Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the neem tree. It is yellow to brown, has a bitter taste, and a garlic/sulfur smell. Neem oil is a mixture of components, and the most active component for repelling and killing pests is azadirachtin, which can be extracted from neem oil. The portion left over after extraction is called clarified hydrophobic neem oil. Neem oil has been used for hundreds of years to control pests and diseases, and it is used in over 100 pesticide products. Neem oil and some of its purified components are used in many products today, including toothpaste, cosmetics, soaps, and pet shampoos.
In gardening, neem oil is a powerful organic solution to control insects and disease in lawns and gardens. It is safe to use around pets and is biodegradable. Neem oil can be used to ward off pests when used correctly. In Ayurvedic folk medicine, neem oil has a history of use as an antiseptic, antifungal, antipyretic, and antihistamine. However, the ingestion of neem oil is potentially toxic and can cause metabolic acidosis, seizures, kidney failure, encephalopathy, and other health problems.
