Description:
Neem oil is derived from Azadirachta indica, which belongs to Meliaceae family. Neem tree is native to India and its sub continent such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It grows well in tropical and semi tropical regions. It is fast growing tree and it can grow up to 15-20 mts and its branches wide spread. Neem oil has many skin and health care benefits.
Extraction:
Neem oil is acquired from seeds kernels through cold pressed or by solvent extraction of the neem.
Properties:
Neem oil is golden yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown and dark brown or greenish brown in colours depending on harvest time and also on its growing condition. It has strong bitter aroma and have combination of peanut and garlic.
Composition:
Neem oil is composed of triglycerides, triterpenoid (Azadirachitin) and contains steroids such as campestral, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol.
Blending:
Neem oil is well blends with sweet almond oil, grape seed oil or jojoba oil.
Uses:
Neem oil has healing property because it contains Vit. C, Beta carotene and is rich in fatty acids and glycerides.
It is used for the treatment of malaria, tetanus infections, tuberculosis, jaundice, ringworm, lice, fungal and bacterial infections of the skin, hives and scabies.
It is effective against skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, septic sores, rashes, burn and acne.
It has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
It provides relief from redness include facial redness, bumps and pimples.
Neem oil is used as an organic pesticide because of its limonoids contents which helps to kill varroa population.
Neem oil is used in hair care as it prevent dandruff and other hair problems, protects scalp skin from damage by free radicals and nourishes and conditions the scalp and hair , provide smooth and luxurious shine to hair
Neem oil promotes thicker, stronger and more luxurious hair growth and provides conditioning to dry and nourishment to hair.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide as it prevents unwanted pests from destroying plants and reduce pest by repelling them and inhibiting their larval growth, fertility, mating and egg lying.
Neem oil rejuvenates skin cells, it smoothes wrinkles, stimulates collagen, alleviate dry skin and reduces eczema and acne and restore elasticity.
It has insect repellant property so that used as mosquito repellant and prevent malaria.
It provides relief from head lice and nits as neem oil contain azadirachitin, an insecticidal ingredient which prevent growth of lice.
It is effective against human fungi such as microsporum, Candida, geotrichum etc.
Safety and Precaution:
Avoid use while pregnant or trying to conceive as it can impair fertility or promote miscarriage.
Keep away from reach of children as it can cause liver problems.
Specification of Neem oil:-
Appearance – A brown coloured, viscous liquid.
Solubility – Insoluble in water
Odour – Characteristics aroma of typical neem
Colour – Not deeper than 45
Physio Chemical Properties:-
Azadirachitin (A+B) – NLT 1000 ppm
Moisture and Insoluble impurities – NMT 0.3%
Refractive Index (at 40°C) – 1.459 TO 1.472
Saponification Value – 180 to 205
Iodine Value – 65 to 80
Acid Value – NMT 15
Unsaponifiable Matter – NMT 2.0%
Titre°C – 36°C
Heavy Metals
Total Heavy metals – Less than 20 ppm
Arsenic – Less than 3 ppm
Lead – Less than 5 ppm
Storage – In well fitted container in cool and dark place.
