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Culinary

What is Neem Extract?

By Synthia L. Rose
Updated May 17, 2024
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Neem extract is a highly concentrated form of neem, which consists of chemicals distilled from the bark and leaves of the Azadirachta indica tree and suspended in a liquid usually comprised of alcohol and glycerin. The extract, typically applied with an eye dropper in daily dosages of between five to 15 drops, is believed to be more powerful than capsules and loose neem powder. An Ayurvedic agent full of terpenoids and fatty acids, neem extract has been lauded for its ability to fight parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Herbalists often recommend neem extract as an anchor for dental hygiene. For swollen gum tissue that is bleeding, a few drops of the extract can be applied directly to the gum line or massaged into the infected tissue to immediately halt bleeding and begin healing the diseased area. The anti-bacterial nature of the extract makes it effective in fighting gingivitis when used as an oral rinse; many neem users make the rinse by diluting 10 drops of the extract in a cup (240 mL) of water. This concoction can be used for gargling and swishing, but should not be swallowed. Neem extract is extremely strong and can sting and burn sensitive tissues if not diluted.

In addition to oral health, neem extract an also be used for immune system support. Additionally, patients with diabetes often use the botanical extract to regulate blood sugar. The herbal extract has also become popular as a detoxification supplement since studies show it has blood-cleansing powers. The anti-fungal properties of neem extract make it useful in fighting vaginal yeast and athlete’s foot. Digested, the herbal tincture can fight trichosporon, which is a fungus that infects the intestines.

Adults, according to holistic medicinal traditions, can ingest small amounts of neem extract to fight a range of illnesses from meningitis to food poisoning caused by salmonella bacteria or staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Children, however, are often advised not to take neem. Some studies suggest that infants and children digesting neem can suffer convulsions and even brain swelling.

Applied on the skin in diluted form, neem extract can cure a range of dermal diseases. Eczema and ringworm on the nails, feet, and scalp can allegedly be cured by systematic application of neem extract over a period of five to 10 days. The herb also purportedly shows the ability to heal infections related to burned skin, abscesses, and boils. It can also treat scrofula, which is a form of tuberculosis that can infect skin on the neck.

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Discussion Comments

By myharley — On Aug 30, 2011

When my daughter was a teenager, she had some acne and oily skin. I found a neem oil soap that did a really good job of controlling the oil.

This was an organic bar soap that had lemongrass, patchouli and neem oil in it. If she used this on a regular basis, it helped control the oil on her face without drying out her skin.

It costs about $5.00 for one bar, but she only used it on her face, so it lasted her a long time and was well worth the money.

By LisaLou — On Aug 30, 2011

Whenever I use neem extract I always make sure it is diluted and follow the directions for whatever application I want to make.

I have had great results with using neem tree oil to deter fleas. I will mix a little of this in with the shampoo when I give my dog a bath, and we haven't had any flea problems since.

I also like to use it in a mixture on my houseplants to keep the bugs and pests from destroying them.

I had one plant that had a sticky residue on it, and after using some neem tree oil in some water a few times, the sticky residue went away, and the plant looks great.

By Mykol — On Aug 30, 2011

When you read about neem extract, there really is a long list of neem oil benefits. It is a strong oil and needs to be used with caution, but I know many people who have had good results with it.

I have been tempted to try it for the plaque build up in my mouth. While most people can get by with having their teeth cleaned every 6 months, I have to go every 3 three months because I get so much plaque on my teeth.

I have been reading about the benefits of using neem leaf extract as a mouthwash and to help with dental issues including plaque build up.

After my next teeth cleaning, I plan to use a dropper full every day until my next appointment and see if I notice a difference.

By serenesurface — On Aug 29, 2011

@ysmina-- That makes sense because I remember using an all natural neem lice shampoo on my daughter when she got lice at school some years ago.

My close friend, who has been suffering from arthritis for many years swears by this stuff too. She says that her arthritis pains are much milder when she takes neem extract. She normally can't even do shopping by herself but has started to get around on her own since taking neem leaf extract.

I think neem is really good for inflammation and arthritis is an inflammation problem. I'm sure it would benefit many other skin, bone and muscle diseases that cause inflammation too.

By discographer — On Aug 28, 2011

I read about neem extract on a forum. They were saying that neem extract can be used as a contraceptive and even pointed out some studies which show the same thing.

Apparently men can consume neem extract which reduces fertility but doesn't do any damage to the reproductive capacity. If you stop taking it, you're fertile again.

Has anyone heard about this or actually tried this before? I'm weary about the risks and side effects of other contraceptive pills. If neem extract really works as a contraceptive, I'd love to try it.

By ysmina — On Aug 28, 2011

I've never used neem extract for myself but I do use it regularly to keep insects and pests away from my plants and flowers in the garden. I mix the extract with water and spray on my plants that insects seem to love.

It also worked great on spider mite that wouldn't leave my plans alone couple of years ago. It does take some patience though because it doesn't work overnight. I generally spray them everyday for a couple of weeks. I believe the smell of neem really bothers insects and mites and I also read that it prevents them from reproducing. So it's a very dependable and safe solution.

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