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Introduction
Neem (नीम) is a native tree of India, found in every parts in
India especially in semi-arid conditions. The Neem Tree is an incredible plant that has been declared the "Tree of the 21st century" by the United Nations.
In India, it is variously known as "Divine Tree", "Life giving tree",
"Nature"s Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". It is one of the
major components in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced in India since
many centuries. The neem is an ancient Indian cure-all due to its antibacterial,
antifungal, antiviral, antihistamine and antiseptic properties.The neem leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark and fruits
are utilized to treat inflammation, infections, skin diseases and for dental care.
In India's ancient Ayurvedic Medical texts it is explained that every part of the Neem tree has
health promoting benefits. What is clear from the above information is that the
general population of India for, over 5000 years, has used Neem safely and effectively. In fact the people of India call the Neem Tree "The Village
Pharmacy". It is also called Holy Tree (Azadirachta indica.). In ancient times neem was the most celebrated medicinal plant of India and found mention in a number of Puranic texts like the Atharava Veda,
Upanivahod, Amarkosha and Ghrysutra. They all dealt with the outstanding qualities of the neem tree as a
source of medicine and as a natural pesticide.
Today, neem is once again steadily becoming an agro-scientific celebrity.
It has figured as the priority in seminars and serious agricultural workshops all over the world.
Modern western medicine is finally discovering what the ancient Indians have known for thousands of years: that the neem tree has superb
pharmaceutical and pesticide controlling qualities. Its effectiveness, availability and safety have made agro-scientists promote cultivation of neem forests. The azadirachton compound in neem has been recognized as an effective insecticide that is biologically selective, not harming the useful pest-predators but keeping almost 250 harmful ones at bay.
Scientists recommend coating urea with neem cake to kill nitrifying bacteria. Even water management with neem to control vectors of Japanese encephalitis
was the success of neem over DDT. |
Neem ka ped
(Neem tree) an Indian film on neem. Its famous Music
Neem ka ped song-
You Tube
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Common Name
Neem (नीम)
Botanical name: Azadirachta indica
Latin name: Melia azaderach
English name : Margosa tree
Sanskrit: Nimbah
Hindi: Neem
Marathi: Nimba
Tamil: Vempu, Veppai
Telgu: Kondavepa
Kannada: Turagavepu
Indian names: Neem, nim, Indian lilac, nimmi, limbo,
limda |
Neem tree is known as "Divine Tree", "Life giving tree",
"Nature"s Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". |
Neem tree
The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a tropical evergreen with a wide
adaptability. Native to India and Burma, it has been transplanted to Africa, the
Middle East, South America and Australia. It is especially suited to semi-arid
conditions and thrives even in the poorest soil with rainfalls as little as 18 inches (450 mm) per year and temperatures up to 50° C (120° F). It may grow up to 50 feet (15 m) tall and live for 200 years.
The lifespan of the Neem tree is described to be anywhere between 150 to 300 years.
Its blossoms are small, white flowers with a very sweet, jasmine-like scent. Its
edible fruit — is about 3/4 of an inch (2 cm) long, with white kernels. A neem tree generally begins bearing fruits at three
to five years of age, and can produce up to 50 kg (110 lbs.) of fruit annually
when mature. The pinnate leaves have a very bitter taste and a garlic-like smell.
Raw Neem parts used are:
Neem Leaves , Neem Seeds, Neem Bark, Neem Fruit, Neem Flower,
Neem Twig, Neem Gum, Neem Root and Neem Kernel |
Neem flowers and fruits
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History of Neem
The neem tree has been used for more than 4,500
years in the Indian sub- continent. The Indian physicians CHARAKA (2nd century
AD) and SUSRUTA (4th century AD), whose books provided the foundation of the
Indian system of natural treatment, the Ayurveda, also mention the the tree and
its medical use. In Ayurveda the neem tree was called the "Sarva Roga Nivarini" (= one that could cure all ailments and ills).
