Neem oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the Neem’s seeds and fruits (Azadirachta indica). Neem is an evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent but is now grown in other regions, especially in the tropical belt. Also referred to as veppennai, neem oil is the most useful of all the neem tree products. There are several applications of the neem oil, but here are the six most vital of them all:
Use in Pest Control
Coping with pests is one of the biggest challenges in farming, but this problem can be handled with the appropriate pesticide. Neem oil is used in the production of several formulations used as biopesticides, especially for organic farms. This is possible because neem oil can repel several pests. These include some of the most problematic ones like aphids, beetles, mites, mealybug, caterpillars, thrips, cabbageworm, mushroom flies, beetles, locust, and many more.
The best thing about using neem oil is that it is not toxic to birds, mammals, earthworms, or even important insects like honeybees, butterflies, and ladybugs contributing so much to the environment. Neem oil is also safe for pets and other wildlife you are keeping at home, so you do not have to worry about having your dog or cat poisoned.
Furthermore, neem oil can also be used as a pesticide at home where you can use it to tackle mosquitoes, houseflies, ant, cockroach, bedbug, termite, sandfly, and many others. It can have this effect because it inhibits the actions of the insect molting hormone called ecdysone.
It not only works against insects, but it can also destroy their larvae as seen with mosquitoes, it can even beat the eggs of insects. It works in the right way for the environment because using insecticides does not leave any ‘death zone’ as chemical insecticides do. The exact composition of the neem oil can differ depending on the style or method of extraction employed.
Cosmetics
For several reasons, the most important of which is toxicity, neem oil is not for cooking purposes. However, it has found complete applications in the cosmetic industry where it is utilized to produce cosmetics like hair products, hand creams, soaps, and creams for personal hygiene.
Traditional Medicine
For centuries, neem oil has found uses in several forms of traditional medicine worldwide, especially in Ayurvedic medicine in India and traditional African herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, neem oil is utilized to treat specific medical conditions like urine disorders, urine infection, and even worms in the intestines and stomach.
A few drops of neem oil can be added to a blend of powdered peppercorn, tulsi leaves, ginger in hot water, drink, and it will improve the immune system.
Lighting Purposes in Religious Settings
In places like India, neem oil is used as an oil for lamps that are then lighted for worship rituals. In Hinduism, these rituals are referred to as pooja. The widespread belief in India is that using neem oil as a fuel in temples has many benefits like the improvement of one’s health and well-being. It is even believed that doing so will bring prosperity.
Skin Conditions
Neem oil is used in the treatment of various kinds of skin conditions. For skin infections or even bites from insects or worms, it is often used combined with sesame oil and then put on the affected areas to tackle symptoms like itchiness, redness, and inflammation.
For dandruff perils, a mixture of coconut oil and neem oil with little camphor provides relief. Those battling blackheads, get a few drops of neem oil, dilute with water, and then apply directly on the blackheads. Keep applying until the blackheads vanish, apply even after they are gone to ensure they do not pop up again.
Neem oil is good for nourishing the skin as it has been observed to improve the firmness of aging skin by rejuvenating it, and it is also suitable for handling skin itching or irritation cases.
Fertilizer
Neem oil works well as an organic fertilizer because they help fertilize the soil by providing essential elements especially nitrogen. It also helps control soil-based nematodes like worms that can hinder the growth and development of plants.
