Neem oil is extracted from the whole fruit and seeds of the tropical tree Azadirachta indica, also known as the Indian Lilac. As the name indicates, this tree is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent where it enjoys the status as a sacred tree and cure-all. This medium-sized evergreen tree now has a worldwide distribution, growing wild in almost any kind of soil and terrain in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Neem oil is a brownish yellow liquid with a strong garlicky smell and extremely bitter taste. The biochemical compounds contributing to the antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of neem oil belong to a group of triterpenoid compounds known as limonoids, which are also found in the citrus family. Azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbolide, meliantriol and salannin are some of the limonoids found in neem, the most potent among them being azadirachtin. Neem oil is an excellent skin conditioner, particularly for dry skin which is most commonly found on the face, hands and the feet because they are the most exposed and most frequently washed parts of the body. Being hydrophobic in nature, neem oil does not mix with water, so it locks in moisture when applied in a thin layer over the skin. Neem oil also resists getting washed off when we wash our hands and face to get rid of dust and grime.