At the beginning of this century the neem tree was still highly estimed by Indian emigrants and they took it along to
the places were they settled. Thus, the neem tree was introduced in places like
Australia, East and sub- Sahelian Africa, South East Asia, and South America.
Pioneering work in the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake had
been done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as early as the 1920s.
Pioneering work in the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake had
been done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as early as the 1920s.
In the last two decades research on neem has been intensified and many of the
trees agricultural and medical properties were rediscovered. Today, Neem plays a
major role in the rural industry of India and projects for the commercial use of
Neem have been successfully introduced in other countries. |
The green pinnate leaves
of neem have a very bitter taste and a garlic- like smell.
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Chemical Compounds in Neem
The chemical compounds that have been identified
and scientists feel that there are many more compounds yet to be identified in neem.
Other then sodium, potassium, salts, it contains chloriphyle, calcium,
phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflasium, nicocin, vitamin C, carotene, and oxalic acid. The chemicals classified are:
Nimbin: anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-histamine, anti-fungal
Nimbidin: anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-fungal
Ninbidol: anti-tubercular, anti-protozoan, anti-pyretic
Gedunin: vasodilator, anti-malarial, anti-fungal
Sodium nimbinate: diuretic, spermicide, anti-arthritic
Quercetin: anti-protozoal
Salannin: insect repellent
Azadirachtin: insect repellent, anti-feedant, anti-hormonal
Other chemicals that form its therapeutic value are:
1. Limonoids 2. Terpenoids and steroids 3. Tetranortarpenoids
4. Fatty acid derivatives like margosinone and margosinolone
5. Coumarins like scopoletin, dihydrosocoumarins 6.Hydrocarbons like docosane, pentacosane, hetacosane, octacosane etc.
7.Sulphur compounds 8. Phenolics 9. Flavonoglycosides 10. Tannins
The highest concentrations of the active ingredients are found in the seed and
oil, however the active ingredients are also found in lesser amounts in the bark and the leaves. Traditionally in Ayurveda the fresh leaves and twigs were used
on a daily basis as a preventative for many conditions, including tooth decay, gum disease, malaria, etc. When a serious condition was treated a concentrated
paste of the leaves or strong decoction of the leaves and/or the bark was used,
for blood purification (in case of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections), malaria, fever, arthritis, rheumatism, and many more. It was also used as a
protective agent from nature’s pests both as an insect repellant and insecticide
that is both safe and harmless to humans. Traditionally Neem oil was applied externally to the hair, scalp, and skin for parasites and as an insect
repellant. It was also massaged into arthritic joints, after being slightly warmed, to relieve pain and inflammation. |
The gum from the trunk of neem tree.
Neem Gum
Neem Gum is a clear, bright and brown-coloured gum a by product obtained as a result of certain metabolic mechanism of plants and trees. The gum is a multipurpose by product either water soluble or absorb water to form a viscous solution.
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Medicinal use of Neem
Traditionally Neem was used in Ayurveda for a number of conditions. It is one of
the main ingredients in every blood purification formula used in Ayurveda and it
appears in most Diabetic formulas as well. It is also used for arthritis,
rheumatism, the removal of external and internal parasites, including malaria and fevers and as an insect repellent.
Neem possesses anti-diabetic, antibacterial and antipyretic (fever reducing)
properties. Neem is used for a wide range of ailments including flu, fever, sore
throat, cold, fungal infections, skin diseases, malaria and many more ailments.
