NEEM CARRIER OIL: INDIA'S EXOTIC EMOLLIENT

IN ESSENCE...

• Considered by the people of India to be sacred, the legendary Neem tree has come to symbolize good health and protection, leading the Indians to refer to it as the “village pharmacy.” 

• The ancient Ayurvedic tradition is said to be comprised largely of formulations that involve the use of Neem in one form or another. 

• Traditionally, Neem Oil was used in skin and hair care products aimed at moisturizing dryness, improving the appearance of damage, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting the overall health of skin and hair.  

HISTORY OF NEEM OIL

The name “Neem” has its roots in the Sanskrit word “nimba,” meaning “bestower of good health.” It has also been called “Ravisambha,” meaning “sun ray-like effects in providing health.” In Hindu texts, namely the Vedas, Neem is referred to as “Sarva Roga Nivarini,” meaning “one that cures all ailments and ills.” 

Nicknamed the “Indian Lilac” and the “Margosa Tree,” and believed to have divine origins, the Neem tree is said to have been a safe haven for the Sun when, according to Indian mythology, it had to escape from the malicious powers of demons. Another Indian legend tells the tale of how a few drops of Amrita, meaning “ambrosia” or “the elixir of immortality,” fell onto the Neem tree while it was being carried to Heaven, thus further establishing its encounter with divinity. It was believed that a person who planted at least three Neem trees in his or her life would be guaranteed a place in Heaven. 

Considered by the people of India to be sacred, the legendary Neem tree has come to symbolize good health and protection. As such, it was used to protect food and grains and acted as a natural pesticide and fertilizer. The venerated Neem tree has provided physical comfort in the form of shade against the harsh sun and it has naturally repelled bugs and insects for those sitting under its canopy. Its vast range of benefits, which far outweighs the usefulness of other trees, has made the Neem tree an integral aspect of Indian life and has come to be closely associated with the history of the Indian civilization. 

The Azadirachta indica botanical, better known as the Neem Tree, is believed to have originated in either India or Burma. When it was discovered that the tree can thrive in any warm, dry regions, migrating Indians introduced it to other lands including Africa, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia. Its resistance to droughts and its tolerance to heat are factors that contribute to its long lifespan of up to 200 years. 

Throughout history, several elements of the diverse Neem tree were used to make herbal beauty and skin care treatments. Unless exposed to severe droughts or frost, this evergreen tree’s leaves are available throughout the year. Although its seeds, or “nuts,” are largely known for yielding the beneficial carrier oil, the tree’s bark, leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits are also used to make medicine that was applied topically. Sometimes these parts were ingested in the form of tea infusions, as suggested in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition, which is said to be comprised largely of formulations that involve the use of Neem in one form or another. The tree’s twigs were used to maintain oral hygiene and the leaves were used in salads or were cooked along with vegetables. Neem gum was produced for dry throat lozenges, and Neem fruits were eaten for their sweet pulp. 

When wind blew through the Neem trees and into the surrounding homes, it was believed that the winds carried with them the cleansing and purifying energy of the tree, providing residents with a cool breeze and a sense of renewal in the summer months. Livestock and cattle were fed Neem leaves for medical relief from ailments and soil was fertilized with seeds, leaves, and bark which all doubled as pesticides. Traditionally, derivatives of the Neem tree have been applied topically for various cosmetic and skincare purposes, such as enhancing the appearance of the skin and maintaining healthy hair. 

Of all the commercially available Neem products, Neem Carrier Oil is said to be the most important for organic farming and medicines. The countless uses of Neem Carrier Oil led to the Neem tree receiving the nickname of “village pharmacy” from Indian people. Many of the uses mentioned above remain relevant today, making Neem Carrier Oil one of the most popular choices for use in the manufacturing of soaps, cosmetics, and massage oils. 

NEEM OIL BENEFITS

The main chemical constituents of Neem Carrier Oil are: Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Vitamin C, and Carotenoids.

OLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 9) are known to:

• Maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
• Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair
• Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines

STEARIC ACID is known to:

• Have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat and excess sebum from hair and skin
• Be an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil
• Help products remain potent when stored for long periods of time
• Condition and protect hair from damage without diminishing luster or making it feel heavy
• Have exceptional cleansing properties
• Soften skin

PALMITIC ACID is known to:

• Have emollient properties
• Soften hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue
• Be the most common saturated fatty acid

LINOLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 6) are known to:

• Moisturize hair and promote its growth
• Be an effective emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils
• Promote moisture retention in skin and hair
• Make oils feel thinner in consistency when used in an oil blend, thus being beneficial for use on acne-prone skin

VITAMIN E is known to:

• Delay the appearance of aging
• Protect skin and hair against environmental toxins such as those found in air pollution

CAROTENOIDS are known to:

• Protect skin and hair against environmental toxins
• Repair skin damage and signs of aging caused by UV radiation, hormones, or acne
• Reduce hyperpigmentation caused by UV radiation, hormones, or acne
• Make skin appear exceptionally younger
• Stimulate the regeneration of skin
• Boost skin’s collagen and elastin production to increase thickness, elasticity, firmness, softness, and smoothness
• Hydrate skin by reducing water loss

AZADIRACHTIN is known to:

• Be one of the two main active constituents derived from Neem seed kernels
• Protect the Neem tree with its insecticidal and fungicidal compounds
• Determine the quality of the Neem Carrier Oil, depending on its percentage

When applied topically, Neem Carrier Oil has shown to have a calming effect that can potentially offer relief for itching and irritation. It is also noted for its ability to support the skin's natural defenses against environmental elements. Neem Oil deeply moisturizes the skin, promotes elasticity, and improves the appearance of fine lines and dryness-related cracks. Additionally, Neem’s non-greasy texture makes it suitable as a serum for acne-prone skin that may promote a more balanced complexion.  

In hair care applications, Neem Oil is suggested to help address dandruff concerns and maintain the scalp’s natural moisture levels. It may also support hair health by protecting it against factors like pollution and other environmental stressors. Regular use on the scalp may help in moisturizing the hair strands and nourishing the scalp, potentially leading to healthier-looking hair with improved manageability. 

CULTIVATING AND HARVESTING QUALITY NEEM OIL

The hardy, evergreen Neem tree is botanically related to the Mahogany tree and is found in the sunlit, dry regions of Southeast Asia as well as other tropical and sub-tropical regions. It does not survive in extended periods of cold weather, in freezing temperatures, or in soils with inadequate water drainage. The tree can grow in any type of soil, including types that are rocky, acidic, saline, alkaline, shallow, or hardpan near the soil’s surface, as well as on soils with pH levels up to 8.5. The Neem tree is known to benefit the environment by increasing soil fertility, emanating a higher amount of oxygen than other trees, and by neutralizing soil acidity. The Neem tree is known to sometimes live longer than two centuries.

The Neem tree has a deep taproot system that can sometimes grow to be twice the height of the tree, especially in young Neem trees, and it can thrive on meagre amounts of water, making it drought-resistant. Its branches are widespread and bear white flowers from which smooth green fruits, or “drupes,” grow and ripen to a golden yellow color. The trees begin to bloom after reaching an age of 2-3 years and the drupes begin to develop after 3-5 years. After 10 years, trees can produce up to 50 kg of fruits per year. The fruits are oval, or “ellipsoidal,” in shape and enclose a sweet pulp that further encloses a white seed/nut, which has an outer shell and holds up to three brown kernels. Neem tree fruits are usually produced once a year, but some regions with more moisture can see growth twice a year.

The ripened Neem fruits either fall from the trees on their own, or they are shaken, picked, or stripped off the trees. The pulp must be removed as soon as possible within 45 hours after the fruits are harvested, and this can be done by rubbing pulp against an abrasive surface while they are still wet. After the pulp is removed and the fruit stones have been washed with water to remove any remaining fruit flesh, the cleaned white seeds/nuts are obtained. In some regions, producers leave the cleaning of the seeds to fruit bats and birds, as they feed on the fruit pulp and spit out the cleaned seeds afterward. Because the seeds are distributed far and wide by these and other creatures such as baboons, Neem trees become “weed-like” in their far-reaching dissemination and are rarely affected by the growth of real weeds.

HOW IS NEEM OIL EXTRACTED?

Neem Carrier Oil is obtained from the fruits, seeds, seed kernels, or seed cake by cold-pressing, steam and high-pressure extraction, or solvent extraction.

The first step of any method is to remove the pulp from the seeds and then to air dry the seeds in a cool room with low humidity. Next, the seeds have their husks removed before proceeding to the method of extraction.

