Neem oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the fruit of the neem tree. These trees are commonly found throughout Asia and India. The oil has many different uses and is vigorously used to treat a variety of medical conditions throughout Asia and India. Many American physicians are beginning to see the benefits of this useful oil. However, there can be some disadvantages that may deter some people from using the oil.
Strong Smell
Neem oil has a very strong and pungent smell. This can be a problem for someone who is already very sensitive to smells. The actual smell of neem oil is a very sulfurous smell and can be similar to that of rotten eggs. It is this same pungent smell that makes it useful as a bug repellent. However, the smell can sometimes be overpowering and easily sicken someone who is not used to it. Therefore, to help minimize the foul smell many people choose to dilute the oil with water. Others mix the oil with more pleasant smelling oils such as peppermint or lavender oil. These tricks can help to greatly reduce the odor neem oil emits.
Bitter Taste
Usually neem oil is reserved for some type of bodily application for an illness or condition or to use as a bug repellent. However, neem oil is commonly used to treat mouth ailments and dental problems. This leads us to another equally problematic disadvantage of neem oil. When put in the mouth, neem oil has a very bitter taste. This bitter taste can be very disagreeable to some people and even cause gagging and dry heaves. In fact, drinking the oil can cause nausea and vomiting for some people with sensitive stomachs or sensitive taste buds. To remedy this problem, some people like to make a tea out of the neem tree leaves that is somewhat less bitter and less risky than drinking the oil.
Dangers
In other countries (India and Asia), neem oil is sometimes ingested to treat various diseases and conditions that are found within the human body. However, when ingested, neem oil has been known to result in severe illness and death of adults and children. It is especially dangerous to babies and children and therefore is not recommended in the United States for use with children. According to the Discover Neem website, in a study performed in 1982 it was found that neem ingested by children or infants may cause swelling of the brain, damage the liver and other organs and can be potentially fatal.
Kristie Jernigan - Kristie Janeway Jernigan has worked in the health care arena for over 20 years. She has a Masters degree in Health Administration and is ...
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