Neem Oil

In India, the neem tree (Azadirachta Indica) is a sacred tree that produces a vegetable oil with benefits that have been recognized for centuries. The oil is obtained by cold-pressing the almonds extracted from the stone of the fruit from this tropical tree. Neem oil has a rather strong odour and because of this, many people prefer to dilute it in other vegetable oils.

Characteristics and benefits:

• A very effective insecticide
• Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
• Moisturizing and softening, thanks to its high content of fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin E
• Its antibacterial and antifungal action helps to fight skin infections from acne to mycosis, including eczema and psoriasis.
• Nourishing and emolliating, neem oil soothes skin irritation and softens skin.
• Used as a lotion, neem oil soothes itchy scalp, fights dandruff and makes quick work of fleas. In this latter case, it is best to apply it as a mask over the entire head of hair and to let it rest for a few minutes before rinsing. Many parents will appreciate!

Risks, precautions and contraindications of neem oil: neem oil must never be heated to a temperature above 60° C, at the risk of losing its active properties. Further, it must be used externally only. Neem oil would in fact be an endocrine disruptor.

Conservation: Store in a dry, dark place, away from light and heat. Neem oil will solidify at temperatures of less than 25° C, but this does not change any of its properties.

It can be used on its own or in association with other natural products, for example clay on acne blemishes.