Neem oil. You know you’ve heard of it and probably seen it, but just what is neem oil again? Neem oil has a myriad of uses, but most commonly it is known as a natural pesticide. This oil from the yellowish nuts of an Indian evergreen neem tree is also a powerful antioxidant.
A natural cure
Let’s face it, some plant pests are just ickier. And neem oil naturally eliminates them all. Whiteflies in your peace lilies? If you know the disaster spider mites can inflict on your indoor plants, you’ll be pleased to know that neem oil kills them, too. Aphids on your Climbing Don Juan rose? Spray some organic neem oil and take control of blackspot and powdery mildew. You can also use it on your fruits and veggies right up until harvest.
Buy: Natria 706250A Neem Oil Spray
Just one ingredient
The cold pressing of the neem nut releases the highest quality oil. That’s all you’ll find in this natural neem oil. Not just does neem oil have a number of compounds that make it a great pesticide, but it also has an active ingredient called azadirachtin, which stops tiny pests from growing. With a high concentration of this ingredient, this neem oil is used for pest control in organic farming. But, it’s also safe for your indoor plants, too.
Buy: Organic Neem Bliss 100% Pure Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil
Three-in-one
If you’re grappling with mites, fungus, and insects, neem oil is the one cure for all those garden problems. Because it’s organic too, you can spray it on your tomato blight, right up until the day you pluck those juicy heirloom beauties. With the six spray bottles, you can keep your vegetable garden, apple trees, roses, and indoor plants healthy all year. Simply coat the affected area every two weeks until your blooms and leaves are disease-free.
Buy: Garden Safe Brand Fungicide3
Like a spa treatment
Use this top-quality neem oil to keep your skin looking great and your plants healthy, too. Once we found we could add a few drops of neem oil to our pet shampoo, our dogs had shinier hair. This cosmetic quality, unrefined neem oil is designed not only to be added to shampoo, add it to conditioner or lotion for extra essential fatty acids and those important antioxidants. A healthful treatment for both you and your plants. What could be more natural?
Buy: Harris Neem Oil
Processed without heat
All the qualities that make neem oil unique are kept as close to natural as possible with this cold-pressed and processed oil. Not just cold-pressed, but this organic oil is also hexane-free. Since cold processing doesn’t use heat to extract the seed oil, most oils are exposed to solvents and chemicals to release the oil from the fruit. Add a little to your moisturizer to give some extra vitamin E to your skin and nails. So many possibilities.
Buy: Organic Neem Oil
Cyndi Mathews is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Cyndi recently published her first book and enjoys traveling to Florida in her sailboat.