Holistic Health Aromatherapy & Essential Oils The Health Benefits of Neem Oil The Ayurvedic Herbal Oil May Protect Skin and Hair By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc on July 09, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, is a board-certified acupuncturist, as well as an herbalist and integrative medicine doctor. He operates a private practice in Santa Monica, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc on July 09, 2020 Print Neem oil is a natural substance extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), an evergreen native to India. Long used in certain systems of traditional medicine (such as Ayurveda), neem oil is thought to offer a number of benefits when applied to the skin and hair. Neem oil contains several fatty acids thought to be beneficial to the skin, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. abc / Getty Images Health Benefits In alternative medicine, neem oil is often used in the treatment of problems like dandruff and dry scalp. In these cases, neem oil is typically diluted in a carrier oil, massaged into the scalp, and left to sit for a period of time (usually 30 minutes or more) before rinsing. In addition, neem oil is used to treat nail fungus and acne. Neem oil is also said to soften the skin. Some proponents also suggest that neem oil can act as a natural insect repellent. Compounds found in neem oil called "azadirachtins" are thought to possess insecticidal properties. Although research on the medicinal use of neem oil is fairly limited, there's some evidence that the oil may act as an antimicrobial (a type of substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi). A number of studies also show that shampoos containing neem oil may help treat head lice. In a 2011 study published in Parasitology Research, for example, scientists used a neem-based shampoo on 12 children with head lice. They found that a one-time, 10-minute treatment with the shampoo destroyed all head lice. Repeating the experiment with eight other children, the study's authors observed that a one-time, 20-minute treatment delivered similar results. What's more, several other studies suggest that that neem-based shampoo may get rid of head lice and their eggs without triggering any side effects. Potential Side Effects Since some individuals experience allergic reactions to neem oil, it's important to discontinue use of the oil if you experience symptoms such as itching or reddening of the skin. It should also be noted that neem oil has a strong, pungent smell similar to that of garlic or sulfur. In addition, neem oil should not be taken orally unless under the direction of a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional. Dosage and Preparation There is not enough scientific data to provide a recommended dose of need oil. Different doses have been used in clinical trials. For example, in studies investigating insect bites, a cream containing 1%, 2%, or 5% neem oil has been used. The appropriate dose for you may depend on factors including your age, gender, and medical history. Speak to your healthcare provider to get personalized advice. What to Look For Neem oil is sold online and many health food stores. Many sources recommend 100 percent pure, organic or cold pressed neem oil. Neem oil should be yellow-ish and have a smell that is similar to garlic. Due to the lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend neem oil as a treatment for any condition. If you're considering using it, talk to your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kumar VS, Navaratnam V. Neem (Azadirachta indica): prehistory to contemporary medicinal uses to humankind. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(7):505-14. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60105-7 National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University. Neem oil. Updated March 2012. Hashmat I, Azad H, Ahmed A. Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) - A nature's drugstore: An overview. I Res J Biological Sci. 2012;1(6):76-79. Benelli G, Canale A, Toniolo C, et al. Neem (Azadirachta indica): towards the ideal insecticide?. Nat Prod Res. 2017;31(4):369-386. doi:10.1080/14786419.2016.1214834 Abdel-Ghaffar F, Al-Quraishy S, Al-Rasheid KA, Mehlhorn H. Efficacy of a single treatment of head lice with a neem seed extract: an in vivo and in vitro study on nits and motile stages. Parasitol Res. 2012;110(1):277-80. doi:10.1007/s00436-011-2484-3 Mehlhorn H, Abdel-Ghaffar F, Al-Rasheid KA, Schmidt J, Semmler M. Ovicidal effects of a neem seed extract preparation on eggs of body and head lice. Parasitol Res. 2011;109(5):1299-302. doi:10.1007/s00436-011-2374-8