Power of Neem Oil: Benefits, Uses, Safety Tips

What is neem oil?

Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is extracted from the seeds of neem tree. It is yellow to brown in color and has a bitter taste. It smells like garlic or sulfur. Its most active ingredient is azadirachtin that repels and kills pests by disrupting their growth and feeding. Removing azadirachtin from it is left with hydrophobic neem oil.

What products contain neem oil?

Neem oil is widely used in agriculture and gardening. A plethora of pesticide products contain it. It is suggested to always follow the product label to avoid risks.

How does neem oil work?

Azadirachtin is the primary active compound in neem oil. It reduces insect feeding and serves as a repellent. It interferes with insect hormones and preventing them from growing as well as laying eggs. Other components in neem oil hinder the ability of insects to feed. However, their exact functions are not entirely understood.

How can you be exposed to neem oil?

Neem oil exposure can take place in several ways:

Diet: Small traces of neem oil might remain in food as it is used on crops.

Direct contact: Applying neem oil without protective gear may lead to skin exposure, inhalation or accidental ingestion.

Wear protective clothing and follow the directions of product label to stay safe.

What are the short-term effects of neem oil exposure?

Brief exposure to neem oil can cause mild skin or eye irritation. Azadirachtin can be irritating to the stomach and skin, but the remaining components such as fatty acids are safe and commonly found in food. Neem oil used on animals such as cats has caused symptoms like sluggishness, drooling and trembling, but in rare cases. Most animals recover within a few days.

Also Read: Should You Trust Neem for Your Health? What You Need to Know

What happens to neem oil in the body?

The clarified portion of neem oil that is made of fatty acids is broken down by the body and used for energy. Azadirachtin is quickly excreted by insects. However, small amounts can stay in their bodies for weeks.

Does neem oil cause cancer?

No. Neem oil has been safely used for hundreds of years without any evidence linking to cancer.

Also Read: Exploring Neem Oil’s Potential Benefits for Scalp and Hair Care

Is neem oil safe for children?

There is no evidence that children are more sensitive to neem oil than adults.

How does neem oil affect the environment?

Neem oil breaks down quickly in soil, water and on plant leaves. Thanks to the sunlight and microbes. It poses little to no risk to birds, mammals, bees or plants. However, it can be slightly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms.

The natural pesticide offers an eco-friendly solution for pest management while being generally safe for humans and wildlife when used responsibly.