Can You Use Neem Oil As Birth Control? What (Else) Can You Use It For?

Is It True That Neem Oil Is an All-Natural Form of Birth Control?

Okay, so you saw what this sistah in the Instagram post just did, right? If it low-key sounds crazy to you…it shouldn’t. The reality is there is science to back up that, at the very least, neem oil can be treated as an all-natural type of spermicide. The way it works is, if you apply it to your vaginal opening and to your partner’s penis right before intercourse, neem oil has the ability to kill sperm.

In fact, one study revealed that when 238 women used neem oil in this way, approximately five minutes before intercourse, only nine became pregnant during a 1-3 year period. Hmph. When you stop to think that 1 in 5 women typically get pregnant from the pull-out method, those odds are actually semi-impressive.

So, should you just run out to your local health store and cop a bottle of the oil? Well, you definitely should run your decision by your doctor first so that you can get even more intel about the pros, cons and risks. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that this method is not FDA-approved and it can sometimes be so potent that you could end up irritating your vagina.

Still, even with all that I just said, it can’t hurt to do your own additional research when it comes to using neem oil as a contraceptive alternative; especially if hormonal birth control is something that really doesn’t sit well with you (for whatever the reason).

Oh, and while we’re on the topic of neem oil, even if you don’t need it for birth control reasons, there are still several solid reasons for why you should have a couple of bottles in your possession. I’ve included seven of ‘em.

1. Neem Oil Is a Solid Antioxidant 

Something that is pretty darn impressive about neem (extract) oil is it contains a whopping 140 different active compounds including ones that are potent antioxidants. Since it also has anti-inflammatory properties in it too, if you happen to have an ulcer or you simply want to reduce some oxidative stress (so that your liver and kidneys can remain in an optimal state), neem oil is an all-natural way to benefit your health and well-being when it comes to both of these issues…and much more.

2. Neem Oil Can Help to Heal Skin Issues

Whenever you get a pimple, there is some inflammation that transpires. In fact, hyperpigmentation that comes after a breakout is typically because your body overproduced melanin in order to get the inflammation down. That said, because neem oil is so powerful when it comes to its anti-inflammation elements and since it also contains antimicrobial properties and fatty acids as well, you can apply it to a zit to speed up the healing process or mix it with a carrier oil to achieve/maintain healthy skin altogether (especially if you happen to have eczema or psoriasis or you want your skin to look younger for a longer period of time).

3. Neem Oil Reduces Dandruff

Dandruff transpires as the direct result of your scalp producing too much fungus/yeast known as Malassezia. That said, guess what else neem oil is considered to be? It’s an antifungal oil too! Not only that but it contains an active ingredient known as nimbidin that can help to hinder the build-up of Malassezia, reduce scalp irritation and suppress the inflammation that is sometimes associated with dandruff. Very cool.

4. Neem Oil Can Keep Your Hair Healthy

Aside from what I just said about dandruff, there are properties in neem oil that can help to keep your hair healthy, period. For instance, if you blend it with a carrier oil like jojoba, it can significantly reduce any frizz that you may have; that way, your natural curls can end up having more curl definition. Also, since it helps to strengthen your hair follicles, neem oil may be able to assist in you experiencing less hair breakage — which means that you will be able to retain more hair length over time.

5. Neem Oil Helps to Maintain Oral Health

This month, I have to have minor oral surgery — and a sistah is not at all thrilled about it. Although I adore my (new) dentist, who wants to get cut and drilled on (which is exactly why I am opting to be sedated)? On top of that, even though I have dental insurance, this ish is not about to be cheap. SMDH.

Moral to the story here — always be as proactive as possible about your oral health and, thanks to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are in neem oil, it can help you out with your teeth and gums too.

Whether you are trying to naturally treat or prevent tooth decay, you want to try to avoid gum disease, you want your teeth to appear whiter, you desire stronger enamel or you’re looking for temporary relief from a toothache — it’s neem oil to the rescue on all fronts.

6. Neem Oil Improves Digestive Health

It’s super important to always remember that 80 percent of your immunity is housed in your gut. That said, in the realm of Ayurvedic medicine (check out “10 Ayurveda-Inspired Wellness Practices For A Balanced Fall & Winter”), neem oil has been long hailed as a way to bring relief to minor digestive issues. It does this by using its properties to soothe an upset stomach while reducing unpleasant symptoms such as gas and bloating.

7. Neem Oil May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

As if we haven’t already learn enough about how neem oil can be a real blessing, if you’re someone who wants tokeep your blood sugar levels where they need to be, this oil may be able to help in this department too. The long story short with this one issome studies have revealed that neem oil has the ability to revive some of the cells that help to produce insulin. As a direct result, that can help to lower blood sugar levels. Now how dope is that?

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Hmph. Talk about an oil that is an unsung hero.

What are you waiting for? Cop some and see how (well) it works for you!