Neem oil is a vegetable oil from the evergreen Azadirachta indica (neem tree). It has a strong mixed aroma of garlic and peanut butter. It ranges in color from golden yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown, dark brown, greenish brown to bright red. At room temperature it remains liquid. Exposure to cold temperatures (below fifty-five degrees) causes separation, thick consistency, and solidification. As a liquid, it absorbs quickly into the skin without a greasy feel.
Neem is used in commercial and household products for people and pets: soaps, lotions, creams, shampoos, and sprays. It is gaining popularity in Europe and the United States. Neem bark, leaves, fruits, seeds, and oils have medicinal properties.
The Neem tree grows to sixty-six feet with broad branches, fragrant white flowers, and fruits, similar in appearance to olives. It thrives in tropical or subtropical regions. It is native to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
OIL EXTRACTION METHODS
Neem oil is extracted by cold pressing of seeds, mechanical pressing, steam pressure or by chemical solvents. It is highly unlikely that the exact same component mix will occur more than once during extraction. The oil content in Neem seeds is higher than in the leaves.
– Cold pressed: These oils retain their flavor, aroma, and nutritional value.
– Mechanical pressing: The dried Neem seeds are fed into a mechanical pressing machine. The oil is collected in a drum from which unwanted particles are filtered. This oil is lighter in color and odor compared to other extraction methods.
– Steam and high pressure: The neem seeds are put into a steam boiler, which causes the seeds to swell. Squeezing out the oil becomes easier. The oil is expelled from the seeds, due to steam and pressure from the boiler, without any pressure. Unwanted particles are filtered out. This method is not as good as others, as heat degrades flavor, nutritional value, color, and can expose toxins.
– Chemical solvents: A petroleum / alcohol solvent is mixed with the seeds after drying. Solvents only help extract oil from grain up to a percentage. Also, Neem seeds can be pressed. Maxium oil extraction is ensured with this method.
NEEM PRECAUTIONS
– Avoid if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
– Keep away from children, the weak and the elderly.
– May cause skin sensitivities at high concentrations. Test the Neem-based solution on a small area of skin before using it on a larger area.
– Avoid use with pre-existing medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider.
– Neem oil is powerful! It can irritate the skin and scalp. It should always be diluted in carrier oil, soap, lotion, shampoo, or buffering agent to minimize the risk of irritation.
NEEM OIL BENEFITS and HOME REMEDIES – (Body, Skin, Hair)
Antiviral: Inhibits the growth of viruses.
Home remedy: Neem tea is an herbal tea made from the ground leaves, flowers, or bark of the Azadirachta indica tree. Relieves colds, coughs, allergies, and other upper respiratory ailments. Detoxifies the body. A general ratio of three to five whole leaves per cup of hot water is often preferred. Soak in boiling water for five to fifteen minutes.
Antifungal: Inhibits the growth of fungi. Gedunin and Nimbibol are powerful antifungal compounds. Fight athlete’s foot, ringworm and nail fungus. A neem lotion can prevent future infections.
Antibacterial / Antimicrobial: Destroy bacteria and microorganism growth.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling.
Anti-aging: High levels of fatty acids and vitamin E restore and rejuvenate skin cells. Increases the elasticity of the skin. It extracts impurities from the skin. Tighten the pores of the skin. Balances the skin tone. Prevents and treats acne scars. The high level of antioxidants protects the skin from harmful free radicals. Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, discolorations and uneven skin tone. Exfoliates dead skin cells. Hydrate. Soothes dry itchy skin. Restores the natural, youthful glow to the skin.
Skin care tip n. # 1: exfoliate dead skin cells with a gentle Neem body scrub.
Skin Tip No. Skin Care # 2: Cleanse with a mild Neem soap.
Skin care tip n. 3: hydrate. Apply a mild Neem lotion before going to bed.
Natural insect repellent: Repels a variety of pests: cabbage worm, mealybug, lobster, beetles, mites, mosquitoes, fungus flies, fleas, ticks, ants, mosquitoes, caterpillars and more. Neem oil is used for organic farming due to its insect repellent properties. It is not known to harm mammals, birds, earthworms, butterflies, bees, or ladybugs if it is not directly concentrated in their habitat or on their food. Neem soap and shampoo are popular with dog owners. Sprays are used on horses, cattle, and cattle to repel insects and parasites from the skin.
HOW TO MAKE SOAP with SOAP RECIPES
Tips for making soap: Neem oil blends well with earthy scents, geranium, cedarwood, flowers, sandalwood, lavender, and lemongrass. Store the oil in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight.
HOMEMADE SOAP RECIPE – (with neem oil)
(By Spencer’s Farm)
1 cup goat milk soap base (melt and pour)
1/4 cup neem oil
1/4 cup of water (if necessary)
10 drops of citronella essential oil
5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
1 tablespoon dried and crushed pennyroyal leaves
Learn how to make soap using the melt and pour method. Mix all the ingredients, stirring vigorously. Pour the mixture into prepared soap molds or mold by hand into balls of various sizes. Depending on how much additional oil you add, it usually takes a couple of hours for the soap to set. Use it after the soap hardens. Congratulations! You just made a homemade soap and natural mosquito repellent!
HOMEMADE SHAMPOO RECIPE – (with neem oil)
Addresses: Combine approximately ten percent neem oil with complementary oils: avocado, olive, coconut, castor, and shea butter. This combination of oils will cleanse the hair with a tingling sensation on the scalp. Rinse hair with water. Gently dry with a towel. Hair and scalp receive nutrition and conditioning. Moisturizes hair, calms dry scalp, eliminates dandruff and fights annoying insects such as lice.