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All you need to know about Neem

All about...

The use of Neem in the West is very recent. Until recently, Neem was still a well-kept secret in traditional Indian culture. Interest in this 'tree of wonders' is explained by its innumerable properties...

Neem is appreciated for its cosmetic qualities, but not only - it has many other qualities which are sometimes unsuspected - thanks to the pollination of its flowers, good quality honey can be produced, it fights against desertification, its protein-rich leaves feed animals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has even called the Neem 'the tree of the 21st century'.

Identity sheet

Name: Azadirachta indica
Other names: Neem, Nimba (in Sanskrit), Free Tree, Persian Lilac, "Village Pharmacist"
Origin: India, Burma, tropical Africa, Brazil, South America
Botanical family: Meliaceae
Parts used: Neem roots, seeds, fruit, seeds, leaves, resin, bark

How to store Neem oil:

To make the most of the effects of your neem oil, store it away from light and moisture in its hermetically sealed bottle. Your product is best preserved in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Below a temperature of 25°C, this oil may solidify.
Don't worry, you can still use it. Simply warm the oil slightly in a bain-marie. If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse for several minutes, keeping the eyelids open. If swallowed, rinse mouth.

How to store Neem powder :

Neem powder: Neem powder should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly.
Neem powder has no particular contraindications, except that it is not edible.

Neem oil: We recommend that you never heat your neem oil above 60°C. This will cause the oil to break down, and may lead to the death of the product. This would cause the active ingredients to disappear and reduce the effectiveness of your neem oil. The oil is for external use only, so it can only be applied to the skin and hair.
As this oil is very powerful, we advise you to dilute it in other vegetable oils or body butters before application. This will also help minimize its odor, which can be quite strong.
This product is not recommended for children under 3 years of age, or for pregnant and breastfeeding women (it may act as an endocrine disrupter).

What is Neem?

Neem is a plant with numerous benefits for the human body. It acts on hair and skin, as well as on health. It also has very interesting nutritive and curative properties.

In India, some even call it "the healer of all ills". This shrub is well known for its insect-repellent properties.

Neem bark, fruit and leaves alone contain over a hundred chemical substances. Among them is azadirachtin. This is one of the most effective bio-insecticides known.

Neem protects vegetables, plants and animals from flies, aphids and other parasites.


History, origin and cultivation of Neem

Neem is a small shrub native to India and Burma. It generally grows in hot regions (tropical and arid). Neem is also found in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand. Because of its adaptability, the plant can be found as far afield as the deserts of the Sahel and Malaysia.
Azadirachta indica is sometimes confused with its cousin Melia azédarach, also known as neem. However, the latter can grow in climates with much lower temperatures (-10°C). When fully grown, Neem grows to between 2 and 5 metres in height. In its native India, it can even reach 25 to 30 meters in height. It flowers in May and is harvested between August and September. However, flowering and fruiting are highly dependent on zone and climate.

In Thailand, for example, neem flowers grow all year round, whereas in East Africa they grow at very different times. Neem flowers are white and give off a sweet honey-like scent.
Neem has serrated leaves measuring 3 to 8cm in length. They grow rapidly. Because of its foliage, which can be very dense, neem makes a perfect shade tree.
It is often planted along avenues in cities and near roads in certain tropical countries. Neem fruits are similar to small olives, orange-yellow to green in color. They are about 3 cm long. The fruit is also highly prized by birds, bats and sometimes even humans. Neem is an excellent repellent against flies, aphids, beetles and mosquitoes.

Neem has a strong scientific and medical presence in India. It also has a strong cultural history in India. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to pray under a Neem tree, and enjoyed eating its leaves in his chutneys (a traditional Indian dish). It's true that they're highly nutritious.
Cultivated for over 4,000 years, written records have been found in India mentioning this plant with 1001 virtues. In Indian culture, the tree is sacred and said to protect.

According to Indian mythology, Neem has a divine origin. Indra, the god of war and time, inadvertently spilled a few drops of the nectar of the gods: the "milk of the ocean". These drops fell to Earth and gave rise to the famous plant we know today as Neem...
The name of this plant comes from the Sanskrit "Nimbati Swastyamdadati", meaning "that gives good health". As for its Latin name, "Azadirachta indica", the word "Azadirachta" is of Persian origin and translates as "free, noble, independent tree". The second part, "indica", simply means "Indian", as the tree is mainly found in India.

Neem leaves are very rich in protein. However, due to their bitterness, only goats and camels use them as fodder. Neem flowers, on the other hand, are eaten as a condiment in Burma. The wood of the neem tree is used as fuel, either as is or in the form of charcoal. It is highly resistant to termites and other wood-eating beasts. Its bark can also be used to make ropes.
Neem's young branches and twigs are often used for brushing teeth, as they promote good oral health. Neem has many uses: soaps, toothpaste, lighting, cosmetics, pesticides, disinfectants, glue with its resin, tannin, fertilizer..