The main medicinal use of different
parts of neem in Ayurveda are:
Medicinal use of NEEM
in Ayurveda
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Part |
Medicinal Use |
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Leaf |
Leprosy, skin problems, skin ulcers,
intestine worms, anorexia, eye problems, epistaxis, biliousness |
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Bark |
Analgesic, curative of fever |
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Flower |
Elimination of intestine worms, phlegm, bile suppression, |
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Fruit |
Diabetes, eye problem, piles, intestine
worms, urinary disorder, wounds, leprosy, epistaxis |
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Twig |
Asthma,
cough, piles, intestine worms, obstinate urinary disorder, phantom tumor, spermatorrhoea |
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Gum |
Scabies, wounds, ulcer, skin diseases |
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Seed
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Intestine worms and leprosy |
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Oil |
Intestine worms, skin diseases and leprosy |
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Root |
Refrigerant, diutretic |
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According to Ayurveda, it is useful in treating all sorts of Pitta, Kapha and
Vatic disorders. It should be consumed early in morning on empty stomach for 15
days during the end of winter till the starting of summer season. This prevents
most of the diseases through out the year.
Under no circumstance should Neem products be taken by pregnant women.
Modern Research
(i) Neem's Effects against Bacteria: There have been a number of clinical studies showing that Neem has significant
effects on several bacterial strains. Among some of the more prominent strains
studied were staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pyogenes, cornebacterium, E.
coli, and salmonella typhosa. These bacteria’s can cause meningitis, cystitis, sore throats, typhoid, blood
poisoning, and food poisoning. Neem's ability to exert significant effects over
the above mentioned bacterial strains indicates it’s ability to resolve the aforementioned conditions.
(ii) Neem's Effects against Viruses: There are certain compounds in Neem that demonstrate a unique ability to
surround viruses, which prevents them from causing infection. Neem also inhibits
viral multiplication by interacting with the surface of the cells to prevent the
cell from becoming infected by the virus. Neem has been observed to be effective
against a number of viral pathogens in various clinical studies demonstrating it
contains unique properties to inhibit viral disease. Neem is one of just a few
known antiviral agents. Chickenpox, shingles, herpes, and hepatitis are viral conditions, which have
been successfully treated, in clinical studies by Neem’s therapeutic compounds.
The uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu’s can be relieved during seasonal
changes by the regular consumption of Neem Leaf capsules, extract, or tea.
(iii) Neem's Effects against Fungi:
India's tropical climate especially in the coastal regions creates the kind of
humid hot house atmosphere that funguses thrive in. Traditionally, in Ayurveda,
Neem seed oil, aqueous extracts of Neem leaf, Neem leaf powder, the smoke from
burning dried Neem leaves, and Neem leaf pastes have been used for the
prevention and treatment of fungal conditions in India. Athlete's foot, ringworm, and Candida, which causes vaginal yeast infections and
thrush, are some of the more common fungi that attack humans. There are two
medicinal compounds in the Neem leaf, gedunin and nimbidol, which have been
clinically proven to control these fungi. Jock itch, another fungi that attacks
humans, has been treated traditionally in India for thousands of years with Neem
seed oil and aqueous extracts of Neem leaf. Creating medicinal smoke by burning
dried Neem leaves, is an ancient practice in Ayurveda for purifying the
atmosphere around a seriously ill patient. A clinical study examining the
efficacy of this ancient practice found that smoke from burning dried Neem
leaves exerted an extreme suppression of fungal growth and germination.
Amongst the thousands of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in India, modern clinical
research has now proven that Neem extracts contain some of the most powerful antifungal compounds against certain fungi.
(iv) Neem's Effects against Parasites: Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem to rid
the body of all forms of parasites. Simple aqueous extracts of Neem leaves have
been the standard treatment for external parasitic infestation
without any side effects throughout India. Neem’s effectiveness against parasites is due to compounds that mimic hormones.
This activity interrupts the life cycle of parasites by inhibiting the ability
of the parasites to feed, and preventing parasite eggs from hatching. Neem has
demonstrated these effects against lice, and against itch mites which cause
scabies. Intestinal worms are treated and prevented throughout the tropics by regular consumption of Neem teas.
Neem has both curative and preventative effects on the Malaria parasite the
methods for accomplishing this are as varied as the active ingredients in
Neem. There are two compounds in Neem, which are clinically proven to be as effective
against the malarial parasite as both quinine and chloroquine; they are
gedunin, a limonoid and quercetin, a flavonoid. The leaves can be chewed and consumed on
a daily basis as a preventative like quinine and Neem leaf extracts are
clinically proven to be as effective as chloroquine against the malarial
parasite. There is still another study, which shows that Neem leaf extracts prevent the normal development of the
malarial plasmodia by increasing the state of oxidation in the red blood cells.
