NEEM
The neem tree grows tall with masses of honey-scented white flowers throughout Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. Neem tree yields fruit which looks a lot like olives. Flourishing along roadsides and clustered in market places and millions of city and village backyards, neem trees provide badly needed shade from the blistering Indian sun. Neem grows vigorously in its arid environment and has been introduced to other parts of the world, where it is helping to reforest nations in West Africa and the Caribbean. Mature neem trees are capable of withstanding mild freezes and can grow in the United States as far north as central Florida and along coastal California to San Francisco. PARTS USED Bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, sap. USES Considered a pharmacy in its own right in India, every part of the neem tree may be used medicinally. The bitter, astringent bark is applied as a decoction for hemorrhoids. The leaves are steeped for malaria, peptic ulcers, and intestinal worms. Neem juice (expressed from the leaves), infusion, or ointment is applied externally to ulcers, wounds, boils, and eczema. The twigs are used to clean the teeth, firming up the gums and preventing gum disease. Neem oil, expressed from the seeds is commonly used as a hair dressing. Strongly antifungal and antiviral, neem oil prevents lice and other infestations. Neem oil is also used to treat leprosy and may be used as a vehicle for other active ingredients. The sap is another traditional external remedy for leprosy. The seeds are spermicidal.
|
