The Neem tree is an extremely versatile plant with plentiful uses. In India it is referred to as “the village pharmacy”. Over 75% of Ayurvedic (Hindu art of medicine) remedies contain some kind of its ingredients. Of late the tree has also been called “the world’s most analyzed tree.” Right from its roots to its spawning crown, each single part of the this tree has benefits to offer and is frequently used in the production of drugs, cosmetics and horticultural products. Farmers in particular benefit from the pest controlling capabilities of the active ingredient azadirachtin that can be extracted from the seeds of this tree.
Even though neem has been employed by traditional Eastern cultures for many years it’s now becoming known in the west,mostly because of the well-liked oil which is pressed or removed from the seeds. Now gaining popularity are a complete variety of other neem based products, including: bark powder, cosmetics, soap and tea.
Anyone who enjoys growing their own veggies knows the frustration of finding them messed up by pests. Many kinds of pesticides are available on the market, but gardeners and farmers today are more conscious about the harmful aftermath of artificial chemicals on their crops and on the environment. Many gardeners prefer to use organic methods to produce veggies that are much more safe to eat than those treated with chemical insecticides. There are lots of ways to rid your garden of pests naturally, from items found in your kitchen like Cayenne Pepper and Tabasco Sauce to organic sprays acquired from your local hardware store. Organic gardening with azadirachtin based products has been the answer for farmers and backyard organic gardeners for many years. You can also click here to find out more about another practical way to control insects.
The oil that is used to create many of the commercial and home use products mentioned above,comes from pressing the seeds of the neem tree. The oil can be diluted with water and the resulting solution applied directly on the vegetables or mixed into the soil so it can be soaked up into the plant’s roots. The use of the oil as an pesticide (Azadirachta Indica) can save plants from pests that gnaw or suck on their leaves. Some of the most difficult garden insects like Japanese beetles, aphids, locusts and mealy bugs can be discouraged by applying this oil. It is also efficacious in combatting powdery mildew, black spot, rusts and other fungal blights.
It’s not hard to understand why scientists are so captivated by the neem tree, and given the products now being developed and used around the world that come from this tree, it really does live up to its reputationa as ” A Wonder Plant.”
Steve B. Vanderwoude offers farmers, gardeners and other consumers natural and organic fungicides, insecticides and herbicides on his ecommerce site called EnviroSelects. One of their products is a potent azadirachtin based neem insecticide.