One of the most impressive accomplishments of Neem against parasites is its effectiveness against encephalitis.
(v) Neem's Effect against Skin diseases :
Eczema: In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of
weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of
eczema. Using a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil can easily relieve the itching and redness of eczema.
Acne: Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem
will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne.
Skin problems: Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts are other
conditions that can be effectively resolved by the use of soaps, lotions, and creams, containing Neem leaf extracts and oil.
Grind neem leaves and turmeric together and apply the paste on the face to remove dark spots.
(vi) Neem's effectiveness against Periodontal Disease: Throughout India village people use Neem twigs and leaves to brush their teeth, and keep their gums free of disease
and infection even though they have limited access to modern dental care. The
ancient Ayurvedic practice of using Neem to heal and rejuvenate gum tissue and
to prevent cavities and gum disease is verified in modern clinical studies.
(vii) Neem’s effects on the immune system: According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda the bark of the
Neem tree will strengthen an individuals resistance to disease. Modern clinical
studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively
regulate immune system functions. There are immunomodulatory polysaccharide compounds,
especially present in Neem bark, that apparently increase antibody production.
(viii) Treatment for several diseases:
Heart Disease:
Including high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, and Arrhythmia/rapid heart beat.
Blood Disorders: Including poor circulation, blood poisoning, and kidney problems.
Digestive Disorders: Including heartburn/indigestion, peptic/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and hemorrhoids.
Nervous Disorders: Including anxiety, epilepsy, and hives.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
Including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital/vaginal warts,
candidacies, and urinary tract infections. As far as AIDS is concerned the immunomodulatory properties of
Neem appear to enhance cell-mediated immune response in people who are HIV positive but who do not have full blown AIDS.
Jaundice and Hepatitis: Drink the diluted juice of the tender neem
leaves with a tea spoon of honey to flush out toxins in liver
disorders. Neem is anti-pruritic, thermogenic, tonic, stomachic and
abdominal movement controller. 2 teaspoon of Neem leaves juice with honey is
indicated to accelerate the process of cure.
Birth Control: Works for Men & Women.
Respiratory disorder:
Decoction of Neem bark is used as anti-tussive in dry cough. Dried Neem leaves powder given daily in 1 gm dose twice a day with honey
suppresses cough. Neem oil 5-10 drops given with 2 tablespoon of sugar once a
day for 15 days helps in tropical Eosinophilia. The expectorant, depurative and
antiseptic properties of Neem attribute to cure cough.
Diabetes:
Neem being biter, stomachic, anti-pruritic, and revitalize works wonders in this disease. One table spoon of Neem leaves juice approximately 5 ml
taken early in the morning on empty stomach for 3 months is helpful in diabetes.
10 Neem leaves chewed or powder taken daily in the morning also controls diabetes.
Cancer:
Neem being depurative purifies the blood and being an astringent decreases the body heat. Chewing of 10 to 20 Neem leaves early morning with warm water is helpful.
Leprosy and Leucoderma:
10 drops of Neem oil mixed with 1 teaspoon sugar twice a day acts as a supportive part of treatment. The anti-leprotic action of Neem works.
Allergy:
8 to 10 fresh Neem leaves are to be eaten early morning on an empty stomach. This helps in purifying blood and controls the allergic condition.
It is used also in Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Conjunctivitis, Allergies, Bad Breath, Hangover,
Stress, Insomnia, Smoking, and on and on.
(ix) Treatment for AIDS: The National Institutes of Health reported positive results from a 1993 study using neem to kill the AIDS virus in a lab. The suggested pathway is via neem’s immune modulating polysaccharide compounds that may cause increased antibody production. Further research is underway.
