Neem - Galloping to the Rescue. Horses don`t like Midges, Midges don`t like Neem. Neem Oil is proving to be the ideal Midge Repellent. It is safe, natural, and it really does work - midges simply do not like Neem. A few drops applied along the mane and tail provides immediate and soothing relief for any horse suffering from sweetitch, it can also be applied directly onto open cuts and sores, so if your horse has been rubbing itself and has broken the skin, you can apply the oil straight onto the open wound. Neem being a natural sterilizer and antiseptic can clean the wound, stop the bleeding, protect against infection and promote the healing process. It can also highly effective for conditions like mud fever, rain scald, ringworm and sarcoids. The Oil comes from the Neem Tree (Azadirachta Indica) which is native to India and is a botanical cousin of Mahogany. It is tall and spreading, bearing masses of honey - scented white flowers. It`s foliage is similar to walnut or ash and the fruit looks very much like olives. There are an estimated 18 million neem trees on the sub-continent and they are usually found lined along roadsides or clustered around market places and backyards. Seldom leafless, it provides valuable shade from the hot sun and also has remarkable medicinal properties. Two major reasons why it is so prized in India and known locally as “The Miracle Tree” or “The Village Pharmacy“. A Saudi Philanthropist planted a forest of fifty thousand neem trees to provide shade and comfort to the 2 million pilgrims who camp on the plains of Arafat (a holy place) where Muhammed is said to have bidden farewell to his followers. Among the many products derived from the Neem Tree is the Leaf. As well as being an effective insect repellent the leaf can also be used to treat ailments like blood disorders, skin fungi, high heart rates, stomach and bowel disorders, kidney problems, parasites and can also be used as a safe natural worming programme. The leaf can be added to horse feed (gradually at first as it is bitter and not very palatable) or made into a drench and given orally. Neem Leaf, seed and bark have long been used in India as a treatment for arthritis as it reduces arthritic pain and inflammation and can even halt the progression of the disease. Elderly horses suffering from arthritis can benefit greatly from regular amounts of neem in their diets. One of the most unusual and practical benefits of Neem is in the control of farm and household pests, extracts from the bitter seeds may be the ideal insecticide as Neem products are not outright killers, instead they alter the insects behaviour or life processes in very subtle ways. Eventually the insect can no longer feed, breed or metamorphose and are therefore rendered harmless. One of Neems components, Azadirachtin prevents the insect from molting and stops it developing into pupae and it dies naturally without producing another generation. Most leaf chewing insects find Neem so repugnant that they would rather starve to death than eat their favourite plants with traces of Neem on them (very handy also if you`re a keen gardener!). The same principles apply to the various Neem shampoos which also work in the same subtle ways to treat conditions like lice, ticks, mange and flea infestation. Also, as it’s a natural antiseptic and anti fungal Neem can be used for cleaning stables, yards and trailers etc. With so many uses and benefits for horses, people, plants and other animals it`s no wonder that the Neem is known as “The Miracle Tree”. You can buy neem products from my online shop at bitlessandbarefoot
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 09:28:29 +0000
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