Neem oil, also known as azadirachta indica, is extracted and refined from the seeds of the neem tree, which is abundant in Southeast Asia, India, and Africa.

It is highly regarded in horticulture and is often used to control plant pests. Remarkably, Neem plant oil is not only plant-friendly but also safe for humans. Historically, it has been widely used in shampoos, lotions, soaps, and toothpastes, demonstrating its gentle and safe properties. Neem oil also has medicinal properties and is occasionally used to treat skin ailments. Furthermore, Oil of neem has demonstrated superior mosquito repellency compared to common floral water. Interestingly, Indian scientists are exploring its potential as a contraceptive. Consequently, in India, this miraculous plant is hailed as a “natural pharmacy,” a “panacea,” and a “cure-all.”

Farmers have long used refined tree oil to control pests, a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Neem tree oil disrupts hormonal balance, effectively preventing the growth of harmful insects. Neem oil combats a wide range of pests and fungi, with both insecticide and fungicide properties, and can also inhibit the growth of new fungi, making it an effective multi-purpose plant protection tool.

Neem oil, a traditional plant oil, has demonstrated widespread application in pest control. Its packaging claims that it is effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, scale insects, mites (red spiders), Japanese beetles, locusts, common flies, and thrips. Furthermore, neem oil possesses antibacterial properties, combating fungi, preventing powdery mildew, and even combating leaf diseases such as black spot and rust. Therefore, it can be used not only as an insecticide but also as a fungicide, truly achieving the “one bottle, all insects” effect. Cold pressed neem oil​ is also unique in its bitter taste. When sprayed on plant leaves and stems, this bitter oil acts as a natural barrier to insects, deterring them from roosting in these areas and indirectly acting as an insect repellent. Notably, this bitter taste has no adverse effects on larger, beneficial animals like bees and birds.

However, horticulturists recommend avoiding spraying neem oil directly into the habitats of beneficial animals like bees and beetles to ensure they don’t disrupt the growth of their eggs. While beneficial insects like bees typically don’t consume leaves and are therefore not significantly harmed, this advice is still recommended as a precaution.

Neem oil doesn’t kill insects directly; rather, it starves them by depriving them of their appetite after consuming the leaves. It also effectively suppresses insect reproduction. Therefore, consistent and repeated application of neem oil is recommended, with weekly spraying recommended for three times.

For mold control, neem oil doesn’t directly eliminate existing mold, but rather effectively prevents the development of new mold. When using neem oil, be sure to coat both sides of the leaves. You can purchase pre-mixed neem oil from gardening stores or pure neem oil from a store and mix it with water. If using pure neem oil, it’s recommended to mix one teaspoon of neem oil with one liter of water, adding half a teaspoon of soapy water for better adhesion. If soapy water is unavailable, dishwashing liquid can be used instead, which will provide similar results. When spraying neem oil, ensure that both the top and bottom of the leaves are evenly coated. Repeat the spraying every seven days for three consecutive times to see significant results.

Neem oil can be added to shampoo to relieve itchy scalp and reduce dandruff, and it can also help treat parasites in pets, making it suitable for both scalp and pet care. Adding a few drops of pure neem oil to your daily shampoo can effectively relieve itchy scalp and reduce dandruff. Additionally, adding a moderate amount of neem oil to your pet’s shampoo can easily treat parasite problems like lice and fleas.