Eastern tradition and Western utilitarianism meet again! Enlightened growers of veggies, fruits and medical ganja value karanja oil for its noteworthy pest- and disease-fighting properties.
Pressed from the seed of the pongam tree of India, the oil is rich in several bitter flavonoids that stimulate plant immune function. Numerous studies have shown the oil to prevent many pests from feeding and laying eggs and to kill pests such as mites, aphids and leafminer larvae. Studies also show karanja works synergistically with a number of pest management sprays—especially Neem Oil—to significantly improve their efficacy, and it lasts longer on plants than other botanical insecticides.
Michael Phillips “completely recommends” using karanja in the Holistic Orchard Spray regime. It may be used instead of neem for plants like pear trees that can have a phytotoxic response to neem oil. It’s also safer for bees, containing no azadirachtins. Furthermore, karanja remains a liquid at 40° or colder, making it easier to mix than neem. Very safe to handle and spray.
To make a spray, mix 1 oz karanja oil (or ½ karanja and ½ neem oil) with 2 tsp biodegradable dish soap, and add to 1 gal lukewarm water.
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Ahimsa Organics® Karanja Oil
Additional Information
Neem and Karanja Oils for Livestock Skin Health
Neem and karanja oils can be used topically on livestock and pets as a parasiticide and for general skin care. Studies show neem can control lice, mites, fleas and other ectoparasites as an antifeedant, landing repellent and fecundity reducer. Aside from its better-known antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities that make it an effective skin therapy for mammals.
Karanja oil shares many of these pest- and disease-fighting properties and works synergistically with neem to improve its efficacy. Mix 1 oz neem oil (or ½ oz neem and ½ oz karanja) with ½ gallon of warm water, using soap to emulsify. Massage into animal’s skin, fur or fleece, keeping it away from eyes. Let sit for half an hour and wash off. Repeat every 2 weeks or as needed. We use it on our sheep after spring shearing and observe a lasting effect through the grazing season.
One cautionary note: if ingested in significant amounts, neem oil may have a negative effect on conception.
Organic Certification
Inoculants, soil amendments, fertilizers, livestock supplies and pesticides are labeled as: OMRI: Organic Materials Review Institute. Most state certifying agencies, including MOFGA, accept OMRI approval. MOFGA: Reviewed and approved by the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association Certification Services. Allowed for use on MOFGA-certified farms. Check with your certifier. WSDA: Listed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Organic Certification division for use in organic agriculture in Washington State. MOFGA has indicated that they will accept products on this list for their certification program. Check with your certifier. Nat’l List: One-ingredient products on the NOP* List of Allowed Substances (subpart G of the Organic Foods Production Act, sections 205.601-606). Check with your certifier. AYC: Ask your certifier. Has not been reviewed by a certifier, but the active ingredient is allowed. Ask your certifier. Not Allowed: A few of the products we list are not allowed for organic production but we think they have a place in sensible agriculture and can be used when certification is not an issue.
