BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?

Subject: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 11:07 AM

I feel this subject will be of great interest, especially to several Catters of my ken.
Mumblin' got eaten alive at Broadstairs, whereas they left me alone. I thought it was to do with my medication, but an interesting item popped up on the TV. There is an Indian tree, the neem, which has a perfume that is aparrently disliked by biting insects. I use neem products to combat skin problems. Strangely, it was the herbalist in Broadstairs that put me on to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: GUEST,Milan Mehta: NEEM TREE SPECIALIST
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 02:09 PM

Dear Friends,

Yes...Neem Oil not only repels Insects but is also a anti-Histamine.

Neem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that often fail to respond with classical medical treatments. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, ringworm and even stubborn warts are among the conditions that clear up consistently when a high-quality neem product is utilized. Synthetic chemicals used to treat these conditions can produce side effects such as rashes, allergic reactions and redness. Studies are currently underway to try and understand the skin rejuvenating properties of neem.

When high-quality, wild-crafted neem is added to health and beauty preparations, it provides many benefits. Problem scalp conditions including dandruff, scaling and even hair loss respond to treatment with neem shampoo, creams, tinctures and capsules. Listless, damaged and overly oily hair appears to "come alive" when treated regularly with this most amazing plant. Nails, which have turned yellow or brittle due to the presence of yeast or fungi, often return to their normal condition when neem is applied.

More details:

www.neemfromindia.com

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 04:04 PM

In the States, Neem is something you put on the ground to stop weed seeds from germinating.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: open mike
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 01:10 AM

yep, same source, it looks like..
Organic Neem Oil
A broad spectrum insecticide, miticide and fungicide, 70% Neem Oil controls numerous diseases as well as insects and mites. Use on vegetables, fruit trees, ...

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 08:42 AM

Has anyone noticed a change in the wasp population in the UK ? They small smaller and a lot more aggressive than usual. Possibly a European variety.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: gnu
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 09:01 AM

Shouldn'a joined the union.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:16 PM

Every year about this time I can't decide whether summertime insect bites or wintertime's rough and chapped skin are worse.

Neem? Tell me more.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: olddude
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:28 PM

Neem is an old secret of special military forces running around the jungle ... you bet it works ..

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 02:18 PM

My problem is that - like so many other faddish things - it sounds hyperbolish. I've read the material at the link and don't see much more than the hyperbole.

Girl Friday says: I use neem products to combat skin problems.
Rapaire: In the States, Neem is something you put on the ground to stop weed seeds from germinating.

olddude: Neem is an old secret of special military forces running around the jungle

Question: Where is this marvelous product/ingredient available?
Question: Does it do windows?

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 02:47 PM

Neem soaps are readily available in Canada.

No, it won't do windows, and does nothing for Mac programs either.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 02:59 PM

I don't know anything about neem and haven't heard of it until now.

I know Avon "Skin So Soft" was also supposed to be a secret mosquito repellent. Oil is a barrier that prevents a mosquito from biting, and it's not necessary to use expensive scented concoctions. Baby oil would work too, or just plain mineral oil. The effective ingredient is the oil, not what may be in it.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: maeve
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 04:08 PM

Neem oil has been around for a looong while. It is reputed to do all sorts of helpful things, including repel Japanese Beetles. I'd suggest careful research, contact with (in the USA) local Cooperative Extension offices, and appropriate application, just for starters.

There have been some concerns about its effects on humans, other animals, water supplies, and beneficial insects and arachnids. To my knowledge, when correctly and appropriately applied, no problems with these issues have been verified.

I haven't worked with it yet because I can't afford it. It is available here in Maine at farm supply, hardware stores as well as various garden centers. Experts in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) have generally good things to say. For example, the University of Connecticut has this to say about Neem

When evaluating pesticide information on the internet, pay attention to the source. Commercial sites selling Neem products are not always the best sources of fully disclosed and explained information.

Subject: RE: BS: Insect Bites- Is Neem the Answer?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 01:11 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem_oil