(x) Diabetes: Neem has been shown to reduce insulin in the blood. The Indian Government allows the sale of neem for this purpose. Dosage as small as one tablespoon a day can reduce insulin levels by 50%.
Modern Studies:
1. Anti hyerglycemic
activity of neem leaf extracts was observed in experimental studies on non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus -induced rats.
2. Antifertility effects of aqueous and steroidal extract of neem leaf were observed observed in an experimntal study in West Indies.
3. Immunomodulatory effects of NIM-76, a volatile fraction of neem oil were found in experimental study in Delhi.
4. Anti diabetic and antihyperlipemic effects of neem seed powder were observed in experimental studies in Baroda.
5. Neem Seeds found to be a promising coagulant in defluoridation according to a
research in Ghana. The plot of the fluoride conc. levels of neem seeds as coagulants reveals that
it has the potential of removing up to 10 mg/L of fluoride in 24 hours.
6. Recently it is found that neem trees have been hit by a plant virus called root-knot nematode, which destroys trees by killing off their roots. Worse, this virus is spreading among other trees
also. Experts treating the trees are unable to ascertain how the trees caught the virus.
Neem Extracts and Oils
Neem extract contains the concentrated form of active or principle compounds found in neem.
Method of Neem Extraction: Industrial scale neem extraction process make use of solvents such as alcohol, ether, and hydrocarbons instead of water. Aqueous extracts are said to work nearly as well as others.
Aqueous Neem Extraction : Powdered seeds, kernels or leaves are soaked overnight in water and the next morning the extract is strained through a piece of cloth; the desired volume of concentrated extract can then be
used for desired purpose. Aqueous extract is generally rich in water soluble amino acids, pigments, soluble bitters and carbohydrates.
Solvent Neem Extraction : Organic solvents such as alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide and ethers are also used to manufacture high concentration extracts.
The choice of solvent and temperature and time determine the
efficiency of extraction.
Neem oil is a versatile natural vegetable oil extracted from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a renewable resource native to eastern India and Burma.
It kills insects, mites and fungi, and is said to repel mosquitoes. It's hardly
a new product, having been used for medicinal and agricultural applications for more than 4,000 years.
Neem Honey
In India, neem trees are a major source of honey bee forage.
Honey obtained from the Neem tree has more medicinal properties. Neem honey is composed primarily of water,
fructose and glucose (22.88%), sucrose (7.46%), ash (0.06%), free acid (20.8
meg/kg). The honey is light amber in color, and its viscosity is low. The taste is good
although slightly bitter. Neem honey improves eye sight and is harmless for diabetic patients. It is also used to
treat eye disorder by applying as netranjan (eye-liner). It is very beneficial
in care of burning sensation of the body. One teaspoon to 2 teaspoon twice a day
may be given. Since Neem is believed to be a great blood purifier and good for the eyes, Neem honey is highly valued.
Uses of Neem
Neem extracts can be used in different industries like agricultural
industry, herbal industry, pharmaceutical industry to manufacture quality natural products. Neem extracts have a high medicinal value, they are used to cure a
number of diseases such as:
Malaria Prevention: Drinking neem teas or chewing a couple of leaves every day reduces the possibility of contracting
malaria a mosquito-born fever. Extracts obtained by a water and
acetone combination are even more effective than plain neem tea.
Apart from its use against malaria, neem plays a traditional role in the
treatment of urinary disorders, skin disease, diabetes, fungi infections and
viral diseases. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients which provide dental
hygiene and has been used for this purpose by people from rural areas in India
and parts of Africa. Neem is also of ecological importance: In Africa the tree is used as a shade tree and as a source of fuelwood. In the Sahel
countries, neem as been used for halting the spread of the Sahara desert.In many developing countries the wood is
used in making fence post, poles for house construction, and furniture.
