Neem Oil – More than just organic farming
Neem oil is my favorite oil this year. With so many uses, you’ll be glad to have some around the house.
Neem oil is derived from the fruits and seeds of Neem trees. The smell isn’t great, some say it’s a nutty mix with some garlic and it has a bitter taste so don’t use it in the kitchen.
In my experience, neem oil has always been used as an organic farming aid to get rid of pests like mealy bugs, aphids, cabbage worms and Japanese beetles; among many others. It is so widely used by organic farmers because neem oil doesn’t affect beneficial insects like ladybugs and honeybees.
Neem oil can also be used for black spot, powdery mildew and other fungus problems. This really makes it a wide spectrum oil because usually a gardener might have to buy two separate sprays; one to handle pests and the other for fungus.
The uses for neem oil go further back than organic farming though. Neem oil has been used to cure certain diseases and ailments including eczema. Some natural food stores carry neem soap on bars or liquids. It’s perfectly safe to use. I just love things that are so functional….one little thing that can do so much!
