The Mystery and Wonder of the Tree That is Neem

Image via Wikipedia -Goddess who is believed to dwell in neem tree(middle)

 Neem tree grows in tropical and semitropical places. It grows naturally in India and is drought resistant. From time immemorial Hindus have worshipped the plant, considering it the incarnation of goddess Kali, who is also worshipped in several other names. This practice is still more prevalent among the villagers and though some do not worship the tree as such, worship the Goddess  Neemari or Mariamman who is believed to dwell in this tree. Considering the medicinal properties of this tree (whose leaves, bark, seeds, flowers,oil and fruits are used in the treatment of several diseases), it is certainly worthy of worship.

 Neem has been used in Indian medicine for a long time to cure diseases. The best property of neem is, it has no toxic effects. It is really a panacea , not only for humans but for plants and animals too. There is no end to the varied uses and cures of neem.

 Small sticks of neem were used as tooth brushes in the past and even now we can find the practice in villages. It cleans the teeth and mouth, killing the disease causing bacteria. Neem leaves and their extracts, taken in small quantities, kill the internal and external parasites of the body. Application of the leaf extracts on the hair, wards away lice and mites. Neem has antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, anti fertility and anti diabetic properties. Researches have been conducted to verify this.

 Viral  diseases like chickenpox and smallpox can be kept at bay with neem. Shingles and cold flu can  also be treated with neem leaf extracts.  Eczema, ringworm, athlete’s foot, lesions of mouth and vagina, herpes and hepatitis viruses are cured  by neem tree preparations, suggested by Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine.

 In the treatment of diabetes, neem gum and neem leaves are used. It is proved that neem oil contains omega3 fatty acids, good for the heart. Loss of appetite and gastrointestinal disorders are cured by neem. The neem flowers are dried and roasted to a dark brown colour and eaten, for setting right any kind of intestinal disorder. Intake of neem leaves in small measure (two leaves for one dose) decreases histamines  in the body and prevents allergy.

  The cure for most of the diseases mentioned here can be had  by simply eating two neem leaves in the morning, in an empty stomach ( half an hour before breakfast). This is a wonder cure for internal parasites like worms and amoeba.

 Neem is widely used in soaps and cosmetics. Neem face packs are a good cure for acne and pimples. Several skin ailments are treated by neem.

 It is unbelievable that neem is incomparable as a biopesticide. Japan uses neem for controlling beetles and aphids in crops. Weevils in food grains can be controlled by a handful of neem leaves thrown into the storage drum. Burn the neem seeds and the smoke from the neem seeds is a good mosquito repellent.

 Neem leaf juice, applied on pets, wards away flea.

 In rare cases children and pregnant women develop intolerance to neem. In such cases, it should not be used. But the symptoms are not severe.

 This wonder medicine, gifted by nature, should be preserved and propagated world over.

Image via Wikipedia - THe neem tree with flowers

Image via Wikipedia