Neem is also used cosmetically and in toiletries. In India, Neem sprigs are boiled, and the water is then used as a hair wash. Neem
hair treatment clears scalp infections and dandruff and stimulates both the growth and texture of the hair and rids the scalp of nits, dry itchy scalp and excessive oiliness. It is very effective in clearing up fungal infections like athletes foot, ringworm and
Candida.
Hair care: Neem is used to prevent falling or graying of hair.
Two drops of Neem oil put in the nostril prevents falling and graying of hair. To get rid
of lice and dandruff Neem oil massage should be done on scalp during night. In
the morning, hair should be washed with Neem water.
Neem Gum: Use of Neem Gum in Industries
Cosmetic Industry : Used in facial masks, lotions, face powder, protective creams.
Paper Industry : Used as an adhesive and strengthening the paper.
Pharmaceutical Industry : Used in antiseptic creams, tablet binder, and coater.
Textile Industry : Used in dyeing and printing of fabrics.
Personal Hygiene Industry : Used in soaps, tooth paste, tooth powders.
Food Industry : Used as a stabilizing agent, gels and thickening agent.
Neem extract cloths
A Delhi-based company Advantage Organic, is using extracts of neem and basil
leaves and flecks of silver in the briefs and panties so that the ones using it
do not get any bacterial infection The Indian underwear manufacturer says its knickers, crafted using neem oil,
basil leaves and pure silver, will smooth the wearer's skin as well as
protecting them against infection. Neem, a type of mahogany known in India as the "Divine Tree", is known for its
soothing properties and has long been used in Asia as an ingredient in skincare products to ease irritations.
Use in Agriculture:
Neem tree has superb pharmaceutical and pesticide controlling qualities.
The azadirachton compound in neem has been recognized as an effective insecticide that is biologically
selective, not harming the useful pest- predators but keeping almost 250 harmful ones at bay.
Neem cake is traditionally put in rice fields as a fertilizer. Scientists recommend coating urea with neem cake to kill nitrifying bacteria.
Neem also contains salanin, a chemical substance that is a potent pest controller and is said to be far more effective than the chemically produced diethyl-toluamide that is a part of most of the lethal synthetically produced pesticides.
Agro scientists say that neem is the most eco-friendly pesticide which nature has bestowed on man. They recommend that neem and its kernel should be liberally mixed with compost and set to rot. The pesticide is ready in around three to four months depending on the weather conditions.
Organic farming using neem as a pesticide is still done on a very miniscule scale in India. There are hardly any pesticide-free farm products available in the country though there is a growing demand for these.
Many western agro-scientists say that if neem is effective on a small scale, it can be done on a larger scale as well. There is a certain urgency in advocating the use of neem as a pesticide as there is a growing concern on the lethal pesticides being used in our day-to-day foods.
For example, a minimum of six to seven chemical pesticides are sprayed on an apple tree before the fruit is plucked. Just before harvesting the apple trees are sprayed with fungicides and pesticides along with daminozide, a growth regulator. Finally the fruit is sprayed with
'alar' to heighten its redness. Once the apples reach the cold storage they are sprayed with pesticides once again to keep off the rats and insects.
Just imagine what it does to your body every time you eat an apple. Which is exactly the reason why scientists are so bullish about the neem option as a pesticide.
Because not just as a pesticide, neem has its medicinal values as well.
Neem Dream Insect Control: Mix neem oil in water and spray on plants. Neem oil doesn't kill pests outright, It affects their
physiologic processes so that they no longer eat, mate or mature. And because
insects must feed on plant tissues to be affected, neem-treated plants are safe for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
Neem-based bioinsecticides: Thapar University, one of India’s top technical universities, announced the commercial production of neem-based bioinsecticides at the university’s bio processing unit on October 06, 2008.
Dr. Abhijit Mukherjee, Director, Thapar University, said, “We are confident that herbal bioinsecticides have tremendous market potential and will become a promising small scale business venture.”
“Bioorganic farming is of significant importance as bioinsecticides and biopesticides are herbal, non-toxic and environment friendly. Broad spectrum insecticides offer effective protection against pests. These
environment- friendly products do not cause contamination of soil and ground water, and have wide applications,” added Dr. Mukherjee.