Neem in figures

  • 200 years: This is the lifespan of neem.
  • 150 mm: This is the amount of rainwater Neem needs to grow.
  • 5 years: The time it takes for Neem fruits to appear.
  • 30 kg: A mature tree can produce up to 30kg of seeds each year.

How to obtain neem oil and powder?

Extraction and harvesting of neem oil

Neem seeds are harvested when they are fully ripe. At this point, they have a beautiful yellow color. The seeds are then removed and shelled. Only the kernel is retained for cold pressing. This cold pressing yields the precious oil.

After pressing, the solid residue known as "oilcake" is often preserved for further use. They are then sold as natural fertilizers.

Extraction and harvesting of neem powder

To obtain neem powder, fresh neem leaves are first dried. They are then ground and sieved.
This process enables neem powder to be recovered, preserving its qualities and benefits. Some distributors on the market offer neem powders mixed with other products.
Generally speaking, neem powder will be green in color if it is made exclusively from dried neem leaves. If the powder is white, it is likely to have a chemical origin. Finally, if it is brown in color, neem powder is probably mixed with bark or small crushed branches.

How to obtain neem oil and powder?

Benefits of Neem oil

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Face

  • Purifies skin prone to imperfections
  • Softens skin
  • Emollient
  • Soothes irritated skin (anti-inflammatory)
  • Restores skin elasticity
  • Antioxidant and regenerating
  • Fights acne
  • Antibacterial

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Body

  • Natural mosquito repellent
  • Relieves joint pain
  • Can help prevent malaria
  • Fights staphylococcus aureus
  • Intensely nourishes drier skin
  • Promotes tissue circulation
  • Natural detoxifier
  • Fights skin fungus, eczema and psoriasis

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Hair

  • Eliminates dandruff
  • Relieves itchy scalp
  • Cleanses the scalp
  • Natural anti-lice treatment
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Strengthens hair and makes it more beautiful

Benefits of Neem Powder

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Face

  • Cleanses the skin
  • Detoxifies
  • Regulates oily skin
  • Tightens pores
  • Prevents and fights periodontitis, cavities and abscesses in the mouth
  • Relieves pain associated with oral problems (periodontitis, cavities, abscesses)
  • Natural toothpaste

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Body

  • Natural deodorant

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Hair

  • Strengthens hair roots
  • Fights and prevents the appearance of dandruff
  • Cleanses the scalp
  • Natural anti-lice

Uses of Neem Oil

Neem oil can be combined with moisturizing milks, vegetable oils, essential oils, plant powders or hair care bases. It can be used as a face or hair mask, serum..

For all skin types

Thanks to its purifying and antibacterial properties, this oil is ideal for oily and blemished skin.
It is also suitable for other skin types.

Make an anti-acne mask with neem oil
To make a DIY anti-acne serum, mix 30% Neem oil, 30% Nigella oil and 40% Grape seed oil. This is an effective treatment for reducing and minimizing blemishes. It will also purify the skin and reduce the visibility of your pores. For your hair

For which hair type?

Neem oil is suitable for all hair types
Neem helps treat scalp concerns such as itching.

Flea-repellent shampoo
To relieve your pets, strongly dilute neem oil in sulfate-free shampoo base. You can also make a spray and spray it on your pets' coats.

Other uses

Neem oil is also an excellent natural flea repellent for animals and plants.

Uses of Neem Powder

Neem to boost the immune system in the face of respiratory problems
Neem has been found to help strengthen the immune system, as well as the respiratory system and lungs. It can therefore be useful for relieving symptoms such as breathing difficulties linked to infections and viruses (e.g. flu).

Natural toothpaste in 2 minutes
Pour a small amount of neem powder onto your toothbrush. Moisten with a little water and brush your teeth. You can also add coconut oil to your toothbrush. It has antibacterial properties and helps whiten tooth enamel.

FAQ

Applications
My neem oil has solidified. Can I continue to use it?

Yes, absolutely, as long as you haven't exceeded its shelf life. Like coconut oil, it can sometimes solidify when temperatures drop. To return it to its liquid form, warm neem oil slightly in a bain-marie.

Can I mix neem powder with other vegetable oils or essential oils?

Neem powder can be mixed with the vegetable oils, essential oils, floral waters or plant powders of your choice. This way, you can multiply the effects of these different products.

Find all our DIY recipes using Neem powder on the blog and on the product sheet.

Neem oil and powder seem very powerful. Is it safe to use them on sensitive skin?

These products are safe to use on sensitive skin. They are even recommended for soothing irritated skin. You can combine them with gentle plant oils if you wish.

Can Neem oil be used on animals?

Yes, you can use it to protect your animals. You can wash horses, dogs and cats with Neem oil to disinfect them and prevent fleas and other parasites and pests.

Neem oil spray will disinfect stables and barns.

Diluted in a shampoo, Neem oil acts as a repellent against fleas, ticks, lice... Finally, thanks to its fungicidal properties, it destroys fungi.

Texture and fragrance
Is it true that neem oil has a fairly strong odour?

Indeed, this oil has a very strong odor. To mitigate this, it can be diluted with other vegetable oils, or essential oils can be added to neem oil preparations.

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