Where to purchase neem oil

Aphids, beetle larvae, caterpillars, lacebugs, leaf hoppers, leafminers, mealy bugs, thrips and whiteflies are commonly listed as pests controlled by neem pesticide products. Make sure to accurately identify insects, and only apply neem oil if that pest is listed on the product label.

Neem can harm beneficial insects as well as pests. Neem oil can also be used to manage some fungal disease issues, such as powdery mildew. It works by preventing the germination and penetration of fungal spores into leaf tissue. Neem oil products are often labelled for a variety of crops such as herbs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and ornamental plants. Regardless of the type of plant being treated, neem oil can damage plants by burning their foliage.

Do not use on recent transplants or otherwise stressed plants. Though plants must be completely covered with neem oil for the pesticide to be effective, it is a good idea to test the product on a small area first.

If no toxicity symptoms occur in that spot, then the entire plant can be treated. Using neem oil, or any other pesticide, should always be a last resort. Even botanical pesticides like neem oil can have harmful effects on the body. Many pest issues can be resolved by correcting growing conditions or hand-picking insects or diseased leaves from plants. Ask UNH Extension for help diagnosing and treating your plants before you pick up the spray bottle.

Disclaimer: The use of specific brand or trade names in this article is for educational purposes only. Neem oil is an extract of the neem tree. Some practitioners of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine use neem oil to treat conditions ranging from ulcers to fungal infections. This type of oil contains several compounds, including fatty acids and antioxidants , that can benefit the skin. Below, find out about the uses and potential benefits of neem oil, as well as the risks.

We also provide tips for using neem oil on the skin. Neem oil derives from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree. These trees grow mainly in the Indian subcontinent. Neem oil is rich in fatty acids , such as palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids, which help support healthy skin. The oil is, therefore, a popular ingredient in skin care products. The leaf of the plant also provides health benefits.

The leaves contain plant compounds called flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Researchers have only recently begun to examine how plant compounds influence health and disease. As a result, few scientific studies have investigated the use of neem oil in general skincare or as a treatment for skin conditions. Authors of a review of the available research into medicinal uses of neem concluded that its extracts can help treat a variety of skin conditions, including:.

First, however, it is important to note that most of the studies involved cell lines or animals. Those that did involve humans only included small numbers of participants. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of neem in the general population. A study investigated the anti-aging effects of topical neem leaf extract in hairless mice. The researchers first exposed the mice to skin-damaging ultraviolet B radiation.

They then applied neem oil to the skin of some of the rodents. The researchers also found that the extract boosted levels of a collagen-producing enzyme called procollagen and a protein called elastin.

Production of these compounds decreases as people age. This eventually leads to dry, deflated-looking, thin skin and the formation of wrinkles.

In one animal study , researchers discovered that neem oil showed superior wound healing effects, compared with Vaseline. Specifically, the rats that received topical neem oil healed more quickly. They also developed stronger and more resilient tissue at the sites of their wounds. A similar study compared the effects of saline and neem oil on wound healing in rats. Those that received neem oil healed faster and did not develop raised scars.

The researchers speculated that compounds in neem oil may promote blood vessel and connective tissue growth, thus enhancing wound healing. A study investigated whether a gel containing neem oil and St. Stops powdery mildew in 24 hours. Kills eggs, larvae and adult insects. Shake well before using. Prevents and controls black spot on roses, anthracnose, rust and powdery mildew.

Do not apply to wilted or otherwise stressed plants, or to newly transplanted materials prior to root establishment. May also be used as a dormant or delayed dormant spray to control overwintering eggs of various insects on fruit and shade trees, shrubs, roses and other ornamentals and vegetables. Do not apply to known sensitive plant species such as impatiens flowers, fuchsia flowers, hibiscus flowers, some rose flowers, ornamental olive trees or some carnation varieties without prior testing.

Use with care on plants with tender tissue. Check for leaf bum in small scale trials prior to use. Can be used as a leaf polish on hardy plants. Storage and Disposal. Pesticide Storage: Keep in original container. Store away from direct sunlight, feed, or foodstuffs. Keep container tightly sealed when not in use. Keep from freezing. Do not reuse or refill this container.

Place in trash or offer for recycling if available. If partly filled: Call your local solid waste agency for disposal instructions.