Neem Oil has fantastic properties. I've recently been using it to help treat shingles, and it works wonderfully.
However, Neem Oil smells AWFUL!!!!!!!!! It really, really gags me and I have to mentally prepare myself before I use it. Maybe other people won't react as strongly. (Normally, scents do not phase me. I usually love scents that others may find too strong. However, Neem Oil really smells unpleasant in my opinion.)
On the other hand, Neem Extract does not have the same aroma. (And I found a great natural lotion from Derma e that uses Neem Extract, which I love.)
I have used straight Neem Oil on my skin, as well as diluting it in Jojoba Oil.
Also, note that straight Neem Oil will start to solidify at room temperature. This is not really a problem as all you need to do is gently hold the bottle under warm running water to make it thinner.
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Here is what Mountain Rose Herbs says about the Neem Oil that they sell:
Neem Seed Oil
Botanical Name- Azadica Indica
Origin- India
Extraction- Cold Pressed
Shelf life- 10-12 months
Kosher certified- No
Notes- An incredibly rich and odoriferous oil which is semi-solid in its natural state. We have included 15% certified organic Olive oil to assist in pourability. It may be liquefied in a pot of simmering water, in a microwave, in the sun, or at a temperature exceeding 85 degrees. While Neem has been proven as a great oil for internal use, the variety we offer was manufactured for cosmetic and garden purposes only.
Introduction
Neem Oil has been used medicinally and cosmetically for hundreds of years. Its long term use has made it one of the oldest medicines available today. Used to treat a myriad of diseases and illnesses, Neem Oil is truly a product that has withstood the test of time. The Neem Seed Oil sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is cold-pressed from whole Neem tree nuts (Azadica Indica). It has been blended with 15% organic Olive oil to assist in pourability, as Neem oil alone will solidify at typical room temperatures. It has a very strong odor, dark color, and thick viscosity.
History
Neem has been used in India since 2000-4000 BC, and was referred to in ancient Indian texts as "the curer of all ailments". All parts of the Neem tree were used - the leaves, twigs, and oil from the nuts. Neem trees are cherished in India, where they are considered good luck. Since India’s Neem trees were used so extensively, Neem trees were affectionately referred to as "the village pharmacy". Even today, Neem is a key herb used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.
Medicinal and Cosmetic Use
Neem is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiparasitic. Because of these properties, it is widely deployed in many different toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, hair care products, and skin care products. It is used to treat a wide array of diseases, illnesses, and problems, and is considered a cure-all in India. The oil has moisturizing and regenerative properties, contains Vitamin E, and has essential fatty acids. Scientific research today validates many of the traditional uses of Neem Oil, it is used to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, boost the immune system, and for many specific health problems. It is also used to deter mosquitoes, fleas, flies, ticks, mites, and lice. Among other conditions, Neem Oil has been historically used to treat the following: Malarial fevers, diabetes, urinary problems, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, gingivitis, swollen and bleeding gums, cavity prevention, ringworm, chicken pox, lice, dandruff, burns, wounds, athlete’s foot, sore throat, tiredness, cough, leprosy, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, boils, ulcers, warts, herpes, arthritis, cancer, sprains, AIDS, cold sores, parasites, bed sores, rashes, gangrene, heart disease, gastritis, stomach problems, high blood pressure, sinusitis, hives, snake bites, hypertension, hair loss, heart burn, cholesterol, hangover, shingles, chronic fatigue, headaches, poor circulation, influenza, colds, insomnia, tuberculosis, immune system, indigestion, conjunctivitis, inflammation, urinary stones, candida, kidney problems, wrinkles, eye disorders, yeast infections, earache, hot spots, and nausea.
Please Note! The Neem oil we offer is labeled on the bottle as "For Cosmetic Use Only" as we do not want to promote its internal use indiscriminately.
It is suitable for dietary use, but only under the direct supervision of someone qualified in the administration of this substance.
Usage Instructions
Neem oil is exceptionally rich and contains a heavy odor. It will need to be diluted accordingly before adding it to your products, and sometime heated to turn it into a pourable liquid. We recommend experimenting in small batches with this oil, so that the odor does not adversely alter your final product. Below are several usages for Neem Oil:
Athlete’s foot: Add a few drops to a foot soak, foot powder, or anti-fungal salve recipe.
For dandruff and head lice: Massage with Olive or other carrier oil into the hair and scalp. Leave in for one hour, and then shampoo out.
In salves-- add a few drops to your healing salve.
In soaps-- use with your base oils.
Garden pesticide-- Mix with Castille Soap and water, spray onto infested plants as needed. The spray will suffocate soft bodied insects, and will repel other insects.
Acne-- mix a small amount into your facial clay and apply to problem spots.
Bath-- mix a few drops into the bathwater.
Bug repellent: Use in lotion to deter bugs and mosquitoes.
Hand soap: Add to liquid hand soap for antibacterial properties.
Precautions
Use caution if using internally. Because of Neem Oil’s strength, we recommend that you do additional research before using Neem Oil internally. Children and pregnant or nursing women should not use Neem. Infants have suffered from death as a result of internal use of Neem.
Long term use of the oil has been linked with liver and kidney dysfunction.
Large doses of Neem may be toxic. If you are currently on medication, consult with a doctor before using Neem. Not enough studies have been done on drug interactions. Keep away from children and pets.
