The Neem Tree
The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Jus) has its origins in North East India. It is a member of the meliaceae family. The tree resembles an English Oak in appearance and has leaves similar to those of a White Cedar. It can grow to about 10 feet in height and is now grown in over 40 countries.

Indian Ayurvedic texts have described the Neem tree and its remarkable healing properties from as far back as 5000 BC. All parts of the Neem tree -- leaves, fruit, seed, bark, roots, and the oils derived from these, have very specific applications. These applications include medicines and public health, toiletries and cosmetics, livestock production and health, agriculture, and pest control. In Sanskrit, the Neem tree is known as 'Aristha', meaning reliever of all diseases. People in India often refer to the tree as the village pharmacy.

Neem Seed Oil
Fruit from the Neem tree contains kernels which are rich in the healing Neem oil (up to 40%). Scientific research has confirmed that Neem seed oil and oil extracts are non-toxic to mammals. Neem oil is very effective when used in various applications, such as; antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, dermatological and dental agents. Much of the current international research is focused on the use of Neem seed oil as an organic alternative to toxic and synthetic chemical pesticides and insecticides. Knowledge accumulated to date suggests that Neem seed oil will effectively get rid of over 400 pests and diseases that affect plants and animals. The Neem seed oil does not kill on contact, rather it inhibits feeding and reproduction of the pests.

Use of Neem Seed Oil in Skin Care
In addition to the enormous benefits Neem can provide in the fields of agriculture and horticulture, Neem seed oil has been very effectively used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to assist in the healing of topical skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne, dry skin problems, burns and abrasions. It is also rich in fatty acids and glycerides, and together with its healing properties, provides an excellent natural moisturizing base for skin care formulations.

Disclaimer:
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Neem should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive (male or female). It also contains compounds similar to aspirin and should not be used to treat children with fevers. And while people in some countries use Neem oil internally, we definitely do not recommend taking Neem oil internally. You should consult your personal physician or naturopathic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of any condition in a timely manner.

Within these limitations, Neem is generally considered to be one of the safest medicinal herbs available. The FDA's Office of Special Nutritionals maintains an extensive database of adverse effects from herbal medications. This database does not include any references to Neem that would indicate potential problems. Even the Extension Toxicology Network documentation for using Neem as a pesticide shows that it is "relatively non-toxic" and caused no significant problems even at the extraordinarily high doses fed to laboratory rats as part of the approval process required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Neem Oil, Certified Organic: Mountain Rose Herbs organic Neem Oil is cold pressed from whole Neem tree nuts (Azadirachta indica) and is blended with 15% organic Olive oil to assist in pourability, as Neem Oil will solidify at typical room temperatures.
Available in 4 oz., 8 oz. and 16 oz.

Back to Articles Page