Yes! Neem oil does kill scabies. The question is how to use neem oil for scabies so that you heal faster and safer than with potentially harmful prescription drugs.
In this post I’ll go over exactly what neem products and methods I used to treat my scabies and kill my infestation in just a couple of weeks.
What is neem oil?
Neem is a tree from the Indian subcontinent, and is well known to be one of nature’s strongest insecticides. Why is this good news? Because permethrin, the standard prescription treatment for scabies, is also an insecticide. However unlike permethrin, neem is a plant, and is actually very good for your skin.
These properties have led to neem products being a standard treatment for many ailments in native communities around the world. It also means a variety of methods of using the plant have developed over the years, from boiling the leaves to make a tea, to grinding them into a paste and even eating the leaves themselves.
For our purposes, the most accessible products are both neem oil and neem powder.
Neem oil is, obviously, the oil from neem leaves, which is ideal for applying to the skin in larger quantities. Neem powder can be used in smoothies, teas, and also in skin care, which are all highly recommended also.
Does neem oil kill scabies?
Yes!
In this Indian study, it was found that a paste made from neem oil and turmeric powder had a 97% cure rate over 3-15 days.
That’s actually a better cure rate than standard prescription treatments in the US. Permethrin and Ivermectin are both standard medical treatments for scabies, and neither of them even come close to 97% (permethrin is around 80% while ivermectin is just under, around 78%).
Neem also has evidence of have insecticide properties against many other mites, as it’s insecticidal properties are part of the plant itself. It works.
How to use neem oil for scabies
In my scabies treatment guide I recommend using a combination of natural treatments, and neem is central to that recipe. If you’re wondering how to use neem oil for scabies (and neem powder too!) these are the ones I recommend.
1. Neem bath
Neem oil actually doesn’t dilute that well in a bath (it seemed to collect around the side of my bathtub, rather than diluting in the water) but if you prefer bath treatments you can use it this way. This is the neem oil I recommend using.
Whenever you use a bath I always recommend adding other natural scabies killers, so try adding some tea tree oil and clove oil as well.
2. Neem tea
You can buy neem tea, or you can use neem powder to make your own. Using neem internally is a great idea in scabies treatment. It doesn’t really taste that nice, however (very bitter) so you might not be able to handle it. I also wouldn’t recommend over-sweetening with sugar, as high sugar diets tend to aggravate itchy and inflamed skin.
This is the neem powder I recommend.
Hot tip: Neem powder is also very good in a bath, and actually dilutes better than neem oil.
3. Neem soap
You can buy neem soaps such as this one to use in the bath or shower. I did this during my treatment but honestly I don’t think this is necessary if you are using the body mask described below or bathing regularly. I’m just a little obsessive and wanted to use absolutely everything. If you want to do it, go for it; it certainly doesn’t hurt to get a little more neem on your skin!
4. Neem body mask
This is actually the treatment I use in my main scabies treatment plan, but I’ll repeat it here for you.
Anti-scabies body mask recipe:
- Half a cup of neem oil
- Half a cup of coconut oil
- 12 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons of neem powder
- 4 drops of clove oil
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric
What you want to do with this mask is mix it up and then rub it all over your body. You want to leave it on your body for at least an hour, which means you’ll probably be standing naked in your bathroom for an hour, but that’s a small price to pay for suffocating all the scabies on your body! Just grab your laptop and watch some Netflix, or something on Youtube. The time will pass fast. You should repeat this treatment as many times as possible during your infestation.
Suffering from scabies? Check out my treatment plan here to kick scabies in 7 days. Worked for me, I’m sure it will work for you too.
Hi I love your article thank you so much! When I click on your links for recommended oil or powder it brings me to amazon but does not bring me to the recommended product. Why is that? And where can I find which items you are referencing ?
Working now hopefully!
Hello!
I ordered neem oil, tea tree oil and coconut oil. How much of each should I add to a bath for treating scabies?
Thanks
Neem I would apply it to my skin first, then lie in the bath (as it doesn’t mix well with water). Coconut oil I usually use around half a cup, and tea tree oil about 15 drops.
Yes, but I dilute the neem oil with a carrier oil or with liquid soap before adding it to the bath. How much is safe to use though, per bath?
Thanks!
I was in Haiti and a long tim;e passed before I knew it wasn’t the usual bites and again a long time to get to Austin and fast internet and discovering Jon cut me through the confusion then my doctor returning from the lab- said
he was going to presribe ivermectin. Amazing grace! First night without the anxiety in 4 months.
I’m following Jon’s directions for the 7 day treatment. Day 1 the application and ingestion seemed smooth but I was knocked flat exhausted the following day. Couldn’t start the body mask until day 3. It also was pretty strong on me but of course less so than the insecticides. I’m possibly having pneumonia or at least a very bad cough. I realize the importance of day 7 repeat of permethrin and ivermectin. But wonder if I shouldn’t stretch out the body mask to beyond day 7 and less in the meantime since my general condition is very weak now. I’m 84 years old. Speeding the treatment seems less important than surviving it but without jeopardizing chances for a cure.
Oh, my goodness… poor man. You shouldn’t have to deal with stuff like that at your age, but nature just doesn’t care, does she? I really hope you manage to get rid of those little BASTARDS.
Best of luck from a friend dealing with it as well. I have found using neem-oil directly on the skin locally is a great way of getting rid of the itches immediately.
I think I will try more soaking in the tub as an alternative to daily body masks.
How and how much neem are you adding to a bathtub of water and for how long are you soaking? The itching is no longer a problem for me but rather “supporting ” the somewhat harsh initial chems and the follow up body masks. I feel I must be ready by Thursday for the 7th day repeat of permethrin and ivermectin which do the heavy lifting.
Neem doesn’t dilute well in the bathtub, so I apply it directly to the skin undiluted. However, if you still want to use it it’s not dangerous to add a lot. I have done several tablespoons undiluted without a problem. If you want, you can also dilute it with some coconut oil, liquid soap or similar.
Clove- and tea tree-oil can cause an extreme itching-reaction in the skin, so don’t exceed the recommended dose. I use some 12 drops of tea tree-oil and 5 drops of clove oil, diluted with a couple of tablespoons of coconut-oil or liquid soap.
If you get the extreme itching sensation after the bath, try not to itch. It only makes it worse. Just ignore it and it will go away after a short while.
Oh, and I stay in the bathtub for some 20-30 minutes.
I was ok doing the body mask last night. I think I can stay with Jon’s 7 day plan. I wish you well, Hugo, with treatment at your end. I’ll have use for your bath soak advice thanks much.
Best of luck!!
Luckily there are alternatives. You can use neem oil (product link) for scabies and you can use the neem leaf. You can make your own concoctions or you can use bought neem products. (Scroll down on that page to see recommended products.)