In the cold-pressing method, which is the oldest method, fresh, light green kernels are crushed and pressed to release their oils, which are then collected. Seeds that are fresh will produce oils that are light in color and that emit lighter, more tolerable scents. Kernels that are old or rancid will yield oil that is dark and that emits a strong, unpleasant odor similar to that of sulfur. Of all the Neem Carrier Oil extraction methods, cold-pressing yields the highest quality virgin oil consisting of all the active constituents. A second pressing yields an oil quality that is best suited for manufacturing soaps and insect repellents.

In the steam and high-pressure extraction method, the kernels are steamed to boost the flow of oils for the next step, which is subjecting them to high pressure to squeeze out their oils. In this method, the resultant oil is dark and emits an unpleasant odor and the oil’s valuable properties can potentially be destroyed by the application of heat.

In the solvent extraction method, the kernels are finely crushed and placed in a container in which they are soaked with an organic solvent, usually Hexane, which draws out the Neem Oil. Once the solvent has been recovered, the remaining oil is comparatively clear. In this method, many of the oil’s pungent constituents, which are not soluble in Hexane, will remain behind, thus making the finished product suitable for use in the health products and cosmetic applications. Alternatively, the kernels can be pressed first, which would result in a seed cake, which could then have any remaining oil extracted with the use of Hexane.

There are various colors of Neem Carrier Oil ranging between golden yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown, dark brown, greenish brown, and bright red. It is known to have a strong odor that can be likened to a mixture of peanut and garlic aromas. The highest quality of Neem Oil is derived from Neem fruits that are picked from the tree rather than those that are collected after falling to the ground.

USES OF NEEM OIL

Neem Carrier Oil possesses numerous versatile applications, spanning from cosmetic to practical. It can be used as is or blended into formulas such as oils, gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and shampoos. As part of a natural skin care routine, Neem Oil may be used as a facial serum, supporting the skin’s moisture retention and promoting a healthier appearance. When blended with Coconut Oil, Neem Oil’s moisturizing properties can be enhanced to nourish extra-dry skin. This oil blend may be used alone or as a base for essential oils such as Lemon or Lavender for a pleasant fragrance. For oily or acne-prone skin types, Neem Carrier Oil combined with Olive Oil is suitable for use on areas affected by  , either as a short-term application or left overnight based on preference.  

To address a tight, flaky scalp, Neem Carrier Oil can be heated and applied to the hair, left to absorb for up to 3 hours, then washed out with herbal shampoo. Regular scalp massage with Neem Oil, alone or combined with Coconut Oil, can contribute to maintaining scalp health and hair moisture, potentially improving hair quality and appearance. Incorporating a few drops of Neem Oil into your shampoo may offer similar benefits. 

To promote healthy-looking nails and cuticles, consider soaking them in Neem Carrier Oil regularly until you achieve the desired results. Furthermore, incorporating Neem Oil into bath water can enhance deep bodily relaxation while leaving the skin moisturized, although applying it directly to affected areas could offer more targeted relief from itching and irritation. Neem Oil can also serve as an addition to liquid hand soap, supporting soft, healthy-looking skin and nails while keeping hands clean. To treat sore feet after a long day of standing, adding Neem Oil to a tub of warm water for a foot soak may offer relief.  

A GUIDE TO NEEM OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR NEEM OIL

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, carrier oils are for external use only. Neem Carrier Oil should not be ingested, and it should not be used on or near children, in case of accidental ingestion. As with all other oils, a patch test should be conducted on the inner arm using a dime size amount of Neem Oil to check for sensitivities.

Due to its potential abortifacient properties, which can possibly weaken fertility or induce spontaneous miscarriages, it is highly recommended that the use of Neem Carrier Oil – a traditional Ayurvedic contraceptive – be avoided by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, until there are conclusive studies establishing that there is no risk of injury or loss. Those with nut allergies should avoid using Neem Carrier Oil, as Neem seeds are essentially Neem “nuts.”

For those with Auto-Immune Diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is best to avoid using Neem Oil, as it can boost the symptoms of these diseases. Neem Carrier Oil can also diminish the effectiveness of medications that are taken to prevent organ rejection by the body, thus it should not be used by those who have recently undergone organ transplant surgery. Generally, Neem Oil should not be used at least 2 weeks before a surgery, as it may lower blood sugar levels during or after surgery. For this reason, individuals with diabetes are advised to monitor blood sugar levels carefully, if using Neem Oil. It may be necessary to change diabetes medication dosage.