Neem is a flowering, tropical tree native to India, Pakistan and Malaysia. While this hardy member of the mahogany family thrives best in well-drained soil, it can tolerate extremely harsh environmental conditions. In fact, it can survive in climates where daytime temperatures soar and there is barely any water. This characteristic is why neem is considered a life-giving tree, and all of its parts are used for a great variety of purposes.
Culinary Uses
In India and throughout regions of Southeast Asia, the flowers and young shoots are cooked as a vegetable and are also added to soups. In Myanmar, the leaves are pickled and served with fish sauce. The flowers are also added to curries and to rasam, a spicy stew that features lentils and tomatoes.
It is also customary to present friends and family with a mixture of neem blossoms and brown sugar at the start of each New Year as a symbol of bitter and sweet life experiences yet to come.
Medicine
In East Africa, neem is known as Muarubaini, which translates from Swahili to mean, "the tree of the 40," a reference to the tree's reputation for being able to cure 40 different diseases. In India, where neem is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, the tree is known as the "Sacred Tree."
According to a 2005 review, more than 140 compounds have been identified in various parts of the tree, many of which are attributed to providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Various neem products, which are made from all parts of the tree, are used in Indian medicine to treat acne, eczema, gum disease, malaria, chicken pox, fever, jaundice, scabies, intestinal parasites, diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism and bronchitis.
Cosmetic Industry
In India, neem oil is used in the production of soaps, lotions, creams and shampoos. It is also added to skin-care products intended to treat skin disorders and is formulated for both people and pets.
Pest Control
Neem is regarded as a potent insect deterrent that is reputedly effective against more than 500 pests, including ticks and fleas. However, unlike pesticides, neem doesn't kill. Instead, it repels certain pests and disrupts the behavior and reproductive cycle in others. The Neem Foundation of India claims that neem doesn't impact beneficial insects, and due to a complex chemical structure, pests cannot become immune to its effects.
If you have an interest in organic gardening or natural house and pet pest control, using neem is worthy of consideration. Although it is nontoxic to humans and animals, it safely repels aphids, whiteflies, ants, termites, flies, cockroaches and more. It also controls common diseases that attack vegetables and flowers, like powdery mildew and black spot.
Environmental Conservation
Since neem is a very fast-growing tree that can withstand harsh growing conditions, it is cultivated to revitalize certain regions of the world that have been impacted by deforestation. It is also used to minimize soil erosion and to improve soil fertility.
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