If you haven’t heard about neem oil, you’re in luck!

This ancient healing oil known for its powerful antibacterial properties can be found in hair care, body care products, oral care, and it’s even known to work as a safe and natural pesticide.

In this Be Natural article, we’ll cover the following about neem oil:

• What is neem oil and its origins
• Common uses for neem oil
• How we incorporate neem in Dr. Brite products

What is Neem Oil and Its Origins

Neem oil comes from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is an evergreen tree originally from India but can also be found in Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh. For over 4,000 years, the neem tree is known for its healing properties and is commonly referred to as a “Village Pharmacy” because of its versatility (JustNeem).

Ayurvedic remedies that call for using the neem tree include using neem tree branches as chewing sticks to help prevent gingivitis, which is one of the precursors to the modern toothbrush. Neem oil have also been used to treat a host of ailments that include infections, acne, rashes, and even fevers.

What makes neem oil incredibly special is its unique chemical composition. Neem oil itself is comprised of vitamin E, nimbidin & nimbin compounds, carotenoids, linoleic acid, oleic acid, vitamin C, quercetin and the main compound azadirachtin, which is one of nature's most powerful insect repellents (Up Nature).

Much like tea tree oil, neem oil contains beneficial properties that include antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, making it a great essential oil to include in your lifestyle.

Common Uses for Neem Oil

Because neem oil is incredibly versatile, it can be used in a variety of ways that include:

• Treating dandruff by restoring the scalp’s pH level and calming dry itchy scalps
• Reducing acne by reducing inflammation and preventing bacteria growth
• Protection against mosquitoes by being a natural bug repellent
• Naturally repelling insects from plants with its active compound, azadirachtin
• Preventing gum inflammation with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

If you choose to buy cold-pressed organic neem oil, be sure you keep it stored in a cool, dark place away from children. It’s actually harmful to consume large amounts of neem oil and it’s important to know how to use this powerful oil.

How We Incorporate Neem Oil in Dr. Brite Products

The benefits of this powerhouse oil actually extends to oral care and in small quantities, neem oil is a wonderful anticavity ingredient.

Co-founder of Dr. Brite and ingredient specialist, Dr. Paris Sabo says the reason she chose to create a toothpaste formula that included neem is, “because neem is such a potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent that can treat periodontal disease and helps prevent cavities.”

And you can get the benefits of organic neem oil in Dr. Brite’s Whitening Mint Toothpaste and Strawberry Sky Toothpaste for kids as a safe alternative to fluoride. When neem oil is combined with the carefully chosen ingredients of our toothpastes, you can be assured that you’re getting a truly safe toothpaste that can boost your oral health.

FAQs

1. What is neem oil used for?

Neem oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries in India. It is typically used as an herbal medicine to treat skin, hair and nail issues such as acne, eczema and fungal infections. The neem tree grows in many parts of the world including Africa, Asia and North America. The tree produces a fruit which contains seeds from which the oil can be extracted. Neem oil is made up of fatty acids with various healing properties such as anti-inflammatory compounds.

2. Is neem oil harmful to humans?

Neem oil consumption has the potential to be harmful to newborns and young children, resulting in metabolic acidosis, seizures, kidney failure, encephalopathy, and severe brain ischemia. Women who are or may become pregnant, or who are attempting to conceive, or who have children should not use neem oil on its own without consulting a physician.

3. Does neem oil repel mosquitoes?

Neem oil is a plant-based insect repellent that has been used in India, Africa and Southeast Asia for centuries. The natural ingredients of neem oil make it an effective mosquito deterrent. Neem oil contains chemical compounds such as azadirachtin which can interfere with the development of mosquitoes larvae. It also contains substances like citronella and geraniol which are known to repel insects through smell and taste respectively.

4.  What happens when you put neem oil in your belly button?

Neem oil, for example, includes fatty acids (EFA), Vitamin E, calcium, limonoids, antioxidants, triglycerides, and anti-inflammatory effects. Other oils that can be used to the navel include: Acne and pimples can be prevented and treated with neem oil rubbed into the navel.

5. Is neem oil safe to use indoors?

Neem oil is a natural insecticide and fungicide that can be used indoors. It works by smothering bugs, killing them with its natural ingredients like azadirachtin and limonene. Neem oil also has properties which make it an effective repellent against pests such as ants, cockroaches, spiders and mosquitoes.