India plans to register neem-based products as a pesticide
under its Insecticide Act. A pilot project using neem is being implemented since 2000 in some 80 villages
in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal and Nagpur district in
Maharashtra, with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Neem purify air
Neem purify air and helps to clean environment. Neem compounds from neem trees are said to have anti-
inflammatory and antiviral properties. Neem trees should be planted around hospitals and sanitariums.
Place packets of neem tree leaves or camphor balls inside bookcases or cupboards to protect from insect infestation. .
Neem leaf tea
A tea made from the leaves and mature seeds is still a popular remedy today for treating bladder, kidney and prostate ailments. This brewed tea can be added to a base cream and used as a healing, soothing treatment
forhaemorrhoids. The bark and roots can be made into a tea and has been used for centuries to treat jaundice and liver ailments, intestinal parasites, stomach ulcers and malaria.
A strong tea of the leaves is used as a lotion for sprains, bruises and swollen glands – a bandage or cloth soaked in the hot tea is applied to the area and held in place, often with a banana leaf wrapped around it. As a wash and lotion the same tea is used for eczema, rashes, grazes and scrapes and to wash out wounds. Leaves heated in boiling water are applied to boils, sprains, infected wounds, bites, stings and infected grazes.
To make neem leaf tea : pour 1 cup of boiling water over ¼ cup fresh leaves, stand for 5 minutes, strain and sip slowly. The tea is taken to reduce blood sugar levels, lower fevers, and to treat tuberculosis, bladder
ailments, arthritis, rheumatism, jaundice, worms, malaria and skin disease.
Economy
The exports of the neem seeds from India have increasing rapidly. The overseas companies rushing to India has also
results a ten-fold rise in the price of neem seeds from Rs. 300 to Rs. 3,000 a
tonne. If the prices shoot up and exports keep rising, the ubiquitous neem may become out of reach for the ordinary Indian farmer.
Even some of the most cautious researchers are saying that neem deserves to be called a wonder
plant. According to Noel Vietmeyer, the study director of a 1992 National Research Council report entitled "Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems."
Today, Perrin Fitter’s is the promoter of ‘Greening of India with
neem’ project.Born and brought up in Kenya, Fitter has been a teacher-cum-environment
conservationist there for the last 40 years. After promoting neem in
Kenya, where she is known as ‘Mama Neem’, she wants to create awareness about the qualities of neem.
In India, neem is not valued much economically. In Kenya, even leaves of neem fetch you money.
“My project is not just confined to planting neem trees but to promote
its use to the grassroots by way of talks, seminars, workshops, conferences and demonstrations,” Fitter says.
Neem in Hindu Religion
In Hindu traditions, on the first day of
Chaitra, Hindu's in North India worship the neem and eat its leaves, mixed with pepper and sugar, as a safeguard from fever. The neem tree besides having various
medicinal benefits is a highly revered tree among the Hindus because it is a manifestation of "Goddess Durga" or "Maa Kali". That is why the tree is sometimes referred to as Neemari
Devi. Tamil Ladies, while worshiping Maa kali dress in red, carry branches of the Neem tree, and dance in public places swishing the branches as an act of exorcism and to purify the world. The multi-headed occult goddess Yellamma
sometimes assumes the appearance of a young neem tree. Young maidens worship this Goddess by cladding themselves all over in neem branches. In Bengal, neem is considered to be the tree which is the abode of
"Sitala" (the great Pox-mother who can cause or cure disease). The customary treatment of pox is therefore to rub the body with neem leaves while making prayers to Sitala. It is also said that the smoke of burning neem
protects both the living and the dead from evil spirits.
Gudhi Padwa festival is especially dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma.
Maharashtrians see the gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj. Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is
prepared and mixed with ajwain, gur, and tamarind. All the members of the family
consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases.
