil.