I still remember the first time I heard about neem oil.
A friend of mine, who has the most beautiful garden I have ever seen, swore by it. I was complaining about some bugs eating my rose bushes, and she simply handed me a bottle of this strong-smelling oil. “Just try it,” she said. I did, and I have never looked back.
Since then, I have learned that this oil is not just for plants. It is a bit of a wonder product that has found a permanent spot in my home. If you have been hearing about it and wondering what all the fuss is about, let me share what I have learned.
What exactly is it?
To put it simply, this oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree.
It has been used for hundreds of years in places like India, but it is becoming very popular here in the UK now. It is thick, has a yellow-brown colour, and I must be honest—it has a very strong smell. Some people say it smells like garlic or sulphur.
It might take some getting used to, but the results are worth it.
Why I Love It for My Skin?
I have always struggled with dry skin, especially in the winter.
I found that many store-bought creams were just not doing the trick. That is when I decided to try mixing a little bit of this oil into my routine.
The fatty acids in the oil are great for keeping skin soft. It helps to lock in moisture, which is exactly what my dry skin needs. I also found it helpful for those annoying spots that pop up from time to time. Because it helps keep the skin clean, it seems to calm down redness and stop spots from getting worse.
Just a small tip from my own experience: never put it directly on your face without mixing it first. It is very potent!
I always mix a few drops with a carrier oil, like almond or coconut oil, before applying it.
Giving Life Back to Dull Hair
If you suffer from an itchy scalp or dandruff, this might be the solution you need.
I used to buy expensive shampoos that promised to get rid of flakes, but they often left my hair feeling dry. I started adding a little bit of the oil to my regular shampoo.
It helps to soothe the scalp and can reduce that itchy feeling.
It also seems to make my hair look healthier and shinier. It feeds the hair roots and can even help with hair growth by keeping the scalp healthy.
A Gardener’s Best Friend
This is where my journey started, and it is still my favourite use for the oil. If you enjoy gardening, you know how heartbreaking it is to see your hard work destroyed by pests.
I use neem oil as a natural spray for my plants.
It works wonders on greenflies, whiteflies, and mites. The best part is that it is natural, so I don’t feel bad about using harsh chemicals in my garden. It stops the bugs from feeding and growing, which saves my plants without harming the environment.
To make a spray, I just mix a small amount with water and a tiny bit of washing-up liquid (to help it mix).
I spray it on the leaves in the evening, and my plants stay happy and healthy.
How to Use It Safely?
While this product is natural, it is powerful. Here are a few things I keep in mind:
- Dilute it: As I mentioned, always mix it with another oil or water.
- Patch test: Before putting it all over your skin, put a tiny bit on your arm and wait a day to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
- Watch the smell: It is strong! If you use it on your skin or hair, you might want to use it at night or mix it with a nice-smelling essential oil like lavender to mask the scent.
Final Thoughts
It is rare to find one product that can do so much.
From clearing up my skin to saving my roses, it has truly proven its worth.
It is a simple, natural solution that doesn’t cost a fortune. If you can get past the smell, I think you will find it to be an incredibly useful tool to have in your house. Whether you want softer skin, a healthier scalp, or a thriving garden, it is definitely worth a try.