People in many villages in south India continue to live by the belief that their traditional practices, rituals and superstitions
will invariably help them lead a better life. In one such instance, people in a Coimbatore village organised a symbolic
wedding of a Neem and Banyan tree on June 2009 to appease Rain God.
Neem patent case
The neem patent was granted by the European Patent Office to the United States Department of Agriculture and the chemical multinational, W.R. Grace, on September 14, 1994. Since then, Dr. Shiva, along with the
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement and the Green Party in European Parliament, had been opposing it. In 2000, the European Patent Office revoked the patent but the victory was short-lived as the
revocation was followed by an appeal.
At the hearing March 09, 2005, the patent was revoked after a petition was filed which was backed by the
signatures of more than 100,000 Indians and 225 agricultural, scientific and trade groups in 45
countries. Dr. Shiva said. "We gave them evidence of farmers using this knowledge for a long time and also gave them information about the two scientists who had conducted research on neem in the 1960s and 1970s before the patent had been granted. During the hearing they
dismissed the appeal and upheld the earlier revocation of the patent."
Calling it a historic moment, Dr. Shiva said: "Patenting is one of the ways through which traditional users can be threatened. But now, such patents will no longer be a threat for traditional users."
Neem Africa’s green gold
Senegalese scientist, Dr. Doudou D.Faye, has said that African unity can be
achieved through the maximum exploitation of natural resources like the 'Neem' tree if the development needs of the African continent are to be properly
addressed.
Now northern Nigeria has discovered a huge economic potentials in Neem tree .According
to Bello Ahmad, "Beyond all the possible pesticides and pharmaceuticals, neem
provides many useful and valuable commonplace materials. For instance, oil
extracted from the seeds goes into soaps, waxes, and lubricants, as well as into
fuels for lighting and heating. The solid residue left after the oil is removed
from the kernels, is employed as a fertilizer. In addition, wood from the trees
is valued for construction, cabinetry, and fuel. The bark is tapped for gum and
extracted for tannins and dental-care products. The leaves are sometimes used
for emergency livestock feed. And the profuse flowers are a prized source of
honey." Of all these products, the neem oil is perhaps the most commercially important.
According to Bello, "In composition, it is much like other vegetable oils,
composed primarily of triglycerides of oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids.
To obtain neem oil, the seeds are first broken open and the kernels separated.
The kernels are then pressed in industrial expellers or in hand- or bullock-operated wooden presses (ghanis). The oil yield is sometimes as high as
50 percent of the weight of the kernel. This "cold-pressed oil" is mainly used in lamps, soaps, and other nonedible
products. It is generally dark, bitter, and smelly. Unlike most vegetable oils,
it contains sulfur compounds, whose pungent odor is reminiscent of garlic."
While lending credence to the numerous views on the diverse benefits of the
tree, the Katsina state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, was quoted
as saying that the neem tree has a huge potential for industrial use and export
purposes. "The neem tree is a wonderful plant," Shema said. "It is in abundance in Katsina
State. It is a tree that you plant which does not require a lot of water after
it has grown up, and it works to reduce desertification." According to him, the neem tree has potential for industrial use with great potential for export. |
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Neem checks desert and enrich environment
Inspired by the green cover in the desert area of
Israel, a man here is determined to transform the Thar desert by undertaking massive plantation on his own.
Kishore Khimawat, a diamond merchant by profession, has so far planted
over 1.75 lakh neem plants in the district. The green cover along many roads in the region reflects the dedication
and hard work behind the plantation work done by him. Not only road sides, but hospitals, schools and institute premises also
have green cover due to the efforts of Khimawat, who hails from Khimel village, about 60 kms from here, and is now settled in Mumbai.
"Over 1.75 lakh saplings on several road sides, in a total area of 290
kms, have been planted in the district so far with cent per cent survival rate," Khimawat said. "Experts suggested that I plant neem which grows even in adverse
conditions, offering maximum greenery which in turn attracts rainfall and keeps the environment healthy," he said |
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