The African Neem Tree

Laurence Morgan

The Neem Tree – A Tree for Solving Global Problems (United Nations, 2008) History of Usage: The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a relative of the Mahogany tree, it is extremely hardy and virile. It can live for over 200 years and is able to thrive in a wide variety of climates and environmental conditions, overcoming deficiencies in soil and climate with its native strength and vitality. The Neem tree has for centuries been a friend and protector of the Indian and African villager. They have trusted this tree to fortify their health and remedy scores of diseases. In addition, it has been used for protecting food and stored grains and as a fertilizer and natural pesticide for the fields. It is known locally as ‘The Village Pharmacy’ or indeed ‘The Wonder Tree’. Properties of The Neem Tree: The Neem tree offered many fascinating aspects. For the children this evergreen, attractive tree was a haven from sun and rain – they sat in its cooling shade, ate the sweet ripe fruit for a snack and built tree houses, which they shared with butterflies, birds and bees. This tree was chosen because its shade is known to be cooler than other trees, and also, no bugs or insects are to be found under it because of its repellent properties. It is these key characteristics that ensure all of our products work so well and inspired our tag line: Out Of Africa! For the local women, the Neem tree was the mainstay of herbal beauty tradition. It was also a source of medicine to treat health problems, from scratches and skin rashes to malaria and diabetes. For the local men the tree provided seeds, leaf and bark which could be converted into fertilizer and pest control material. It also provided medicinal potions for their cattle and livestock. A Neem tree is often planted within the vicinity of a home, the resulting breeze blowing through the boughs keeps the homes free from bacteria and viruses. <img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0031/6572/files/neem-leaves2.jpg?1249390218' alt='' /> The Neem Tree Name: The word Neem is derived from Sanskrit Nimba which means ‘bestower of good health’. Its medicinal properties are documented in the ancient Sanskrit texts – Puranas. It is estimated that Neem is present, in one form or another, in 75% of Ayurvedic formulations. The ancient Indian found many therapeutic uses for the tree and also observed that the tree could survive and grow almost anywhere as long as it was warm and dry. In the course of time, migrating Indians carried it to distant lands including Africa, Fiji and Indonesia. Plantations are also reported to be making headway in the USA and Australia.

2009-06-22T17:40:59+01:00

the-neem-tree 3366472

2009-06-22T17:40:59+01:00

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The African Neem Tree 2010-01-15T09:49:36+00:00 *The Neem Tree – A Tree for Solving Global Problems* (United Nations, 2008) p{color:#605720;}. *History of Usage:* The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a relative of the Mahogany tree, it is extremely hardy and virile. It can live for over 200 years and is able to thrive in a wide variety of climates and environmental conditions, overcoming deficiencies in soil and climate with its native strength and vitality. The Neem tree has for centuries been a friend and protector of the Indian and African villager. They have trusted this tree to fortify their health and remedy scores of diseases. In addition, it has been used for protecting food and stored grains and as a fertilizer and natural pesticide for the fields. It is known locally as *'The Village Pharmacy'* or indeed *'The Wonder Tree'*. p{color:#605720;}. *Properties of The Neem Tree:* The Neem tree offered many fascinating aspects. For the children this evergreen, attractive tree was a haven from sun and rain – they sat in its cooling shade, ate the sweet ripe fruit for a snack and built tree houses, which they shared with butterflies, birds and bees. This tree was chosen because its shade is known to be cooler than other trees, and also, no bugs or insects are to be found under it because of its repellent properties. It is these key characteristics that ensure all of our products work so well and inspired our tag line: Out Of Africa! For the local women, the Neem tree was the mainstay of herbal beauty tradition. It was also a source of medicine to treat health problems, from scratches and skin rashes to malaria and diabetes. For the local men the tree provided seeds, leaf and bark which could be converted into fertilizer and pest control material. It also provided medicinal potions for their cattle and livestock. A Neem tree is often planted within the vicinity of a home, the resulting breeze blowing through the boughs keeps the homes free from bacteria and viruses. <img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0031/6572/files/neem-leaves2.jpg?1249390218' alt='' /> p{color:#605720;}. *The Neem Tree Name:* The word Neem is derived from Sanskrit Nimba which means *'bestower of good health'*. Its medicinal properties are documented in the ancient Sanskrit texts – Puranas. It is estimated that Neem is present, in one form or another, in 75% of Ayurvedic formulations. The ancient Indian found many therapeutic uses for the tree and also observed that the tree could survive and grow almost anywhere as long as it was warm and dry. In the course of time, migrating Indians carried it to distant lands including Africa, Fiji and Indonesia. Plantations are also reported to be making headway in the USA and Australia.