The Neem Tree – The Village Pharmacy
The Neem Tree (Margosa Tree, bot: Azadirachta indica) grows everywhere across India and it is revered as a sacred tree, as people have always benefitted tremendously by it. The Flowers of the Neem Tree are offered to god in religious rituals and are eaten on the Hindu New Year . The Neem Tree is one of the most significant plants in Ayurveda, the traditional indian medical system. It is referred to as “the village pharmacy” in India, because of it’s many beneficial properties. The leaves, the stem bark and the oil from the seeds are used for various curative purposes. While Neem oil is not being applied internally, it has shown to be one of the best natural topic treatments for any kind of skin ailments. Tea and extracts made from leaves and bark have proven to be highly effective antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals and they act antioxidant and anti-inflamatory. Further Neem has a stimulating effect on the immune system, it’s an excellent blood detoxifier and its bitter properties are showing good results in the treatment of diabetic conditions and in liver troubles. Beyond that it is reported that chewing several neem leaves daily will not only make a good prevention against malaria, but also act as a contraceptive – not only in women, but in men too! Still today, many villagers in India use a small branch from the neem tree as a tooth brush: they chew the stick until it becomes fibrous at the end and then brush their teeth with it. It leaves your oral cavity and your teeth clean and fresh and in best health.
In traditional organic farming Neem has always been appreciated as a very effective ingredient in foliage spray for pest control and the remaining cake from pressing the seeds for oil extraction has been used as manure to enrich the soil. Fresh twigs from the Neem Tree have been used in houses to keep mosquitoes and flies away and dry leaves have been added to grains and pulses for extended storage. For this reason you will always find a Neem Tree nearby any house in India or by the side of a farming plot.
The Neem Tree is also very climate tolerant. It can grow in tropical and subtropical conditions alike – even in arid areas and in places with very high temperatures as its roots are reaching deep into the ground for water.
If you want to find out more about Neem, you can google for the terms “Neem”, “Margosa” or “Azadirachta Indica” or you can visit this Website with a lot of interesting information.
10/11/2009 at 1:29
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