Neem

This article was previously published in the Community Food News in the October/November 2006 issue.


Neem: The Age-Old and Contemporary Plant of Versatility and Controversy

By Rebecca A. Kinman


Neem (Azadirachta indica), a relative of mahogany, is a tree found growing in warm climates like India and Africa. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “nimba” meaning “restorer of good health”. According to another source, it is traditionally coined the ʻreliever of sickness”.
Legend has it that Neemʼs versatility and effectiveness has been long recognized and celebrated. The first recorded use of neem dates back 4,500 years, ancient Indian Harappa culture would plant three or more neem trees to guarantee oneʼs “passageway to heaven.”

Teeth
In sub saharan Africa, neem twigs are used interchangeably as a toothbrush and toothpaste. In the 1920s, Germanresearchers noticed that people in rural India had vibrant teeth, only to discover that the neem twig was used as a natural toothpick and thus neem intrigued by western society.

Modern Uses for Skin
Just about every part of the plant is used, but the oil is most popular as an excellent skin protectant that absorbs easily when applied. Some people use it as general lubricant and often call upon neem for its antifungal, antioxidant and pain-relieving qualities when applied externally.

Using Neem Internally
Recent international studies show that many parts of the neem plant have been effective for several chronic health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, parasites, tuberculosis and several other issues, too great in number to mention. If you choose to experiment with neem, please be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before beginning, as with any other supplement.

Sustainable Insecticide
According to a study in India, a 2% spray of neem caused an 87% mortality rate of spider mite eggs on crops. Furthermore, the foundation makes the bold statement that “Use of neem products for plant protection will reduce the demand for chemical pesticides and thereby reduce the environmental load of these synthetic pesticides.” For the garden, farm, or houseplants, the international neem foundation suggests adding “30 ml of neem Brodyoil to 1 liter of water. Mix well. Add 1 ml of teepol (liquid detergent) and spray immediately for plant protection.”

Neemʼs Political Spotlight
In 1995, a patent on an antifungal agent in neem was granted to the US Department of Agriculture. Outraged, Indian officials challenged this patent, on the premise that the plant had been traditionally used as an antifungal for more than 2000 years. As a result, the European Patent Office ruled in Indiaʼs favor, revoking the patent, and has since made it quite difficult to be granted patents on this widely-used plant.

Itʼs rare that the scientific, folkloric, agricultural and political communities agree on one thing: neem is a fascinating plant. For the health of plants, animals and humans everywhere, look to neem for its many benefits.

For more info go to www.neemfoundation.org.