Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is a deep-rooted, medium-sized, broad-leafed and evergreen tree, belonging to the Meliaceae family. Native to the dry forest areas of the Indian Sub-continent, Neem currently is grown in as many as 40 countries in Asia and in the tropical regions of the western hemisphere. It can grow up to about 30m in height.
The Neem tree and its remarkable healing properties date as far back as the 5000BC. All parts of the Neem tree – leaves, fruit, seed bark, roots and the oils derived from these, have wide range of applications in healthcare and medicine, toiletries and cosmetics, livestock production and agriculture and pest control etc. In Sanskrit, the Neem tree is known as ‘Aristha’ -reliever of all diseases.
Neem seed oil and oil extracts are non-toxic to mammals and very effective organic antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, dermatological and dental agents. Much of the current research internationally is focused on the use of Neem seed oil as an organic alternative to toxic/synthetic chemical pesticides and insecticides. Neem seed oil is also effective against as many as 400 pests and insevts.
In addition to its healing properties, Neem tree can play a significant role in environment protection by preventing desertification and deforestation and reducing excessive global temperature by maintaining a cool climate.
Considering the numerous benefits of Neem, it has rightfully been declared by WHO as –
“A Tree of the Twenty-first Century”
