5 Ways To Use Neem Oil As A Home Remedy

Neem oil is credited with multiple medicinal properties; therefore, it is usually recommended to alleviate different ailments. Let’s discover which ones and whether or not they have scientific endorsement.

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the homonymous tree native to India. It is an essential ingredient among Ayurvedic remedies. However, today we can find it in most countries around the world, since various cosmetics are made with it, such as lotions and balms.

Now, what ways are there to use neem oil as a home remedy? Next, we will analyze their uses and whether or not they have scientific endorsement. Of course, consultation with the dermatologist is recommended before starting its application.

Neem oil remedies

The bark, leaves, flowers and seeds of the neem tree are used to make all kinds of tonics and natural remedies. However, it is from the seeds that the essential oil is extracted for the production of various cosmetics.

Ayurvedic medicine experts point out that its essential oil would be beneficial in alleviating various skin and hair problems. But are there scientific studies that support its uses? Let’s find out.

1. Massage oil for circulation

According to popular belief, neem oil promotes blood circulation while deeply hydrating the skin. For this reason, it is an oil widely used to massage the entire body. In addition, it could be combined with other vegetable oils to improve its aroma. Unfortunately, we have not found evidence in this regard.

2. Lip balm

Various investigations, such as this one from the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research , have confirmed that neem oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. These, added to its moisturizing effect, make it an interesting option to fight against dry and chapped lips.

In this case, neem oil is combined with beeswax to obtain a lip balm. It should be noted that beeswax is being studied, as it is believed that it would be effective in alleviating lip chaps by providing great hydration. Finally, an essential oil to taste is also incorporated to flavor this home remedy.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of beeswax (5 g).
• 1 tablespoon of neem oil (15 ml).
• 5 drops of essential oil of lemon, peppermint or tea tree (optional).

Preparation

1. First, we heat the beeswax in a water bath to melt it.
2. When it becomes liquid, we mix it with the oils until they are integrated.
3. Then we put it in a small container or an empty lipstick.
4. When it cools, it will harden and the balm is ready.

3. Acne lotion

In Ayurvedic medicine, neem oil is used as a treatment for acne. The aforementioned article from the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research explains that its antibacterial effect would help improve skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and fungal infections. The recipe would be the following.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of neem oil (30 ml).
• 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (60 g).
• 5 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional).

Preparation

1. First, we mix all the ingredients.
2. The texture of the aloe vera gel blends very well with the oils. Therefore, we only need to slightly emulsify the ingredients with a spoon.
3. Finally, we keep it in a closed container.
4. Its use is recommended only after the authorization of the dermatologist.

4. Hair remedy for lice

It is believed that the combination of neem oil with apple cider vinegar and essential oils such as tea tree would serve as a hair remedy against lice. A chapter in the book Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs deals with the larvicidal action of neem.

However, the data on the effectiveness of the ingredient vinegar are only anecdotal, since no research has been able to verify its effectiveness.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons of neem oil (75 ml).
• 5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (75 ml).
• 15 drops of essential oil of tea tree, lavender or peppermint.

Preparation and application

1. We integrate all the ingredients in a spray container and shake well.
2. We do a test on the forearm to check that it does not cause allergic reactions.
3. We spread it all over the scalp and let it act for at least 15 minutes.
4. It should be avoided if we have dermatitis or some other skin condition.

5. Hair mask

Finally, we could use neem oil as a homemade hair mask. This oil would add shine and softness while strengthening the hair. We have not found scientific data to support this theory.

To neem oil, an egg yolk is added, an ingredient that has been indicated by different scientific trials, such as this one from the Journal of Medicinal Food , as a hair growth promoter.

Ingredients

• 1 raw egg yolk.
• 3 tablespoons of neem oil (45 ml).
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (30 ml).
• 5 drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil (optional).

Preparation and application

1. We mixed all the ingredients well.
2. Then, we apply all over the scalp.
3. We spread this mask with our hands gently from the roots to the tips.
4. We let it act for half an hour.
5. We shampoo our hair as usual.
6. It is recommended to use it once a week to appreciate better results.

Neem oil: to try it or not?

Like other vegetable oils ─such as olive, argan or coconut oil, among others─, neem oil is widely used in home cosmetics for various purposes such as the care and beautification of hair and skin, or to encourage relaxation.

Due to the lack of scientific evidence and that even natural remedies can have contraindications and / or generate allergies, we recommend a dermatological consultation before trying any of these recipes.