What is that
Neem oil is a vegetable oil extracted by pressing the fruits and seeds of the homonymous tree ( Azadirachta indica ), an imposing evergreen belonging to the Meliaceae family.
Pure neem oil is red and is characterized by a rather strong and unpleasant smell, which crosses the aromas typical of peanuts and garlic.
Property
Composition and Properties of Neem Oil
Neem oil is composed of several substances, among which fatty acids and triterpenes stand out. By analyzing the composition of neem oil in more detail and, in particular, observing the acidic component shown in the table, it is possible to note a certain similarity with olive oil and cocoa butter. The main fatty acid of oil is in fact oleic, monounsaturated with 18 carbon atoms which gives the product a good resistance to oxidation: generous also the presence of its saturated counterpart (stearic acid), which is abundant in cocoa butter .
| Typical acidic composition (%) of neem oil | |
| Oleic acid | 25-54 |
| Linoleic acid | 6-16 |
| Palmitic acid | 16-33 |
| Stearic acid | 9-24% |
| A-linolenic acid | ?% |
| Palmitoleic acid | ?% |
This particular composition ensures that the neem oil has interesting eudermic properties: the neem oil integrates very well with the hydro-lipid film of the skin, preventing the evaporation of the cutaneous water. It therefore exhibits moisturizing and emollient properties, very useful in the cosmetic field.
Furthermore, numerous other properties are attributed to neem oil, among which the antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and even antifungal properties stand out.
uses
Uses of Neem Oil in Cosmetics and Phytotherapy
By virtue of the numerous properties ascribed to it, neem oil is used in the treatment of disorders and pathologies of the skin.
Given its eudermic, moisturizing and emollient properties, neem oil is an ideal product for dry skin and - in the form of a pack to leave on about twenty minutes before shampooing - even for dry hair.
Similarly, neem oil can be used in the event of burns caused by excessive sun exposure. In fact, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, the application of a small amount of product in the burned areas can help reduce pain and redness.
Finally, neem oil - again by virtue of its eudermic properties - can also be used in the presence of psoriasis and eczema.
Did you know that ...
Ayurveda - ancient Indian medicine - uses neem oil to treat skin diseases of various kinds, inflammatory and febrile states, rheumatic disorders, intestinal worms, acne, leprosy, malaria, tuberculosis and ophthalmia. The list of healing properties traditionally ascribed to neem oil becomes even longer considering also the Indian folk remedies, among which it is almost omnipresent. Common, for example, the intended use as an insect repellent, pesticide and insecticide, property successfully resumed by modern industry.
As for human health and phytotherapy, neem oil is known as a natural remedy for lice and mycosis of the foot and nails (onychomycosis). On the market it can be found in pure form or in more complex formulations, enriched with other vegetable oils or essential oils with bactericidal, parasiticidal, healing and insect repellent properties (for example Tea Tree oil, essential oil of Cajeput, essential oil of Lavender, Mint, Oregano, Citronella, Timo, Niaouli, etc.).
These products based on neem oil are intended for topical application, so they are applied directly to the skin or hair and should NOT be ingested. In the case of head lice, for example it is advisable to pour a tablespoon of product on the hair, massaging the head in its entirety (attention also to the nape area and behind the ears). The preparation is left to act locally for at least an hour; subsequently the hair must be combed several times from the root to the tips with a small-toothed comb (to remove the eggs of the parasite). Subsequently, the hair is washed and the neem oil reapplies every other day until the problem is resolved.
Other uses
Azadiractin extracted from neem oil is used in agriculture as an insecticide, acaricide and biological nematocide. A similar application involves the use of neem oil as a natural pesticide for pets (against fleas, ticks and lice of dogs and cats).
Side effects
In principle, neem oil is well tolerated by the skin. However, in sensitive individuals it could give rise to some undesirable effects, such as burning and redness of the treated area. For this reason, it is often recommended - before application - to mix neem oil with other more delicate oils, such as, for example, coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil.
In any case, if after using the neem oil the aforementioned secondary effects appear, it is advisable to stop the treatment immediately, wash the area where the product has been applied and contact your doctor.
