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Quote Originally Posted by Maximum Yield

For many centuries people have called the Neem Tree in India the "Village Pharmacy."

The Neem Tree provided a source of relief from pain, fever and infections. People cleaned their teeth with Neem twigs and used the Juice from the leaf to treat skin problems. Neem contains nimbin and nimbidin which are natural sources of antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. They also have properties which stimulate the immune system and prevent conception. Most of the healing properties are used in a topical manner, however when added to mouthwashes or toothpaste it prevents cavities and gingivitis. In topical creams it fights off skin infections and inflammation. Neem based lotions kill lice, ringworm, scabies and prevent athlete's foot. Undiluted Neem Oil repels insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, flies, mites, and caterpillars.

The history and data for its uses are too numerous to mention but it does have a purpose in the gardening industry. For years people in India watched as plagues of caterpillars or locusts devoured the foliage on trees in forests, jungles and yards. The only trees left untouched were the Neem trees. Visitors noticed flies and insects everywhere but the yards and parks. With Neem, trees were comfortably absent of these pests. Neem oils and Neem products do not kill most insects but rather repel them or alter the habitat so they no longer feed, breed or metamorphosis. Plants treated with Neem Oil seemed to withstand infection by a host of pathogens that could normally wipe out a crop. Again it's antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties seem to play a major role. Plants sprayed with a foliar spray appear to benefit from its nutritional properties and complex components.

Neem interferes with an insect's life but is not harmful to birds or warm-blooded animals or humans. In several experiments insects such as silk worms were placed in escape proof rooms and fed mulberry leaves treated or untreated with Neem 0il. The insects in the treated room would starve to death before they would devour any leaves treated with Neem Oil.

More recently countries such as Africa have begun to farm the Neem tree for commercial production, Neem Oil is now available in Canada from several reputable horticultural companies. Neem Oil will become thick or gel at cooler temperatures. By placing in warm water it soon becomes a flowable liquid again. A few drops of Neem Oil mixed with a drop or two of gentle surfactant and mixed with water provides a natural bug repellent spray considered suitable for use on organically produced crops.

Neem Oil is available under many trade names or just sold as Neem Oil in health food stores, natural cosmetic stores or garden shops.

-via maximumyield.com